'Tis the season to put on those skates and make all of your Olympic ice skating dreams come true. We have rounded up 5 outdoor, 2 indoor and one worth-the-drive places to ice skate this winter. Hours at all of these locations can vary depending on school breaks, weather conditions and the day of the week. Please check their website before you make plans to head out.
Outdoor Ice Skating:
Whitewater Center offers over 24,00o square feet of ice space divided into 4 areas. In addition, they have ice trails, space for free skating. A cute Airstream is near the skating areas for warm drinks and treats. You can bring your own skates or use the skates that are included in your activity pass, a one-day skate-only pass is $25. Whitewater Center skating is open November- Mid-February, hours and activities can vary by day. Check their website for current times and conditions.
Birkdale on Ice is open through January 28, 2024. General admission is $18 and includes skates. Children 12 and under $14 with skates, Each session lasts for 75 minutes. Reservations are required and can be made at this link.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 3:00 PM-10:00 PM
Saturdays: 10:00 AM-10:00 PM
Sundays: 12:00 PM-7:00 PM
Holidays (November 20-November 24; December 19-January 1; January 15): 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Camp North Pole (Camp North End) is open for skating and holiday shopping. There is also a fire pit, cozy igloos and holiday warm drinks. Skating is $15 a person, children under 5 $10 and includes skates. Space is first come and no reservations are required.
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 4:00 PM-9:00 PM
Friday 4:00 PM-10:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Sunday 12:00 PM-9:00 PM
Holiday Hours
Thanksgiving Break (Wed, Nov 22 – Sat, Nov 25): 12-10 PM daily
Winter Break (Wed, Dec 20 – Tue, Jan 2): 12-10 PM daily*
*Christmas Eve (Sun, Dec 24): 12-5 PM
Light the Knights Festival Truist Field runs until January 1, 2024 and is located at 324 S, Mint Street. The $40 admission includes ice skating, snow tubing and admission to the festival. There is not an option to purchase activities individually. There are 10 lanes for snow tubing and the Christmas Village includes local shopping, food and a free photo with Santa. Times vary by day, check the website for hours and to purchase tickets in advance.
Founders Rink Rock Hill located Across from Fountain Park in Rock Hill, Fountain Park is at 300 E Main Street, Rock Hill, SC is open until January 15, 2024. $15 admission includes 90-minute skate time and skate rental. The rink is covered so you are able to skate rain or shine. Making a reservation is highly recommended, you can make reservations and purchase tickets in advance at this link. Hours vary daily and during school breaks, check the website for hours on the day you plan to visit.
Worth the Drive:
If you want to get out of town for the day, Piedmont Winterfest in Greensboro makes a great day trip. Piedmont Winterfest offers ice skating, curling, The festival runs until January 28, 2024, skating is $15 and includes ice skates. Hours vary based on day and school breaks, you can make reservations in advance at their website. While you are in Greensboro make the drive to Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Indoor Ice Skating:
Pineville Ice House located at 400 Towne Centre Blvd, Pineville, NC offers public skate times most weeks. It is $15 for 1 hour and 45 minutes and includes skates. Check their website for updated weekly public skate times.
Extreme Ice Center also offers public skate times weekly. Public skate admission is $17 without skates, skate rentals are $3 plus tax. If you plan to go more than once, they offer monthly and family open skate packages as well as individual monthly open skate packages.. Extreme Ice is located at 4705 Indian Trail Fairview Rd, Indian Trail, NC. Check their website for public skate times and other information.
