It's Might Nice on the Ice! The Chicago Park District Welcomes Patrons of All Ages to Five Outdoor Skating Rinks Citywide

Open skate, lessons, hockey, speed skating trials as well as a Toy Drive and holiday events among the activities happening on the rinks this winter

CHICAGO- The Chicago Park District will continue the magical tradition of ice skating in neighborhoods throughout the city at five outdoor sites. Programs and hours vary at each ice-skating site. Visit each ice skating rinks' official webpage to view hours, program schedules, accessibility information, rules, and more. The following outdoor ice rinks will open on Friday, November 29, 2024, and close on February 17, 2025, weather permitting:  

• Midway Plaisance Park Ice Rink, 1130 Midway Plaisance North, Hyde Park Community Area 
• Mt. Greenwood Ice Rink, 3721 W. 111th St., Mt. Greenwood Community Area 
• Warren Park Ice Rink, 6601 N. Western Ave., Rogers Park Community Area 
• Wentworth Park Ice Rink, 5625 S. Mobile Ave., Garfield Ridge Community Area 
• Due to mechanical repairs, the McKinley Park Ice Rink opening will be delayed. This rink is located at 2210 W. Pershing Rd., within the McKinley Park Community Area. Updates will be provided on the Chicago Park District's social media channels and website.

Each outdoor ice rink site is open Wednesday through Sunday on regular business days, except for Midway Plaisance Park Ice Rink, which is open seven days a week. A complete list of holiday hours are posted here. Hours of operation may be impacted by weather conditions. Skaters are encouraged to check website for holiday hours. Skate trainers/walkers are available for children who are new to skating. These devices are available on a first-come, first-served basis at all rinks, at no charge.

"Skating is a timeless tradition in Chicago parks dating back to the foundation of the District," said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño. "After all these years, we are proud to uphold the enchanting tradition of skating in community parks. The festive events, and countless hours of entertainment that are on the horizon prove that the parks are not dormant in the winter, they are full of cheer!"

Activations and Activities at Ice Rinks 

The Chicago Park District will host events at ice rink sites that help bring life to communities with holiday festivities and dynamic competitions.

Toys for Tots donations of new toys are being accepted at all ice rink locations from November 29, 2024 to December 13, 2024 during operating hours.

This year, additional highlights include Skate with Santa events, that allow children to write and send letters to the North Pole, skate, and take pictures with Santa.

Skate with Santa takes place at:  

• Warren Park on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Midway Plaisance Park on Sunday, December 8, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
• McKinley Park on Saturday December 14, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Mt. Greenwood Park on Sunday, December 15, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Also, Wentworth Park will host a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa and Frosty on Friday, December 7, 2024. The event will feature a Christkindl Market and photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman and Santa.

Warren Park will host women ages 18 and older in a 4 on 4 Holiday Ice Hockey Tournament, located at 6601 N. Western Ave. Sign-up costs $200 per team, and one captain from each team must sign up. There will be two divisions, beginner and intermediate, and all teams are guaranteed three games and a chance at playoffs. Games take place on December 27, 2024 and December 28, 2024. For details about rules, equipment and registration, click here.   

Additionally, the Cirque Experience Holiday Show will take place at the Warren Park Ice Rink, located at 6601 N. Western Ave. on December 21, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. The show will feature moments to connect, perform, and shine in spirited performances with acrobatics, gym wheels and circus arts. Patrons may peruse the German-style holiday market before the show, which commences at 5:00 p.m.

To add to the winter fun, starting in early January, the 108th Silver Skates Speed Skating competition will welcome skaters 6 and up to race their peers at one of 6 ice rink sites in Chicago. This free program will have park patrons dashing through six locations across the city, located at:  

• Midway Plaisance Park, 1130 Midway Plaisance North, January 7, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd., January 8, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• Mt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St., January 9, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• McFetridge Sports Center, 3843 N. California Ave., January 14, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave., January 15, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• Wentworth Park, 5625 S. Mobile Ave., January 16, 2025, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

The 108th Silver Skates Citywide Championship will take place at McFetridge Sports Center on January 18, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Finalists from each park will compete within their age group for first prize! Register for a speed skating competition near you by viewing the listings on this page.

The skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park, opened November 15, 2024, will remain open through March 9, 2025. For more information about the Ribbon, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/ice-rinks.

In addition to the outdoor skating locations, two indoor facilities feature indoor ice-skating year-round: 

• Morgan Park Sports Center, 11505 S. Western Ave., Morgan Park Community Area 
• McFetridge Sports Center, 3843 N. California Ave., Irving Park East Community Area 

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