The World’s Largest and Best Skating Rinks

The most wonderful time of the year brings with it many wintry plans, but few things can beat that feeling of stepping onto freshly Zambonied ice for an ice skating session with family and friends. Every year, experienced skaters and newbies alike flock to ice rinks all across the globe to get their fill of twists and turns under the night sky. When it comes to skating rinks, the bigger the better, right?

At Civitatis, we can’t pass up a good ice skating experience, so we’ve come up with a list of some of the world’s biggest and most amazing skating rinks to keep in mind for your next trip. From incredible ice skating rinks in the heart of big cities to frozen lakes to museums, there’s something for everyone!

VDNKh, Moscow

No doubt one of the most magical places to go ice skating is in Moscow, which is home to not only the largest ice rink in Russia, but in Europe, with a surface area of 20,000 square metres! The rink has been a winter go-to in Moscow since it first opened in 1954. As you can imagine, ice skating in Moscow is like something out of a fairytale. Picture gliding across the ice right surrounded by picturesque Christmas decorations and snow-capped buildings. For an extra enchanting experience, go at night to admire the elegance of Moscow’s architecture illuminated against the night sky!

Millennium Park, Chicago

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink has been a Chicago winter staple for 20 years. Located in Millennium Park right behind the iconic Cloud Gate aka The Bean, it comes as no surprise that this ice rink is a must. Being a public outdoor rink, admission is free, so all you have to do is bring (or rent) your skates to start showing off your skills on the ice. Plus, while you practice those twists and turns, it’s the perfect opportunity to marvel at the Windy City’s beautiful architecture.

Hôtel de Ville, Paris

As if being in Paris weren’t charming enough, a visit to the ice skating rink in front of the Hôtel de Ville is the icing on the cake for any winter trip to this cosmopolitan city. This ornate historic building has been the headquarters of the municipality of Paris since 1357 and boasts neo-renaissance style architecture. It’s without a doubt the perfect backdrop for a delightful evening under the stars!

After taking a few laps around this Parisian winter wonderland, we recommend strolling through the plaza’s popular Christmas Market, checking out the city’s festive holiday lights, or joining a fun bike ride or walking tour around the area.

Somerset House, London

Every year, this massive Neoclassical complex turns into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Locals know not to miss out on this magical skating experience in central London, complete with festive lights, great music and a towering 40-foot Christmas tree. Regardless of your level, Skate at Somerset House is an event perfect for a fun night out with friends, family or that special someone. There are even sessions that feature rink-side DJs so you can twist and turn to the beat of your favourite tracks!

Rockefeller Center, New York City

Arguably the most famous ice skating rink in the world, the Rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City wows visitors and locals alike every year with its quintessentially Christmas atmosphere. Head here for an iconic ice skating experience amongst some of the world’s most famous skyscrapers. Plus, while you’re taking a few laps around the rink, you can marvel at the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and check out the city’s holiday lights – a win-win in anyone’s book.

Rathausplatz, Vienna

Located right in the Rathausplatz, the plaza in front of City Hall, Vienna Ice Dream takes centre stage every season for skaters all across the city. Although it opens a bit later in the season than the average rink, it’s absolutely worth the wait.

Aside from the large rink right in front of the City Hall, Vienna Ice Dream features a series of winding paths that allow skaters to glide amongst the park’s trees, coming across smaller rinks along the way. There’s even a section designated for curling!

Rideau Canal, Ottawa, The World’s Largest Skating Rink!

The Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa is an absolute must for ice skating aficionados. Not only is this canal declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it’s also the world’s largest skating rink, boasting a surface larger than 140 NHL rinks!

Every year, this historic canal freezes over, allowing locals and visitors to skate 7.8 kilometres (4.8 miles) through the heart of the Canadian capital. It’s undeniably an amazing, fun, different and exciting way to explore Ottawa. For an even more unique experience, you can rent tricycles and sleighs to take on the ice!

Central Park, New York City

Another one of the world’s most amazing ice skating rinks takes us back to the Big Apple. The Wollman Skating Rink allows skaters to glide across the ice in the heart of Central Park with the beautiful backdrop of New York City skyscrapers. It’s the perfect patch of ice for those city slickers who still appreciate a good moment in nature. It’s no wonder this has been a winter go-to for New Yorkers for over 70 years!

Lac de Joux, Switzerland

Although remote, ice skating at Lac de Joux is an experience of a lifetime. Switzerland‘s largest natural ice skating rink makes our list for its serene atmosphere and endless space. If you jump at the chance to skip the crowds, this is the place for you.

Once it’s cold enough, this 9.5-square-kilometre lake turns into a massive rink for ice skaters and ice walkers to enjoy. A must-see ice skating destination for nature lovers!