Let’s be real — most of us aren’t landing triple axels. But that doesn’t mean we don’t love a good ice rink, especially when it comes with mountain views, fairy lights, or, say, a 19th-century palace dome overhead.
These are the rinks that turn winter into a reason to book a flight. Some are legendary. Some are weirdly beautiful. All are cooler than your neighborhood rec center.
Rockefeller Center Ice Rink – New York City, USA
There’s a reason this rink is the backdrop for so many holiday movies. Located below the towering Rockefeller Christmas Tree and surrounded by glowing skyscrapers, the rink is a must-do for the holidays (or winter in NYC, period). Opened in 1936, it’s where first dates turn into proposals, and tourists queue just for a turn. Upgrade your experience by renting a private Après Skate Chalet and enjoy farm-to-table dining (reservations required).
Rideau Canal Skateway – Ottawa, Canada
Forget laps. This is a skating journey. When conditions are just right, the Rideau Canal freezes into nearly five miles of natural ice that snakes through Ottawa’s heart. The route stretches from downtown all the way to Dow’s Lake, with scenic views and plenty of snack stops along the way. You’ll find local favorites like Beavertails (warm, sugary perfection) and even boozy hot drinks from Dunrobin Distilleries.
Vienna Ice World – Vienna, Austria
Calling it a “rink” doesn’t quite cut it. Vienna’s Ice World is more like an icy maze of sparkling paths and open plazas, laid out in front of the stately City Hall. There’s music, mulled wine, forest trails with ambient lighting, and a rooftop terrace rink overlooking it all. The whole space feels like a cross between a holiday fair and an ice ballet.
Somerset House Ice Rink – London, England
Not just a place to skate, Somerset House feels like London’s answer to an artfully curated winter party. The rink fills the elegant courtyard of a Georgian masterpiece, where fashionably dressed skaters circle under soft lighting and curated DJ sets. It’s the kind of place where you’ll sip champagne post-skate and maybe spot someone from a Netflix period drama next to you in line.
Lake Louise Ice Rink – Alberta, Canada
This is nature’s rink at its most dramatic. No boards, no speakers, no city skyline — just skates on a frozen lake beneath the towering Canadian Rockies. Lake Louise’s turquoise waters freeze into a glassy expanse that feels untouched and otherworldly. Behind you is the grand Fairmont Chateau; in front of you, nothing but wilderness and snow.
Harbin Ice Rink & Snow Park – Harbin, China
Part of a city-wide frozen festival, the Harbin ice rink doesn’t stand alone — it’s surrounded by towering sculptures, glowing castles, and surreal light displays made entirely from ice. This is subzero skating on a cinematic scale. Evenings are electric here, with neon reflections bouncing off the ice and music echoing through the crisp northern air. Bring gloves. And a camera.
Patinoire du Grand Palais – Paris, France
This rink looks like it belongs in a fashion magazine. Built beneath the soaring glass dome of the Grand Palais, it only appears during special winter installations, making it all the more coveted. Daytime brings elegant family skates, but nighttime is when it transforms — think DJ sets, colored lights reflecting off ice and steel, and a vibe that’s pure Parisian glamour.
City Park Ice Rink – Budapest, Hungary
Skaters glide past turrets and trees at Budapest’s City Park Ice Rink, framed by the storybook-like Vajdahunyad Castle. Open since 1870, it’s one of Europe’s oldest and biggest outdoor rinks, with wide-open ice and a festive vibe that kicks in as soon as the lights come on. Whether you’re perfecting spins or just trying to stay upright, the mix of history, architecture, and winter atmosphere makes this place a true standout.
