Ice skating and the winter holidays go hand in hand. Both share an unmistakable charm, and at several Denver-area ice rinks, you’ll find festive activities, too. Skate to seasonal tunes before taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, shopping for presents or even catching a flight back home.
All that and more can be enjoyed at these ten places to go ice skating in and around Denver:
Downtown Denver Rink
Skyline Park, 1601 Arapahoe Street
The Downtown Denver Rink may be more crowded than others, but the atmosphere is lively and cheerful. Bring your own skates to glide around the rink for free, or purchase rentals on site — $12 for adults and $9 for children twelve and under. The rink will be open through February 2, and hours vary; see the rink website for details.
Halcyon on Ice
Halcyon Hotel, 245 Columbine Street
Families may prefer the Downtown Denver Rink, but the rooftop rink at Halcyon is a whole other vibe. Order shareable bites and seasonal craft cocktails, then slip on brand-new skates and take a few laps while admiring skyline views. Halcyon on Ice is open to the public now through December 31 during select hours, with winter yurt rentals available to book for $75.
The Rink at Belmar
439 South Teller Street, Lakewood
Glide around the Rink at Belmar through January and enjoy some shopping in the area. Admission is $6 to $10, including skate rental (seniors and children under two get in free). Visit the website for updates.
Parker Ice Trail
Discovery Park, 20115 Mainstreet, Parker
This Parker attraction is one of few ice trails in the country, allowing skaters to meander through the park on a frozen river-like course. A concession stand sells cups of hot cocoa, and three fire pits lie adjacent to the trail, all helping to keep visitors toasty. Admission is $10, and $8 for children ten and under. Skate rentals are $4 per person. The rink is open daily through February 28. For details on hours, see the Ice Trail web page.
Evergreen Lake
29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen
Evergreen Lake is the largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor ice rink in the world. It encompasses eight and a half scenic acres, allowing for plenty of space for both ice skating and hockey. On New Year's Eve, there will be an Icefest daytime event at the lake from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with $25 tickets for those ages five and up. On other days, admission is $15 per person, or $20 with skate rentals included. For a 20 percent savings, families and frequent visitors may opt for the $120 ten-punch skate card. The rink will open on Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and generally, the season lasts from late December to March, but all times are weather- and ice-dependent. Visit the website for the latest information.
Old Town Skate
824 Front Street, Louisville
Formerly known as WinterSkate, Old Town Skate is back in historic downtown Louisville, where you can also get free horse-drawn carriage rides. Admission, which includes rentals, is $10 (or $5 if you bring your own skates), and the rink is open through February 28. Purchase on site or online, where you’ll also find details about operating hours.
Keystone Lake
Lakeside Village, Decatur Road, Keystone
Dercum Square Ice Rink
River Run Village, 100 Dercum Square, Keystone
Located roughly ninety minutes from Denver, Keystone has two striking places to skate: Keystone Lake in Lakeside Village, and Dercum Square Ice Rink in River Run Village. Spanning five acres, Keystone Lake resembles Evergreen Lake in that it’s also a Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice rink. The Durcum Square Ice Rink provides a more intimate feel, encircled by lodging and shops decked in holiday lights. Both offer free admission and skate rentals on site.
Longmont Ice Pavilion
Roosevelt Park, 725 8th Avenue, Longmont
Set within a large open-air pavilion, this Longmont ice rink offers an array of winter programming. Ice skating and hockey classes cater to a range of skill levels, and private events are available for booking. See the website for daily hours and admission rates, ranging from $6 to $9 depending on age and residency. Skate rentals are $4 per person.
McGregor Skate
McGregor Square, 1901 Wazee Street
Right inside McGregor Square, you can skate while watching the sports games on the big screen right above the rink through January 26. Although it's not as big as the mountain lakes, it's still a good size for its location. If you get hungry, you can stop into the square's food hall and the many restaurants around the area. Admission and skate rental is $15 for adults and $9 for children.
The Pond at Southlands
6100 South Main Street, Aurora
Currently open for business, this ice rink is well worth a trip to the suburbs. It’s open daily through February 28; see its website for information on hours. Admission is $15 per person, which includes rentals. If you need a break from the cold, pair the outing with lunch, holiday shopping or a matinee movie, all conveniently found at Southlands mall.