Remember Holiday on Ice, the slick international touring show that would (and still does) slide into many cities around this most wonderful time of the year?
As Atlanta has matured and has become home to plenty of newcomers from climes where ice skating is more of a thing, the metro area has become its own “holiday on ice” each winter. In this roundup, we spotlight seven skating rinks in and around the city where you can be the star of your own ice show.
Spread holiday cheer with family and friends by gliding around ice skating rinks, often under dazzling Christmas lights and cheerful decorations — then kick back with hot chocolate or another favorite warming beverage. Many of these rinks have additional activities, such as taking photos with Santa, a petting zoo, lawn games, mini golf and roasting s’mores over fire pits. Rinks are open to ice skaters of all levels, whether you intend practice a dazzling 2-foot spin or use a supportive skate helper to prevent falls. These are the places where you can shine:
Credit: Courtesy of Avalon/Dustin Chambers
Credit: Courtesy of Avalon/Dustin Chambers
Alpharetta. Here, in the middle of a shopping plaza, visitors can find an expansive ice skating rink inspired by the famed one at New York City’s Rockefeller Center. At the aptly called Avalon on Ice, guests can lace up their skates and glide across the rink under colorful lights and holiday decorations, setting the mood for a memorable experience.
Through Jan. 20. $18; $14 for ages 9 and younger. Tickets include skate rentals. Advanced purchase recommended. The Plaza at Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000, experienceavalon.com.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Slater Hospitality/Lydia Sewell
Credit: Photo courtesy of Slater Hospitality/Lydia Sewell
Atlanta. Have a happy holiday experience at Skate the Sky at the Roof at Ponce City Market, which has been transformed into a dreamy winterscape replete with unobstructed views of the Atlanta Beltline and skyline. Guests can reserve 50-minute slots that include ice skating rentals and admission to Skyline Park for games and mini golf. For private moments with family, friends or as a group, book an “igloo,” an outdoor, enclosed space that comes with seating for up to six people, hot chocolate or a bottle of Champagne, a basket of sweets and treats and, of course, ice skating for all.
- Through Jan. 5, 2025. Tickets: $15, $7 for ages 4-12, free for 3 and younger. Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta. 770-999-1530, exploretock.com/skatethesky.
Credit: Atlantic Station
Credit: Atlantic Station
Atlanta. Returning to Midtown is a holiday favorite, Skate the Station at Atlantic Station. Guests can learn to skate, improve their skills or show off their perfect figure eights surrounded by an array of shops, restaurants and colorful Christmas decorations. Special night programs are offered, including a kids evening and themes for princes and princesses, the Atlanta Falcons and The Great Gatsby, which cheerfully celebrates the Roaring ‘20s. After working up a sweat, head to the nearby Skate Shack for snacks or dining at one of the many restaurants at this open-air mall.
Through Jan. 15. $17 per person including skate rentals. Reservations required. 1380 Atlantic Drive NW, Atlanta. 404-733-1221, atlanticstation.com.
Braselton. Celebrate the holidays and beyond at the inaugural Rink at Chateau Elan, located at the eponymous winery and resort roughly an hour northeast of Midtown Atlanta. Visitors can glide and slide across the ice for up to an hour surrounded by picturesque vineyards, then enjoy warm cider and pastries and gather with family and friends around a fire pit to roast s’mores.
Sunday-Feb. 15. $25, $15 for 12 and under. Tickets include skate rentals. 100 Rue Charlemagne Drive, Braselton. 678-425-0900, chateauelan.com/therink.
Brookhaven. Rudolph’s Rink is the newest addition to Light Up Brookhaven, a grouping of Christmas-themed activities including movie screenings, arts and crafts and family lawn games. Register in advance for free 45-minute sessions (walk-up sessions are limited to availability). Plan to spend a day here and add postskating activities to your agenda, such as photos with Santa and his live reindeer, listening to carolers, visiting a petting zoo, hopping around in a bouncy house (kids only) and more.
Through Jan. 5. Free. Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven. 404-637-0512, brookhavenga.gov.
Marietta. Ice skate year-round at the Atlanta Ice House, located at the Compete Center in Marietta. Skaters of all levels can enjoy a public indoor rink with special evening events on Dec. 22, including a learn-to-skate holiday showcase and a DJ ice skate and photo booth, perfect for capturing heartwarming memories on ice.
Dec. 22. $15; $11 for children under 10. Skate rentals are $7. Skate showcase, 6-8 p.m.; and ice skate and photos, 8:30-10:30 p.m. 2500 Prado Lane, Marietta. 404-800-2150, atlantaicehouse.com.
Credit: Photo courtesy of City of Sandy Springs
Credit: Photo courtesy of City of Sandy Springs
Sandy Springs. Experience a winter wonderland with a background of sparkling lights and festive music at the second Skate City Springs at City Green. The rink offers one-hour sessions for ice skaters and free skate helpers, a walker-like sliding prop to help provide balance and support. While the ice is cleaned and smoothed hourly by an ice resurfacer — this only takes a few minutes — guests can relax by firepits, enjoy hot cocoa and snacks and shop at a merchandise tent with cold weather souvenirs and necessities such as mittens, scarves, caps, mugs, coloring books and luxurious faux fur blankets.
Through Jan. 20. $18; $15 for ages 2-9. Tickets include skate rentals. Online reservations recommended. 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-206-2022, citysprings.com/skate.
