Where to Go Ice Skating in Atlanta [2024]
Ice skating is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit! Atlanta, Georgia has a ton of indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks to keep you busy all season long. Check out the best ice rinks to visit in Atlanta this winter.
I’ve been figure skating since 2018 and coaching since 2021, so it’s probably no surprise then that my favorite winter activity is ice skating! I’ve made it my mission to visit every ice rink in Atlanta, test them out, and let you know the good and the bad.
To help you find the best ice skating rink near you, I’ve included info like addresses, admission price, hours, holiday closures, and parking information.
Last updated: December 20, 2023
Outdoor Ice Skating in Atlanta
1. Skate the Station
Skate the Station at Atlantic Station is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Metro Atlanta.
This year, the rink is located at street level on District Avenue. You can skate between the buildings and around a decorated median of trees. (For a few years, the rink was located below Atlantic Station with no median; the street level location is by far the superior location and setup.)
The ice on this rink is much better than at other outdoor rinks. They have a mini Zamboni to keep the ice smooth and they resurface it regularly. The rink is uncovered, though, so it is at the mercy of the weather.
We go to this outdoor rink nearly every year. Kevin even threw me a surprise birthday party here! And a few years ago, the employees noticed I had my own skates and let me go on the ice right after they resurfaced it to show off a couple moves. The ice monitors here are always really friendly!
They do have those annoying ice walkers, which I find to be a huge safety hazard. You’ve go people who don’t know how to skate pushing around other people who don’t know how to skate, and pushing them into and in front of even more people who don’t know how to skate. That’s honestly probably my biggest gripe.
You’re going to find it less crowded before and after the holiday rush, of course. Typically, earlier in the day is less crowded, and it will get more crowded at night when the twinkling lights draw everyone in. Peak times are going to be the week of Thanksgiving and starting the week before Christmas through New Year’s.
New this year, they’re going to have Skate Theme Nights!
Skate rental is included in your admission. I would like for there to be a reduced price for bringing your own skates, but unfortunately there’s not.
Skate the Station is open November 17, 2023 through January 15, 2024.
Skate the Station Info
Dates: November 17, 2023 through January 15, 2024
Hours: M-F: 4 p.m. — 10 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. — 11 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. — 8 p.m.
Please be aware that Atlantic Station has a curfew. All kids under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 3 p.m. No one under 21 is permitted on property after 9 p.m. All guests may be asked to present ID to verify age.
Extended & Holiday Hours: November 20-22, November 24, December 18-23, December 26-30, and January 15: 11 a.m. — 11 p.m.; December 24 and December 31: 11 a.m. — 8 p.m.; November 23, December 25, and January 1: 4 p.m. — 11 p.m.
Price: $17 general admission. $90 for a season pass. Price includes skate rental and 75 minutes of ice time.
Please note that tickets must be purchased in advance this year! There are no walk-ups allowed.
Location: along District Avenue; driving address: 1380 Atlantic Dr, Atlanta, GA 30363
Parking: For Skate the Station, park in the underground parking garage. Parking is free for the first two hours.
Cosplayers on Ice at Atlantic Station
MomoCon is bringing back their popular Cosplayers on Ice free photoshoot event this year. You can dress up in your best holiday outfits and cosplay for a fun day of ice skating, playing in the square, and more fun, ending the day with a large group photo.
Cosplayers on Ice will take place at Atlantic Station on December 2, 2023 and January 7, 2024 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The photoshoot is free, but you’ll have to pay for Skate the Station admission. The event is open to all ages.
2. Avalon on Ice
Avalon on Ice has created the perfect winter wonderland. This Rockefeller-inspired uncovered outdoor ice skating rink is located at the popular Avalon shopping center in front of the movie theater.
This rink has a mini Zamboni consisting of a tractor with a Zamboni attachment and they regularly reset the ice, so the ice doesn’t get nearly as torn up as other outdoor ice rinks.
It can get really crowded, especially at night as you get closer to Christmas. But I enjoyed it all the same.
Skate rental is included in your admission. I do wish they had a discounted price for bringing your own skates, though, but alas they do not.
Avalon on Ice is open from November 19, 2023 through January 15, 2024.
Avalon on Ice Info
Dates: November 19, 2023 through January 15, 2024
Hours: M-F: 3 p.m. — 10 p.m.; Sat: 10 a.m. — 10 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. — 7 p.m.
Holiday Hours: November 20-24, December 19-January 1, and January 15: 10 a.m. — 10 p.m.
Price: $18 for adults and $14 for children 9 and under. Prices include skate rental.
It’s recommended that you book your ticket in advance to secure a skating time slot. Walk-ups are welcome, but you may have to wait for an available time.
Location: 400 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Parking: Parking for Avalon on Ice is free throughout the shopping center, but you might find yourself having to park far out and walk a ways.
3. The Rink at Park Tavern
Park Tavern in Piedmont Park has brought back its covered ice skating rink for another year. The Rink at Park Tavern features an 85×40 foot rink right next to their spacious park-side dining, so if you come at the right time you can get dinner after your skate.
I didn’t really enjoy skating here. The ice was extremely rough because they don’t have a mini Zamboni, and the crowded restaurant with football on the TV took away from the winter wonderland ambiance. And, again, no discount for bringing your own skates. Sigh.
The Rink offers private skating lessons for all ages and levels from the Fireworks Skating Academy with classes held daily. You can also book the rink for parties and engagements on ice.
The Rink at Park Tavern is open November 25, 2023 through January 15, 2024.
The Rink at Park Tavern Info
Dates: November 25, 2023 through January 15, 2024
Hours: M-F: 4:30 p.m. — 12 a.m.; Sat-Sun: 11:30 a.m. — 12 a.m. The rink is 16+ all nights starting at 8:30 p.m.
Holiday Hours: December 15-30 the rink will open at 11:30 a.m. daily
Holiday Closures: The rink is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Price: $15 on weekdays (M-Th), $20 on weekends (F-Sun). Prices include skate rental.
Location: 500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Parking: Parking for The Rink at Park Tavern is located in the lot behind Park Tavern. It costs $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. Prices can go up if there’s a special event.
4. Skate the Sky
You can Skate the Sky at The Roof at Ponce City Market. This winter wonderland has skyline views, cozy igloos, seasonal treats and cocktails, and 3,500 square feet of ice.
While Skate the Sky doesn’t have a Zamboni (it would be hard to get one onto a roof, after all), their ice was pretty skate-able. They take shovels and scrape the ice to get rid of the major divots and make the ice as even as possible.
The rink is covered by a tent, so you don’t have to worry about the weather ruining your skate.
You will have to reserve a time to skate ahead of your visit, and peak times can sell out pretty easily; you can expect the rink to get crowded during peak hours, but it’s not unbearable.
New this year is Friday Night Ice, where a DJ will be playing your favorite songs from the 80s, 90s, and more during the 21+ skate times.
Each skating session is only 50 minutes long. They also don’t do discounts for bringing your own skates. The good news is, general admission to Skyline Park is included with your ice skating reservation, so after you skate, you can enjoy unlimited games and rides.
Skate the Sky is open November 24, 2023 through January 7, 2024.
Skate the Sky Info
Dates: November 24, 2023 through January 7, 2024
Hours: M-W: 3 p.m. — 10 p.m.; Th: 3 p.m. — 11 p.m.; F: 3 p.m. — 12 a.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. — 12 a.m.; Sun: 11 a.m. — 10 p.m. The rink is 21+ after 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
Holiday Closures: The rink is closed on Christmas Day.
Price: $30 for adults, $22 for children. Prices include skate rental and general admission to The Roof with unlimited games and rides.
Location: Ponce City Market N NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Parking: Parking for Skate the Sky is at Ponce City Market. They have ground level, parking garage, and valet options. Parking costs $1 per 30 minutes, $10 for 4-8 hours, and $15 for 8-24 hours.
5. License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands gets transformed into a winter wonderland every year. License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville is complete with snow tubing, amusement rides, s’mores, hot chocolate, Santa’s Workshop, and ice skating. Margaritaville hosted our visit to Snow Island so we could try it all out, and you know I was excited for the ice rink!
Frosty’s Ice Rink is a small covered rink. They have it enclosed on three sides, too, so you don’t have to worry about the chill from the wind.
I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ice. It was a lot like the rink at Skate the Sky. They didn’t have a Zamboni, and they probably just scraped it with a shovel when needed, which seems to work for these small covered rinks where you don’t have to worry about rain puddling the ice.
They didn’t have any time limit for skating sessions, and you can come back as much as you’d like throughout the day.
Obviously, there’s no discount for bringing your own skates since the ice rink admission is included in the entire Snow Island event price. But you can bring your own skates, and you can take them back to your car when you’re done since you can re-enter Snow Island as long as you have your wristband.
Frosty’s Ice Rink at License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville is open from November 4, 2023 through February 25, 2024.
License to Chill Snow Island at Margaritaville Info
Dates: Select dates from November 4, 2023 through February 25, 2024
Hours: Snow Island’s hours change throughout the season. See their full schedule.
Price: Snow Island Day Passes include access to snow tubing, snow play area, the ice rink, and amusement rides. These cost $54.99 for adults; $39.99 for children ages 3-7, active and retired military, and seniors 62+; and free for children ages 2 and younger. All Access Day Passes include everything in the Day Pass plus access to Margaritaville’s Lakeside Lights Spectacular. These cost $69.99 for adults and $39.99 for children.
Obviously, this would be pricy if you went just for the ice rink. So you’ll definitely want to make sure you take advantage of all the attractions!
Location: 7650 Lanier Islands Pkwy, Buford, GA 30518
Parking: You’ll have to pay the Lanier Islands gate fee in order to park, which costs $20 per vehicle. After that, you can park anywhere in the park. There is a shuttle service between parking lots and to the Legacy Lodge and RV resort. Same-day re-entry is permitted with your parking receipt.
6. The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill
The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill by Have An Ice Day Ice Rinks is a Rockefeller-sized covered ice rink in Downtown Sugar Hill located behind City Hall.
This ice rink is about 40 miles outside of Atlanta and can take an hour to get to from the city, so that’s a downside. But it is cheaper than all the other outdoor rinks in Atlanta. And at 60×120 feet, it’s also bigger than many of the other outdoor ice skating rinks.
We went on a Saturday afternoon in mid-December, and it was surprisingly not crowded. Even when more people started showing up, the rink was big enough to not feel overly cramped.
They do have a Zamboni, so the ice is in pretty good shape.
They also give a discount for bringing your own skates, which I obviously love!
The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill is open November 11, 2023 through February 18, 2024.
The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill Info
Dates: Select dates from November 11, 2023 through February 18, 2024
Hours: The rink’s hours change throughout the season. See their full schedule.
Price: Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children ages 8 and under. Skate rental is $3. You can get a season pass for $149.
Location: 5039 W Broad St NE, Sugar Hill, GA 30518
Parking: Parking for The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill is free in Downtown Sugar Hill.
7. Olde Town on Ice
Olde Town on Ice by Ice Days in Conyers is the longest running outdoor ice rink in Georgia — this is their 24th season! Located at the Randy Mills Pavilion in Olde Town Conyers, this ice rink is partially covered, so it’s open no matter what the weather.
This ice rink is about 20 miles outside of Atlanta and can take 30 minutes to get to from the city, so plan accordingly.
Olde Town on Ice is on the cheaper side of Atlanta’s outdoor ice rinks, so that’s a plus! And you get a 2 hour skating session any time.
The first time we visited this rink was on a sweltering 60 degree day in December. That’s just something you have to be ready for with outdoor ice skating in the South! I’ve visited again in other weather conditions, and while the covered portion typically has pretty good ice, the uncovered part is bumpier from the ice re-freezing unevenly.
Interestingly, when the ice is more melted, it actually made the ice smoother and better for skating. The downside is, if you fall on the puddled ice, you’re falling into mush with leaves and other gross things in it. We saw many children with mush-covered clothing by the end of it. Pro tip: don’t fall!
Olde Town on Ice is open from November 17, 2023 through February 11, 2024.
Olde Town on Ice Info
Dates: Select dates from November 17, 2023 through February 11, 2024
Hours: The rink’s hours change throughout the season. See their full schedule.
Price: Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for kids 8 and under, and $3 for skate rental.
Location: 949 South Main St NE, Conyers, GA 30012
Parking: For Olde Town on Ice, you can find free parking in the lot across from the pavilion and around Olde Town.
8. Rink on the River
Rink on the River is back for its 3rd year at The Mill on Etowah in Canton, Georgia. This ice rink is completely covered, so you can enjoy ice skating no matter the weather!
The rink is about 40 miles outside of Atlanta, so it’s another pretty far metro-Atlanta option. It could take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1+ hours to get there from the city.
What I liked about this rink was its size. It’s probably about the size of the Sugar Hill rink (so somewhere around 60×120 feet, though I didn’t measure), so even with a good bit of people, it didn’t really feel crowded. I love that it’s covered, as well, so you don’t have to worry about the weather. And it’s on the cheaper side for admission, and they don’t limit your session time so you can skate as long as you’d like.
I didn’t see any sort of Zamboni-like machine, and I saw a few shovels, so I’m guessing they just scrape the ice. That’s not my favorite because, obviously, I like smooth ice. But they didn’t have any major bumps (unlike Atlantic Station, for instance, where you can feel the pipes under the sheet of ice).
They did have a noticeable slope, so be forewarned that you’ll get some speed on the downhill side and then have a bit of challenge coming back up hill on the other side.
The rink also rents out the little ice walkers (theirs are shaped like dolphins), and I absolutely hate these things. You’ve go people who don’t know how to skate pushing around other people who don’t know how to skate, and pushing them into and in front of even more people who don’t know how to skate. It’s such a hazard. To their credit, they do limit the number of these on the ice at one time, so it’s not completely overrun, but it’s still quite dangerous.
We’ve found the best time to come skate is the last hour they’re open. Their website says they stop renting out skates an hour before closing, so you’ll need to get there a little earlier. But by that time, most people are tired and have left, and more people aren’t coming on. So you’re much more likely to get a quieter session.
Rink on the River is open November 24, 2023 through January 15, 2024.
Rink on the River Info
Dates: November 24, 2023 through January 15, 2024
Hours: Tu-Th: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; F: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sun: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Extended & Holiday Hours: December 22: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; December 24: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; December 25: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; December 26-December 29: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.; December 31: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and January 1: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: Admission costs $14 for adults, $12 for kids 10 and under, and free for veterans and active military.
Location: 225 Reformation Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114
Parking: Parking for the Rink on the River is free at the parking all around The Mill on Etowah. The rink is located right beside Reformation Brewery.
9. Skate City Springs
The newest Atlanta outdoor ice skating rink this year is at the City Springs district in Sandy Springs. The Skate City Springs outdoor ice rink is located on the City Green.
So far, this rink has been the best in terms of ice quality. Sure, it’s still really hard ice so it feels weird to skate on and isn’t quite like having indoor ice. But they Zamboni it after every hour-long session, so it’s always smooth and doesn’t get that gathering of snow that every other rink gets. Definitely figure skater approved!
My friends and I found the absolute best time to go — at noon on a weekday. We practically had the ice to ourselves. We even taught one of the rink employees how to spin!
It’s not a large ice rink. They do say they limit the number of people on the ice to about 80-100 people, but that many people on the ice would be way too crowded, I think. They recommend booking a ticket online in advance to secure your spot, which would definitely be necessary during the busy sessions like on the weekends.
The rink also rents out those annoying ice walkers that I hate. Since no one else was really on during our ice time, we didn’t have to worry about that. But I just know I’d hate it during a busy session.
Overall, Skate City Springs has been one of my favorite outdoor ice rinks in Atlanta!
Skate City Springs is open from November 24, 2023 through January 21, 2024.
Skate City Springs Info
Dates: November 24, 2023 through January 21, 2024
Hours: Nov 24 – Dec 17: M-Th: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; F: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat-Sun: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last session at 9 p.m. every evening); Dec 18 – Jan 2: M-Sun 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (last session at 9 p.m.); Jan 3 – Jan 21: TBA
Holiday Hours: December 24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed December 25; December 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; January 1: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $15 for adults; $13 for children ages 2-9. Sessions are for 1 hour. Admission includes skate rental. Tickets are non-refundable.
Location: 1 Galambos Wy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Parking: Parking around City Springs is free for the first 2 hours in the parking deck, surface lots, and street parking.
Outdoor Ice Rinks I Haven’t Visited Yet
10. Ice Days Covington
Ice Days (the people behind the Conyers rink) has expanded their ice rinks, opening a new rink in Covington, Georgia a few years ago. The 5,500-square-foot ice rink at Legion Field Fair Grounds is completely covered and offers two hour skating sessions for $12 per adult, $10 per child ages 8 and under, and $3 for skate rental. The outdoor ice rink is returning for its 4th year and is open from November 16, 2023 through February 11, 2024.
Atlanta Seasonal Ice Rinks Map
To help you easily find the seasonal ice rink that’s closest to you, I’ve created a map of all the outdoor ice rinks listed in this post.
You can click the star icon at the top of the map to save it to your favorites and open the locations in your own Google Maps app.
And I’m always looking for outdoor ice skating near me, so if you’ve heard of a new rink in the area, let me know in the comments!
Seasonal Ice Rinks Outside of Atlanta
Road trip for ice skating, anyone? I mean, I’d be down for it! If you want to get out of the city for a holiday adventure, check out these seasonal ice rinks that are a few hours drive from Atlanta.
Evans on Ice
Evans on Ice in Evans, Georgia just outside of Augusta transforms the Evans Towne Center Park into a winter wonderland with an ice rink, lights and decorations, an ice slide, the Augusta Express train ride, and family-friendly concerts. The rink will be open from November 9, 2023 through January 8, 2024. The hours are M-Thu from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; F from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sun from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission costs $13 on weekdays, $17 on weekends and holidays, and $140 for a season pass. Price includes skate rental.
Athens on Ice
Athens on Ice in Athens, Georgia at The Classic Center will return for winter 2023. The rink will be open from November 24, 2023 through February 1, 2024. Sessions are 75 minutes long and cost $15 per person. Adult-only public skate begins at 9 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday. Ice skating will take place in the outdoor 440 Foundry Pavilion.
Ice Skating at the Macon Centreplex
During the winter months, the Macon Centreplex opens their arena to the public for ice skating. The rink will be open November 25, 2023 through December 29, 2023. Check out their website for specific skate times. Sessions will last for one hour and be limited to 150 people. Tickets cost $10 and include skate rental.
Blue Ridge on Ice
Blue Ridge on Ice will be held at the Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market this season. The rink will be open from November 18, 2023 through January 7, 2023. Check out their website for the rink’s hours. Tickets cos $15 for ages 13+, $12 for ages 12 and under, and $10 for active military.
Shed a tear for those outdoor Atlanta ice rinks not returning this year.
- Marietta Square put the plans for its outdoor rink on ice due to increased competition in the popular holiday activity throughout metro-Atlanta.
- The Battery Atlanta at Truist Park cited similar reasons for nixing their ice skating rink, opting for a nightly light show instead.
- St. Regis Astor will not be bringing back their luxurious Buckhead skating rink this year.
- Centennial Olympic Park‘s iconic ice rink hasn’t returned since 2017.
- Decatur held a Skate on the Square event for a couple days in February 2021, but unfortunately they haven’t brought it back since.
- Ice Days at Nash Farm Park has closed, but Ice Days has opened a new location in Covington.
- Skate on the Square at Colony Square will unfortunately not be returning to Colony Square.
- INOLA Blue Ridge no longer has its ice skating rink. Instead, it has moved to the Blue Ridge Farmer’s Market.
- The eco-friendly Ice Skating at Pullman Yards is not returning. I’m a little sad I didn’t get to try skating on synthetic ice.
I’ll be updating this post with more reviews of the outdoor ice skating rinks in and around Atlanta through the rest of the season, so check back later!
Where to Stay in Atlanta
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your Atlanta vacation!
- My Favorite Stay: Westin Peachtree Plaza
- Top Hotel: The Candler Hotel
- Great Value: Hampton Inn & Suites Perimeter Dunwoody
- Unique Stay: Stonehurst Place
More Winter Activities in Atlanta
- Top Things to Do During Winter in Atlanta, Georgia
- Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at Atlanta Botanical Garden
- How to Spend Christmas in Atlanta, Georgia
- Holiday Light Displays in Atlanta You Won’t Want to Miss
Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Hotels.com.
- Save on Attractions: Save 40% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.
- Finish Your Christmas Shopping: Still looking for the perfect gift for your travel-lover? Check out my comprehensive Gifts for Travelers gift guide.
Cheers!
Paige
When was the last time you went ice skating? Tell me about it in the comments!
There’s one at Etowah Mill in Canton, GA that’s not listed.
Thanks for the recommendation, Rene! I hadn’t heard of that one. I’ll get it added!
Thank you for the great reviews. Pity there’s no lakes around here that freeze over. I was hoping you’d give more details about your training to be an instructor. That sounds really interesting.
It would be cool to skate on a frozen lake; that’s definitely on my bucket list! Though I hear it’s rough on your blades. Instructing is really fun! I’ve basically just been learning by doing, I’m a second pair of eyes during group lessons, and I absorb the info from the main instructor as they teach. This year, I’m hoping to transition into a more official position. So I may have to start up a side blog detailing that journey, who knows!
Thank you for the thorough review and information. Incredibly helpful! I found your blog while searching ice skating at St. Regis. I’m sad it’s not returning this year. 🙁 I plan to give Avalon a try during the week with fewer crowds. Thank you again and happy holidays!
I’m disappointed about the St. Regis rink, too; I never got to try it out! But Avalon is a great choice, and Atlantic Station is another favorite of mine. Happy holidays, and happy skating!
Wow what a great list and so fun!! I have not been ice skating since I was a teen, but this looks like a lot of fun. You provided so much great information, I subscribed because Georgia is a place we want to go!!
I love outdoor ice skating season in Atlanta, it’s always so much fun! Thanks for subscribing!
How fun! I love love love outdoor skating. The Avalon rink looks so festive. Here we just have outdoor skating on the nearby lakes. which is fun if they are clear of snow.
I would LOVE to skate on a frozen lake or river! It’s definitely on my bucket list for sometime in the (hopefully) near future.
I found this super comprehensive! Such a lovely post, Paige!
Thanks so much, Lily!