Updated on April 7, 2025 by Julie McCool
These Washington DC and Northern Virginia ice skating rinks offer healthy winter fun for every age, whether you prefer to skate indoors or out. Each ice skating destination offers smooth ice, happy music, and nearby fun, so we suggest you visit them all.
Many outdoor skating rinks open in mid-November and are open on holidays like Thanksgiving. However, outdoor rinks may close due to warm or stormy weather so always check for updates before you head out.
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Follow the links for details on schedule, ticket options, and rules for the 2024/2025 winter skating season. Purchase tickets in advance to guarantee your spot.
Outdoor Northern Virginia Ice Skating Rinks
These outdoor skating rinks in Northern Virginia provide festive places to glide, spin, and learn to skate. Rinks generally have music playing and offer skate rentals and assistance devices for new skaters.
1. Harris Pavillon Ice Rink, Manassas
Seasonal ice skating takes over the Harris Pavilion Ice Rink in Old Town Manassas from November 22, 2024 through January 5 2025 (weather permitting). The rink is open daily and hours vary by day. The pavilion offers a generously covered rink with a nice sound system pumping out music to glide to.
All sessions are open skate, and skate rentals are available for $6. New skaters can rent a Penguin ice skate helper for $10.
Skating is $10/$8 adults/children 10 and under. In 2024, the rink is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but open on New Year's Eve and Day. Follow the link for details and special event closures.
Historic Manassas is full of restaurants, shops, and historic sites, so allow time after your skating session to explore. Better yet book a room in Manassas and enjoy a winter mini-vacation. The Manassas Train Depot is a great spot for a photo with the Virginia LOVE sign.
2. Reston Town Center Ice Skating, Reston
The Reston Town Center Ice Skating Rink planned to open November 6, 2024 but warm weather delayed the opening. Once weather permits, the rink is open daily through January 29, 2025 including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year.
The Reston Town Center Pavillion underwent a major renovation. New fire pits and seating areas near the rink now add to the cozy vibe.
Skating can get a little crowded at the popular Reston Town Center rink, but the mood is upbeat and the staff does their best to keep everyone happy. Reserve your spot and purchase tickets online.
In 2024, adult admission is $11 for adults, $9 for youth under 12, Seniors, and Military, plus $7 for skate rentals. New skaters can also rent a Penguin Skate Aid for $10
Most years, there are special kid-targeted events on the weekend—Rock the Rink on Friday nights, 7:30 – 9:00; Cartoon Skate on Saturday mornings, 11:00 – 1:00. There is also a College Skate Night on Thursdays, 6:30 – 10:00 ($2 off with a Valid College ID).
Follow your skating fun with a stop at any of the terrific Reston Town Center restaurants and bars, or rest your feet at a movie. If the weather is warm enough, the tables by the fountain provide an excellent spot to sit and people watch. Remember that parking is free in the evenings and weekends, otherwise plan to pay for your spot.
3. Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating, Arlington
The former Pentagon Row rink is now the Westpost Ice Skating Rink and they opened for the season on Oct 31, 2024. The rink is open daily, weather permitting, through mid-March, including major holidays.
The largest outdoor ice skating rink in Northern Virginia, Westpost offers 6,840 feet of space to glide and twirl. A 2013 renovation also added a two-sided fireplace, next to the rink, offering a cozy place to relax.
Prices are $13 for skaters 13 and up; $12 for those under 12 and Seniors over 55 but you can save $2 by ordering online. Skate rentals are $6.
4. Ice & Lights Winter Village, Cameron Run
The Ice & Lights Winter Village returns to Cameron Run for a fourth year from November 15 to January 5. The popular holiday light display features plenty of sparkly photo opps including a walk-thru tree and photo frame, a giant wreath, and beautiful design stars.
This holiday lights show includes a Winter Village with optional ice skating. For an extra fee, enjoy an hour of fun on the ice skating rink from Nov 29 to Jan 5. You can also enjoy daytime ice skating from Dec 14 to Jan 5.
Village admission is $8.55 for online tickets ($10.50 at the door). Combined Village and Ice skating tickets are $21.01, which includes 1 hour of skating. Skating tickets are limited and must be purchased online. Open nightly, including holidays, 5:00 – 10:00.
Once the holiday light show closes, the ice skating rink opens on weekends and holidays 11:00 – 5:00 from Jan 11 to Feb 23, 2025.
5. Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge
The Stonebridge Rink at Potomac Town Center is open daily from November 15 to February 23. Prices are $10 for adults and $9 for child/senior/military plus $6 for skate rental.
Combine your next shopping outing with fun on the ice at Potomac Town Center's seasonal ice skating rink. The rink is located in front of Alamo Drafthouse and you can reserve tickets in advance.
Indoor Northern Virginia Ice Skating Rinks
When it's just too cold outside, or you're looking to cool down during the warmer months, these indoor Northern Virginia ice skating rinks are the place to go.
Find more fun Indoor Activities in Northern Virginia to Escape Winter Cold or a Rainy Day.
6. SkateQuest, Reston
Two large rinks at SkateQuest are often occupied with hockey, figure skating, lessons, and camps, so public skating hours vary and are not available every day. When public skating is offered, you'll find good quality ice, a lot of room to spread out, and pleasant staff.
Admission is $10 and skate rentals are $4. Check the website for public skating hours and special deals. There's a cafe in the building, and there are plenty of restaurants at nearby Plaza America.
7. Ashburn Ice House
The Ashburn Ice House has two large rinks, but the hours for public skating vary so check the schedule. Registration is required for all public skating sessions. The rink is a popular spot for hockey games, figure skating, camps, and skating lessons.
Admission during public skating hours is $12 on weekdays, $15 on weekends. Skate rentals are $5. When you get hungry try a pizza from the Pomodoro located inside the Ice House, or head to our favorite haunt for tasty seafood, Ford's Fish Shack.
8. Fairfax Ice Arena
The first year-round ice rink in DC area, Fairfax Ice Arena has welcomed skaters for nearly 50 years. The indoor rink offers classes, camps, competitions, ice hockey, and public skating year-round.
Public skating hours are offered every day, including most holidays (closed Christmas Day). Schedules vary seasonally so follow the link for details. Public skating weekday admission is $9 for all ages; $10 on weekends and holidays . Skate rentals are $4.00.
9. MedStar Capitals Iceplex, Arlington
Feel like a pro when you glide in the rink at MedStar Capitals Iceplex, the Washington Capitals use to practice. You can stop by to watch a practice session, but why not get out on the ice yourself? Public skating hours vary, so check the website for details. Admission is $15 and skate rentals are $5.
Seasonal Outdoor Washington DC Ice Skating Rinks
Celebrate the return of chilly days and nights at these seasonal rinks for outdoor ice skating in Washington DC.
10. National Sculpture Garden, Washington DC
You'll find a fun alternative to Northern Virginia ice skating at the Washington DC National Sculpture Garden Ice Skating Rink. During the day you can skate, then visit the large-scale sculptures by major artists that surround the rink. At night, enjoy the festive lights.
In 2024, the National Sculpture Garden Ice Rink is open daily from November 23 to March 2 2025 including holidays. Skating hours are 9:00 to 9:00 Sunday to Thursday and 9:00 to 11:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Adult skating is $12 for two 45-minute sessions, $10 for children 12 and under, seniors, military, and students. Skate rentals are $6 plus $1 if you want to rent a locker. Frequent skaters should consider the $250 season pass.
Skating is just one of our picks for a DC holiday day trip. Better yet, plan a US Capitol area staycation to visit the rink and other area sites.
11. Washington Harbour Ice Rink, Washington DC
The Washington Harbour Ice Rink will open for the 2024 ice skating season from mid-November to February 23, 2025.
The largest outdoor skating rink in Washington DC is 11,800 square feet of fun at the edge of the Potomac River. The Washington Harbour rink offers public skating every day including holidays, along with skating lessons and special events.
Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for children/seniors/military, plus $7 if you want to rent skates. You can also rent a penguin skate aid for $10 to help beginner skaters on the ice. The rink is open Sunday to Thursday 11:00 – 8:30, Friday and Saturday 11:00 – 10:30.
12. Canal Park Ice Skating Rink, Capitol Riverfront
In 2024, the Canal Park Ice Rink is open from late November through early March. The rink opens weekdays 2:00 – 10:00, Friday to 11:00, Saturday noon to 11:00, and Sunday noon to 10:00.
This seasonal outdoor rink has a figure-8 shaped track which offers a unique ice skating option. There are plenty of restaurants close by for a fun night out. Skating rates are $13 for adults, $11 for children and seniors and skate rentals are $7.
13. The Wharf Ice Rink, The Wharf DC
Enjoy a fantastic view of the Potomac River at The Wharf Ice Rink in Washington DC. The seasonal outdoor ice skating rink is close to all of the great restaurants and activities at The Wharf.
In 2024, The Wharf Ice Rink is open from November 27 to February 23. Ice skating at The Wharf is open Wednesday to Friday 4:00 – to 10:00, Saturday noon – to 10:00, and Sunday noon – to 8:00. Admission is $25/$15 for adults/kids 12, seniors, and military. The price includes skates and covers a whole day of skating.
14. Enchant Christmas, Nationals Park
Enchant Christmas will not return to DC in 2024.
15. ICE! 2024, National Harbor
There is no outdoor ice skating rink at National Harbor in 2024.
One of the best holiday light shows in the DC area, Christmas on the Potomac and ICE! fills Gaylord National with a dazzling indoor light show and a walk-thru display carved from 2 million pounds of ice. In 2024, ICE! features scenes from the holiday classic, A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Bonus: DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular
New in 2024, DowntownDC will open a synthetic ice rink inside the National Building Museum from December 16 to January 4 (closed Tue and Wed). Themed music and kids only skate times add to the fun. Skating is free though museum admission is still required. Rent skates for $5 or bring your own. Open noon to 8:00 daily.
Wherever you choose for ice skating in Northern Virginia and DC, we wish you smooth ice and a fun time.
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