By Kate Cohen
When you think of wintery scenes like ice skating, Orlando may not be the first place that comes to mind.
The secret is, you just have to know where to look!
Central Florida is home to several seasonal celebrations that include ice skating, as well as a few year-round rinks perfect for getting your icy fix.
Ready to lace up your skates? Here is where you can go ice skating in Orlando.
Seasonal
Celebration’s Now Snowing
The charming town of Celebration, Florida, was built by the Walt Disney company in the 1990’s as an homage to the traditional American towns of yesteryear.
Every year during the holiday season, their Now Snowing event transforms the town’s main streets into a postcard-worthy winter wonderland.
In addition to Christmassy carriage rides and nightly “snow” flurries, Now Snowing also features the Endless Ice Skating Rink. Their synthetic ice offers an outdoor skating experience that feels like skating on the real thing, but without the imminent threat of it melting in the warm Florida weather.
Admission to the event is free, but you will need to purchase a ticket to skate.
Plan to take time to enjoy everything the Now Snowing event has to offer, including visits with Santa, shopping, and plenty of holiday spirit.
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration is a massive celebration of the holiday season.
On select days in November and December, the theme park hosts holiday character meet-and-greets, epic holiday shows, and winter-themed activities.
One of their most popular holiday attractions is public ice skating at Bayside Stadium, where you can enjoy outdoor skating with views of SeaWorld’s central lagoon.
Be sure to bring your crew-length socks and gloves to skate, or you can purchase them in the park.
While the majority of SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebrations are included in your admission ticket, ice skating is an additional charge (though it does include skate rental.).
Year-Round
The Ice Factory
The Ice Factory is an Olympic-class ice skating center that has become a hub for Central Florida’s figure skating, ice hockey, and curling enthusiasts.
Their public skating hours offer the perfect opportunity for skaters of all abilities to take to the ice. You can bring your own skates or rent them from The Ice Factory.
Beginners can take advantage of bucket skating aids and helmets for a safer experience. Need help sizing up or lacing up your skates? Their friendly guest service team is ready to help.
Friday and Saturday nights, public skating hours are from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., making it a great option for a romantic date night. Plus, on the weekends, you can skate to a live DJ and colorful disco lights for a fun and lively experience.
Orlando Ice Den
The Orlando Ice Den is one of the coolest places in town – literally.
Their skating facilities include one NHL-sized ice rink and one Olympic-sized ice rink. From figure skating and hockey lessons, clinics, and camps to parties and public skating, it’s a great place to spend some time on the ice.
They offer public skating hours every day of the week for prices that include skate rentals (your choice of hockey or figure skates).
If you’re a beginner, it may be worth noting that they don’t offer walkers or devices to assist on the ice. There is a ledge around the perimeter of each rink that can be held onto for support.
Check out their fun events that turn the ice rink into a dance floor with lights, music, and more.
Stay Warm When You Stay at Rosen Plaza
Whether you’re visiting during the holiday season or just looking for an active way to stay cool in the Florida heat, a great ice-skating experience is never far when you stay at Rosen Plaza.
When you’re ready to trade your skates for slippers, we’ll be waiting for you with a hot beverage from Smoooth Java, or an espresso martini from Jack’s Lobby Bar.
