Shake off the winter blues and keep that post-Christmas spirit alive at the same time by visiting one of these outdoor ice rinks. Don’t worry about making a fool out of yourself – most rinks welcome everyone from beginners to experts.

Somerset House

Photo: daveograve@

Skate in the heart of London in this prestigious skating venue. This 18th century home turned music/art venue offers an impressive backdrop and is illuminated at night by a 40ft Tiffany Christmas tree.

• Adults from £10.50
• Children from £7.50
• Open until 24th January
• More information about Somerset House Ice Skating

New York

Photo: Bob Jagendorf

The Rockefeller Centre is a world-famous and iconic skating venue. Skate underneath towering skyscrapers and a huge Christmas tree.

• Open until January 9th
• Adults from $15.50
• Children from $9.50
• More information about skating at Rockefeller Ice Rink

Hampton Court

Photo: Purplekitten

Hampton Court Palace (near London) is a beautiful, historical and romantic outdoor ice rink. Skate right outside Henry VIII’s favourite royal hangout and get drunk on lots of spiced mulled wine.

• Open until end of January.
• Adult prices from £10.00
• Children from £7.50
• More information about skating at Hampton Court Ice Rink

Yosemite

Photo: satosphere

Skate in the shadows of the mighty Half Dome and El Capitan in one of the most beautiful national parks in the world – a winter tradition since the 1930s.

• Open until early March
• Adults $8
• Kids $6
• More information about skating at Yosemite Ice Rink

Berlin

Photo: ljcybergal

Potsdamer Platz in Berlin is turned into a winter wonderland this time of year. As well as a 40m long ice rink this huge snowy playground also has an Alpine ski hut, tonnes of competitions to enter and a 70m ski slope-which many choose to bomb down on rubber tubes..

• Open until 6th January
• More information about skating at Berlin’s Ice Rink

Eiffel Tower, Paris

Photo: Kristin & Adam

Enjoy views of Paris while skating on the small but perfectly formed ice rink located on the first floor observation deck of this famous landmark. The rink is lodged between two of the tower’s massive steel legs and can handle 80 skaters at a time. Vertigo sufferers might want to give this one a miss.

• Visitors paying the tower’s admission fee can skate for free.
• Open until February
• More information about skating at the Eiffel Tower Ice Rink

Vienna, Austria

Photo: Olivier Bruchez

Skate underneath the beautiful illuminated Rathaus (town hall) and warm up at nearby stalls selling hot drinks and snacks, a good choice if you like your skating venue to be picturesque and atmospheric.

• Open until 9th March
• More information about skating at Vienna’s Ice Rink

Helsinki

Photo: Andy Crowe

Come here for proper snow and very cold temperatures. Ice skating is taken pretty seriously in Finland and although the city’s main rink in Railway Square isn’t particularly scenic it’s large and has a lively atmosphere.

• Adults from 2 euros
• Children from 1 euro
• Open until Mid-March
• More information about skating at Helsinki’s Ice Rink

Toronto

Photo: wvs

Skate in Nathan Phillips Square, a lively public gathering place located in front of Toronto City Hall. As well as being able to skate in a super-sized rink there is a pretty light display the evening.

• Admission is Free skate hire from $6.50
• Open until end March
• More information about skating at Toronto’s Ice Rink

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Tags: christmas, fun, ice, ice rink, outdoor vacation, skating, winter
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