Ice skating, updated for 2023-24: For many Seattle-area folks, a fun way to start the winter is with a sociable skate in one of the region’s seasonal rinks. No experience necessary. You’ll be in good company as hundreds of Pacific Northwest residents gather for their annual wobble around the rink. If you’d like to be prepared, check out this list of tips.
All these rinks are where you can make a whole day of it with treats, music, shopping and more. In case you want to do it again, here are some places to skate year-round: Sno-King Ice Arena in Kirkland, Sno-King Ice Arena in Renton, Kent Valley Ice Centre, Lynnwood Ice Center, Olympic View Arena in Mountlake Terrace and the Kraken Community Iceplex in Seattle.
[Related: More holiday events around the Seattle area + where to find the best light displays ]
Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink
Located in Bellevue Downtown Park, this open-air arena offers concessions. Some weekday evenings have special hours for stroller skate and skating lessons.
When: Nov. 17, 2023 through Jan. 15, 2024. Various hours.
Where: Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 NE Fourth St, Bellevue
Cost: Weekdays: $15 (includes skate rental) Weekends: $20 Season pass $149- can only be purchased at rink. Book tickets online.
When: Now open November 18-January 16.
Where: The popular pop-up rink in Isthmus Park, 529 Fourth Ave. W., downtown Olympia.
Cost: Tickets can be purchased in advance here. Prices (including skates) $12-$15 for ages 4 and up; $5 for toddlers.
When: Open November 25- January 8.
Where: Experience a winter holiday at the community ice rink in Everett’s Pacific Rim Plaza at Waterfront Place.
When: During the week they are open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Weekends: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: Adults $15 + $1.50 processing fee. Children 12 and under $12 + $1.50 processing fee. All tickets include skate rentals for a one-hour session. Closed on Thanksgiving day. Open Christmas Eve and Christmas day 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Open New Years Eve and New Years Day 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Pleasant Beach Village on Bainbridge Island
When: Nov. 25 to Dec. 31; Thursday and Friday from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Weekends 1 p.m – 8 p.m; Christmas Eve 10 a.m. – 4 p.m; Closed Christmas Day.
Cost: Ticket prices (includes ski rental): 10 and under $15; 11 and up $20; Pool members free.
Pop up Ice Skating in Occidental Square
Where: Occidental Square
When: Downtown offers a pop-up ice skating rink in Occidental Square from Dec. 8 to Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Admission is free for everyone, with skates available to borrow.
