Where to Go Ice Skating in Dallas

Ice skating in Dallas? You bet!

While the city may not bring to mind images of snow and ice, Dallas has a surprising number of ice rinks for those looking to lace up their skates and glide. Whether you’re searching for a festive seasonal activity or a year-round rink to hone your skills, there’s a spot for everyone. Here are some of the best places to go ice skating in Dallas, along with tips to make the most of your skating experience.

7 ice skating rinks in Dallas

Year-round skating rinks

Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center

The Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center is an iconic year-round rink located in the heart of the bustling Galleria shopping mall. Its standout feature is the giant Christmas tree (the tallest indoor Christmas tree in the country, actually!)  that towers over the rink during the holiday season, making it a magical destination for festive fun. Skaters of all levels are welcome, and you can easily rent skates on-site. Afterward, take a stroll through the mall to enjoy its many upscale shops and dining options. A perfect winter outing!

Children’s Health StarCenter

With several locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including Farmers Branch and Plano, the Children’s Health StarCenter offers NHL-sized rinks perfect for year-round skating. These rinks are great for families, figure skaters and hockey enthusiasts, and lessons are offered for anyone looking to improve their technique.

ICE at The Parks Mall in Arlington

The Parks Mall in Arlington is home to a full-size indoor ice rink that’s open year-round! It’s a great spot for everyone from casual skaters to kids looking for lessons to hockey clubs, figure skaters and those looking to escape the Texas heat. The rink is located in a family-friendly environment with plenty of shopping and dining options nearby, making it an ideal destination for a day out.

Seasonal Pop-Up Rinks

Dallas loves to get into the holiday spirit, and you’ll often find pop-up rinks during the festive season. These temporary rinks provide a cozy and fun skating experience with a little extra dash of holiday spirit. These pop-ups are typically smaller than permanent rinks, but they bring plenty of charm and holiday cheer and are perfect for a fun holiday activity!

Stockyards Rodeo Rink

This Fort Worth holiday tradition is still a fairly new one, having only been around for the past three years. However, the full-size professional ice skating rink certainly draws a crowd! Head to the Livestock Exchange Building to spend an afternoon on the ice, or check out the other holiday activities there like a Cowboy Santa meet-and-greet and Mrs. Claus’ story times. 

Peace Plaza Ice Rink

Located in Historic Downtown Grapevine — also known as the Christmas Capital of Texas — the Peace Plaza Ice Rink is an open-air rink surrounded by plenty of festive happenings. Grab a hot chocolate and wander through the concession area, then head inside the neighboring Harvest Food Hall for a bite to eat before wandering around Historic Grapevine. Another perfect holiday outing!

Christmas at Gaylord Texan

There’s plenty to do at the Gaylord Texan during the holiday season! 

The 6,000 square-foot ice rink, obviously, is a big draw, but so are the snow tubing, ice sliding and gingerbread-house-making. Overall, the Gaylord Christmas Village is a must-see festive attraction each and every holiday season.

Ice, Lights & City Nights

If you’re in Downtown Dallas, then this is the closest ice rink around! 

Located on the Omni’s Pegasus Lawn, this seasonal outdoor ice rink is accompanied by hot cocoa stands, a cocktail bar and a kid-friendly train ride. It’s a cozy, festive outdoor experience that’s extremely popular during the holidays, so make sure you reserve your spot before you go!

Final tips

Ice-skating may be a no-brainer for some, but here are a few tips to consider before heading out to an ice skating experience.

• Plan ahead: Check the rink’s schedule online before heading out, as some locations have limited public skate hours or may require reservations. 
• Dress comfortably: Dallas winters are mild, so indoor rinks can feel pretty warm. Wear lightweight, layered clothing and gloves to protect your hands.
• Store your gear: If you’re a frequent skater, consider investing in your own skates. A compact skate bag fits easily in most apartment closets.

Dallas might not be a winter wonderland, but its ice rinks offer an excellent opportunity to embrace the season or find year-round fun. From the iconic Galleria rink to charming seasonal pop-ups, there’s something for everyone in and around our luxury Dallas apartments.

Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a first-timer, these rinks provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. So, lace up your skates and hit the ice — you won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy!

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Featured photo by Krzysztof Kowalik on Unsplash