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DOWNTOWN — Millennium Park’s ice rink and the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon are set to open in mid-November.
The two ice skating attractions will open Nov. 16, helping kick off holiday festivities Downtown. That’s also the day Millennium Park’s 60-foot Christmas tree will be lit up during a special ceremony.
Both the rink and the ribbon will be open daily until mid-March as long as the weather holds up. Those who want to get on the ice don’t need to own their own skates, as rentals will be available, and the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink (the one by the Bean) will also have free skating lessons.
Here’s what you need to know about skating:
Credit: Shelby Bell/FlickrMcCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Where: 1 N. Michigan Ave. (by the Bean)
What: You can skate on a rink in the plaza in front of the Bean. This year, the park’s hosting themed skating nights where it’s encouraging people to dress up before they take to the ice. Themed nights include Purple Passion (when skaters will listen to Prince) and It’s a Wrap-sody (with music from Queen). Click here for the full themed night schedule.
Free ice skating lessons will also be available 11 a.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays; during winter break for Chicago Public Schools, lessons will be available the hour before the rink opens Dec. 22-Jan. 6. People of all ages and skating skill levels can participate.
Opening: The rink opens noon Nov. 16. The skating season will end in mid-March.
Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday (weather permitting)
Cost: Getting on the ice is free if you have your own skates. Skating rentals cost $13 Monday-Thursday and $15 Friday-Sunday and on holidays. Skate sharpening is available for $9 and locker rentals are $1.
Read more: Click here for rules, holiday hours and other information.
Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon
Where: 337 E. Randolph St.
What: The skating ribbon, the newer of the two skating areas, is a winding ice path through Maggie Daley Park. You can rent skates, and the rink carries child’s size 8 through men’s size 13.
Opening: The ribbon will be open Nov. 16 and the season will end sometime in March.
Hours: Noon-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday (weather permitting)
Make sure to check the Zamboni times so you don’t have to wait for resurfacing.
Cost: Admission is free if you have your own skates; otherwise, rentals cost $13 Monday-Thursday and $15 Friday-Sunday and on holidays. You can also buy a non-refundable fast pass for $40 if you want to skip the rental line and get a locker for one person. The park also has a $90 package that covers fast passes, skate rentals and lockers for two people with two cups of hot chocolate.
Read more: The rink’s rules are available online.
