The air is getting cooler and with the change of seasons comes the return of one of Chicago’s favorite winter pastimes—outdoor ice skating!
Beloved spots like the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon and citywide rinks will open for the season this month.
Here’s a look at the timeline and all your questions answered.
When does the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon open for the season?
Perhaps one of Chicago’s most popular destinations for outdoor ice skating, the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon, will open Friday, November 13.
When will tickets for the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon be available?
The Chicago Park District will release tickets for the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon on a rolling basis now through February 15, 2027.
Each ticket release will allow guests to purchase passes for a specific date range:
- Monday, November 2, 2026: November 13–29
- Monday, November 16, 2026: November 30–December 10
- Monday, November 30, 2026: December 11–January 3 (Holiday Season)
- Monday, December 21, 2026: January 4–January 17
- Monday, January 4, 2027: January 18–January 31
- Monday, January 18, 2027: February 1–February 14
- Monday, February 1, 2027: February 15–February 28
- Monday, February 15, 2027: March 1–March 7 (Closing Day)
When does the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park open for the season?
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park will open for the season on Friday, November 20.
Admission is free, and advance registration will open in the coming weeks.
When do all city ice skating rinks open for the season?
Citywide outdoor ice skating rinks will open on Friday, November 27.
Additional city rinks include:
- Midway Plaisance Ice Rink—1130 Midway Plaisance North
- Mt. Greenwood Ice Rink—3721 W. 111th St.
- Warren Park Ice Rink—6601 N. Western Ave.
Click here to view the full list of city ice rinks.
What about indoor ice skating in Chicago?
Indoor ice skating in Chicago is open year-round at McFetridge Sports Center and Morgan Park Sports Center.
How much does ice skating at the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon cost?
The Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon offers free admission if you bring your own skates for all sessions Monday–Thursday (Non-Holiday).
Friday–Sunday, and Holidays/Holiday Season sessions offer free admission with skates for the 11 a.m. session, and a $5 general admission fee for all other sessions.
Skate rental fees are as follows:
- Monday–Thursday (Non-Holiday)—$17 online; $19 walk-up
- Friday–Sunday, Holidays & Holiday Season—$21 online; $23 walk-up
How much does ice skating cost at city rinks not including the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon?
City ice skating rinks not including the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon offer free admission, with $7 skate rentals.
