Outdoor ice skating returns to Alabama this holiday season
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As the holiday season gets closer, outdoor ice skating is returning all across Alabama.
From Huntsville’s long-running Skating in the Park to coastal skating at The Wharf, communities around the state are opening pop-up rinks where you can lace up and enjoy the colder weather. Most rinks run from late November through early January, with a few lasting even longer.
To help you plan a festive outing with friends or family, here are the outdoor ice-skating rinks you can visit across Alabama during the 2025–26 season.
Skating in the Park | Huntsville
Celebrating its 14th season, Huntsville’s beloved Skating in the Park brings outdoor ice skating to Big Spring Park right outside the Huntsville Museum of Art.
- When: Nov. 21, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
- Where: 300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 4PM – 9PM
- Friday: 4PM – 10PM
- Saturday: 10AM – 10PM
- Sunday: 12PM – 8PM
- Hours may vary based on school schedules — check Instagram for updates.
- Pricing:
- Child admission (9 & under): $5
- Adult admission (10+): $15
- Skate rental: $5
- Scooter rental: $5
- School Skate Rates:
- Monday–Wednesday, 4–5:30PM when school is in session
- Ages 10+: $8 (includes skates)
- Ages 9 & under: $5
- Scooters: free
- Instagram | Website
Cullman Christkindlmarkt Ice Skating Rink | Cullman
Cullman’s Christkindlmarkt brings back its expanded real-ice skating rink for the season, offering 90-minute sessions surrounded by festive lights, music and holiday market energy.
- When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 2025
- Where: 107 Arnold St NW, Cullman, AL
- Hours:
- Thursday: 11AM – 9PM
- Friday: 11AM – 9PM
- Saturday: 11AM – 9PM
- Sunday: 12PM – 8PM
- Pricing:
- Thu–Fri (11AM – 3PM): $12
- Thu–Fri (3PM – close): $15
- Saturday & Sunday: $15
- Bring your own skates: $4 off
- Instagram | Website
Montgomery Whitewater Ice Rink | Montgomery
Montgomery Whitewater’s 5,000-square-foot real-ice rink is back for another season, offering 90-minute skating sessions under the lights with nearby fire pits and plenty of cozy winter vibes.
- When: Nov. 14, 2025 – Feb. 16, 2026
- Where: 1100 Maxwell Blvd, Montgomery, AL 36104
- Hours: Check the website for daily hours
- Pricing:
- $20 for a 90-minute session (includes skates)
- FREE for Annual Pass holders
- Instagram | Website
Hey Day Holiday Ice Rink | Auburn
Hey Day Holiday transforms the Rane Culinary Science Center into a festive winter destination with an outdoor ice rink, daily snowfall at 5 PM, Christmas music and cozy hot chocolate from The Hey Day Market Bar.
- When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 31, 2025
- Where: 211 S College St, Auburn, AL 36830
- Pricing:
- Adult: $14
- Child: $9
- Skate rental included
- Notes:
- Daily Snow Fall at 5PM
- Reservations recommended
- Instagram | Website
The Wharf Ice Rink | Orange Beach
The Wharf brings winter to the Gulf Coast with a real-ice outdoor rink, festive lights, holiday activities, and live DJs on select nights. It’s one of the most popular coastal spots for seasonal skating.
- When: Nov. 14 – Jan. 19
- Where: Across from Portside on the corner of Main Street & Wharf Lane
- Hours:
- Nov. 24–26 & Nov. 28–29 (Thanksgiving Break): 10AM – 10PM
- Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27): CLOSED
- Nov. 30 – Dec. 21:
- Mon–Fri: 4PM – 10PM
- Saturday: 10AM – 10PM
- Sunday: 12PM – 8PM
- Dec. 22–23: 10AM – 10PM
- Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): 12PM – 4PM
- Dec. 25 (Christmas Day): CLOSED
- Dec. 26–27: 10AM – 10PM
- Dec. 28: 12PM – 8PM
- Dec. 29–30: 10AM – 10PM
- Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve): 10AM – Midnight
- Jan. 1–3: 10AM – 10PM
- Jan. 4: 12PM – 8PM
- Jan. 5–18:
- Mon–Fri: 4PM – 10PM
- Saturday: 10AM – 10PM
- Sunday: 12PM – 8PM
- Jan. 19: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Live DJ: Friday + Saturday nights, 7–10PM
- (No DJ Nov. 21 + 22)
- Pricing:
- General Admission: $15 (includes skate rental)
- Combo Pass (Ice Rink + Ferris Wheel): $20
- Frequent Skater Pass (10 passes): $100
- Socks: $3
- Bring a 20oz Pepsi product for $2 off
- Waiver:
- All skaters must complete the e-waiver before skating.
- Sign E-Waiver
- Instagram | Website
Holidays on the Plaza Ice Skating Rink | Tuscaloosa
Holidays on the Plaza transforms Government Plaza into a winter wonderland with outdoor ice skating, the dazzling Tinsel Trail, and festive events all season long. It’s one of Tuscaloosa’s most popular holiday traditions.
- When: Nov. 24, 2025 – Jan. 1, 2026
- Where: Government Plaza, 618 Almon Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- Pricing:
- Open Skate: $15 per person
- Family Skate Day (Tuesdays, presented by Coca-Cola): $12 per person + free Coca-Cola products
- Military Discount: $12 per person (Retired or Active Duty + up to 3 guests)
- Black Friday Skate Special: $10 per person
- New Year’s Day Skate Special: $10 per person (Jan. 1 only)
- Season Pass: $75 per person
- Group Rates:
- 25 vouchers: $300
- 50 vouchers: $600
- 100 vouchers: $1,200
- Purchase through Special Events only.
- Waiver:
- All skaters must complete the event waiver before skating.
- Sign Waiver
- Instagram | Website
Christmas on the Coosa Ice Rink | Gadsden
Opening on November 28 alongside the beloved Lighting of the Christmas Tree, this riverfront rink brings outdoor ice skating, food trucks, live entertainment and festive holiday fun to downtown Gadsden. With themed characters, polar bear statues, and nightly activities, it’s one of the most event-packed rinks in Alabama.
- When: Nov. 28 – Dec. 23, 2025
- Where: 344 1st Street, Gadsden, AL 35901
- Pricing:
- Weekdays (Mon–Thurs): $12 advance | $17 at the door
- Weekends (Fri–Sun): $15 advance | $20 at the door
- Skate Helper: $15 per 30 minutes
- Skate Times:
- 4PM – 6:30PM
- 6:30PM – 7PM: Ice resurfacing
- 7PM – 9PM
- Times subject to change based on ice conditions
- Season Highlights:
- Polar Bear Club with life-sized polar bear statues
- Food trucks + vendors daily
- Live music + holiday entertainment
- Special guests: Santa Claus, the Mean One, Cindy You-Know-Who
- Instagram | Website
Know an outdoor ice rink we missed? Be sure to let us know @thebamabuzz!
