Ice skating is not just a sport, but an intoxicating blend of elegance, thrill, and fun. And when it comes to ice skating Dallas, you are spoiled with choices. From the iconic Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center to the seasonal rinks that pop up during the holiday season, Dallas offers a myriad of options for skaters of all levels. In this article, we will journey through the best places for ice skating in Dallas, and relive some unforgettable moments from the past.
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A Storied Past: The Legacy of Galleria Ice Skating Center
The legacy of ice skating in Dallas traces back to 1982 with the opening of the Galleria Dallas. The occasion was marked by stunning performances from Olympic Champion Dorthy Hamill, setting the tone for the venue’s future. Since then, the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center has been graced by more Olympic Champions and athletes than any other venue in Texas, earning it a prestigious position in the ice skating world.
The Kristi Yamaguchi Phenomenon
One of the most memorable moments in the history of the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center was the appearance of Olympic Champion Kristi Yamaguchi in 1992. Yamaguchi, fresh off her Olympic victory, was invited to perform her award-winning routines for the Texas audience. The event drew thousands of people, causing traffic to halt and marking that day as “Kristi Yamaguchi Day” in Dallas and Houston. The sheer magnitude of the event left a lasting impression on Yamaguchi, who later described it as her first taste of celebrity status.
2. Year-Round Ice Skating Venues in Dallas
Dallas offers several venues for year-round ice skating, making it a haven for skating enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for open skating times, group lessons, or even hockey training, you’ll find it all in Dallas.
Galleria Dallas
Known for its spectacular view and fabulous multi-levels, the Galleria Dallas offers fun or group classes for skating. The holiday season sees the installation of the nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree at the center of the rink. The rink also hosts special entertainers and shows, adding to the festive atmosphere.
StarCenters
The StarCenters, with eight locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, offer public skating, ice skating lessons, hockey camps, and much more. The Dallas Stars’ Try Skating for Free Program is a fantastic opportunity for all ages to receive basic ice-skating instruction from trained coaches.
Allen Community Ice Rink
Located inside Allen Event Center, the Allen Community Ice Rink offers introductory ice-skating classes for little ones aged 3 and up. More competitive skaters can join the youth or adult hockey programs.
The Parks at Arlington Mall
Inside The Parks at Arlington Mall, you can find an ice rink offering lessons for kids as young as 3. More advanced figure skaters can sign up for private one-on-one lessons
Lone Star Brahmas
Home to the Lone Star Brahmas hockey team, this venue also offers learn-to-skate lessons for children 3 and up. Hockey and figure skating courses for kids starting at age 6 are also available.
Seasonal Ice Skating Rinks in Dallas
The holiday season in Dallas brings with it a flurry of temporary, seasonal ice-skating rinks, each offering a unique skating experience. Below, we recount some of the most notable seasonal ice rinks for the 2022-23 season.
Stockyards Rodeo Rink
In a partnership with Hotel Drover, the Fort Worth Stockyards and Mule Alley are preparing to launch the inaugural Stockyards Rodeo Rink. The winter wonderland will include festive programming, live music, and a holiday lights display.
Historic Downtown Grapevine
The Christmas Capital of Texas is enhancing its merrymaking this season by debuting its first outdoor ice rink. The 4,500-square-foot open-air rink will be made with real ice and have its own adjacent concession area.
Skating Classes and Special Events
Dallas offers numerous ice skating classes and special events for those looking to learn or improve their skating skills. The Children’s Health StarCenter and the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center are two such venues offering various classes and events.
StarCenter Skating
The StarCenter offers a range of public skating options, with or without skate rental, at various locations. Interested individuals can enroll online or in person. The StarCenter also offers special events like homeschool skates and parents’ night out.
Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center
The Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center offers private lessons and broomball sessions. The rink can also be rented out for private events.
Skater Reviews
The ice skating venues in Dallas have consistently received positive reviews from visitors. Many have applauded the quality of instruction, the excellent facilities, and the overall fun-filled atmosphere. One reviewer praised the teachers at the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Center for helping her daughter improve her skating skills.
Seasonal Ice Skating Rinks (continued)
Gaylord Texan
The Gaylord Texan offers a 6,000-square-foot rink made with real ice, along with other winter activities like snow tubing and building your own snowman.
Radiance! Featuring Frozen in Frisco
The Radiance! holiday lights show features an all-new family attraction called Frozen in Frisco, with a two-story ice tubing hill, ice skating, snowball throw, bumper cars on ice, and more.
Christmas in the Square
Christmas in the Square returns with a real ice skating rink, located on the corner of Main and Coleman.
Ice Skating with a Twist: Synthetic Surfaces
For those seeking novelty in their ice skating experience, Dallas offers synthetic surfaces that allow for ice skating in unexpected venues. For instance, Classic Holiday Ice Skating Rinks provide the option of having an ice rink delivered to the site of your choosing.
NHL Team’s Contribution: StarCenter
The Dallas Stars NHL team has contributed significantly to the promotion of ice skating in Dallas with their seven StarCenter locations. In addition to public skating, the centers offer hockey camps, private lessons, and special theme nights.
ICE at The Parks
For the past 19 years, ICE at The Parks has offered a full-sized NHL regulation hockey rink for casual skating sessions or a hockey match. The rink can be rented out for private parties, complete with lessons from a professional coach.
Final Thoughts
Ice skating Dallas is an experience like no other, combining the exhilaration of the sport with the charm and beauty of the city. Whether you’re an experienced skater or a beginner, Dallas offers a range of options to suit your needs. So go ahead, lace up your skates, and glide into the magic of ice skating in Dallas.
