Houston, Texas, may not experience a traditional winter, but it still offers several ice skating rinks during the holiday season, providing residents and visitors with a unique winter activity. Let’s take a look at the different ice skating rink options in Houston, their unique features, special events, and the overall ice skating experience in this diverse city.
Ice skating Houston is one of the most enjoyable winter activities you can partake in. Despite Houston’s typically warm climate, the city offers a plethora of ice skating rinks that allow residents and visitors to revel in the joy of the holiday season. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best ice skating rinks in Houston.
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Best Places to Skate in Houston
Let’s take a look at some of the best ice rink options in the Houston area.
Galleria
A spectacular fusion of holiday shopping and ice skating
The Galleria is not just a shopping paradise; it’s also home to a magical ice rink. Nestled next to the gigantic Christmas tree, the rink offers visitors a chance to glide on the ice after tackling their holiday shopping list.
Price: Admission is $25 per person, including skate rental.
Galveston
An enchanting indoor rink amidst a festival of lights
The only indoor ice skating rink in Galveston is a must-visit. After marveling at the dazzling Festival of Lights, visitors can enjoy a spin on the ice.
Price: Festival admission is $25, with an additional fee for skate rental.
The Woodlands
A winter wonder brought to life for all ages
The Woodlands’ new 21,000 square-foot facility freezes over to create a beautifully adorned ice skating rink. It’s a delightful place for both young ones and adults to create some ice skating memories.
Price: Admission ranges from $10-13.
Discovery Green
The Southwest’s largest outdoor skating arena
Discovery Green offers the largest outdoor ice skating arena in the Southwest. The 7,716 square foot rink uses recycled water from Kinder Lake. There’s also a special rink, Ice Box, for skaters aged 4 and under.
Price: General admission is $17, including skate rental.
Willowbrook
A place to learn, practice, or just have fun on the ice
If you’re looking to learn, figure skate, or just freestyle on the ice, the Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex at Willowbrook is the place to be. The rink also hosts special performances like Nutcracker On Ice in early December.
Price: General admission is $11, with an additional $5 for skate rental.
Memorial City
A hub of ice skating activities in the heart of the city
Ice Skate Memorial City offers a variety of activities. From birthday parties to skating lessons and hockey leagues, it’s a hub of ice skating activities. Plus, it’s conveniently located in Memorial City Mall, close to the food court and all the mall restaurants.
Price: Admission is $15.
Sugar Land
A suburban winter wonderland offering more than just ice skating
Sugar Land’s ice skating rink is already a hit with locals and well worth the trip for everyone else. If you’re more of a spectator, don’t miss the Nutcracker on Ice, performed on December 10-11.
Price: Admission starts at $12, including skate rental.
Rink Operating Hours
| Rink | Monday – Friday | Saturday, HISD School Holidays, Thanksgiving Day | Sunday | Christmas & New Year’s Eve | Christmas & New Year’s Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galleria | 5-10 pm | 11 am-11 pm | 11 am – 8 pm | 11 am-7 pm | 1-7 pm |
| Galveston | 5-10 pm | 11 am-11 pm | 11 am – 8 pm | 11 am-7 pm | 1-7 pm |
| The Woodlands | 5-10 pm | 11 am-11 pm | 11 am – 8 pm | 11 am-7 pm | 1-7 pm |
| Discovery Green | 5-10 pm | 11 am-11 pm | 11 am – 8 pm | 11 am-7 pm | 1-7 pm |
| Willowbrook | 5-10 pm | 11 am-11 pm | 11 am – 8 pm | 11 am-7 pm | 1-7 pm |
| Memorial City | 5-10 pm | 11 am-11 pm | 11 am – 8 pm | 11 am-7 pm | 1-7 pm |
| Sugar Land | 5-10 pm | 11 am-11 pm | 11 am – 8 pm | 11 am-7 pm | 1-7 pm |
Please note: On Dec. 18 and Jan. 15, the rinks will close to the public at 5 pm. The last ticket sales are at 3:30 pm.
