Chicago's Famous Ice Skating Ribbon Opens Friday. Here's What to Know Before You Go
DOWNTOWN CHICAGO: One of Chicago's most recognizable winter traditions is returning this Friday, giving families, couples and visitors another reason to head Downtown as the holiday season approaches.
The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon officially opens November 13, 2026, welcoming skaters back to its winding ice path surrounded by trees, parkland and views of Chicago's skyline.
Unlike a traditional circular skating rink, the ribbon follows a curved route through the park, creating a different outdoor skating experience.
The season is scheduled to continue through March 7, 2027, weather permitting. Reservations for the first skating dates are already available, with tickets released in stages throughout the winter.
Here's how to plan your visit, including skating sessions, ticket prices and what to explore nearby.
What Makes Maggie Daley Park's Ice Skating Ribbon Different?
Located at 337 E. Randolph Street, Maggie Daley Park is one of Downtown Chicago's popular outdoor recreation destinations.
The Ice Skating Ribbon is particularly well known for its winding design, allowing visitors to skate through the park rather than repeatedly circle a traditional rink.
The course offers views of surrounding skyscrapers, landscaped areas and illuminated city buildings during evening sessions.
Its location also makes it convenient for a winter date or family outing, with Millennium Park, the Chicago Cultural Center and Downtown restaurants nearby.
The ribbon is opening ahead of the Chicago Park District's other neighborhood outdoor skating rinks, which are currently scheduled to begin their season November 27.
For visitors hoping to enjoy Chicago's outdoor skating season before Thanksgiving, Maggie Daley Park offers an early opportunity.
How Do Reservations Work for the Ice Skating Ribbon?
Every skater needs a reservation for a specific two-hour session, even when bringing their own skates or booking a free session.
Reservations opened November 2 for skating dates from November 13 through November 29.
Additional dates will become available on a rolling schedule.
| Reservation Release | Available Skating Dates |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2026 | November 13–29 |
| November 16, 2026 | November 30–December 10 |
| November 30, 2026 | December 11–January 3 |
| December 21, 2026 | January 4–17 |
| January 4, 2027 | January 18–31 |
Later skating dates will be released throughout January and February.
Visitors can select their preferred date, session time and ticket type through the official Maggie Daley Park reservation page.
Available Skating Sessions
Monday–Friday (non-holiday):
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
2–4 p.m.
5–7 p.m.
8–10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday:
8–10 a.m.
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
2–4 p.m.
5–7 p.m.
8–10 p.m.
The park resurfaces the ice between sessions.
Because capacity is limited, weekend and evening reservations may sell out. Walk-up tickets are offered only when space remains available.
How Much Does Ice Skating Cost in 2026?
Ticket prices depend on whether visitors bring their own skates or rent them onsite.
Skate Rental Prices
| Day | Online | Walk-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday (non-holiday) | $17 | $19 |
| Friday–Sunday, holidays and holiday season | $21 | $23 |
Prices are per skater, per session. Walk-up tickets are available only when the session is not sold out.
Bringing Your Own Skates
Visitors with their own skates can save money.
Monday–Friday (non-holiday): Free during the 11 a.m. session; $5 during other sessions.
Saturday, Sunday and holidays: Free during the 8 a.m. session; $5 during other sessions.
That means visitors attending opening day on Friday, November 13, can reserve the 11 a.m. session at no charge when bringing their own skates, subject to availability.
For Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, the free bring-your-own-skates session is scheduled for 8 a.m.
Additional amenities include skate aids for $11, available first-come, first-served, and lockers for $3 to $5.
Rental skates are available in children's size 8 through adult size 15, without half sizes.
Important: Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets are generally nonrefundable unless the ribbon closes, and visitors should review the park's transfer policies before booking.
Planning Your First Visit? Here's What to Know
A little preparation can make the experience more comfortable, particularly for families visiting with children or anyone skating outdoors for the first time.
Dress for Chicago's November weather. Wear warm layers, gloves and comfortable clothing that allows movement. Temperatures can feel colder during evening sessions.
Arrive before your reserved time. Allow enough time to check in, obtain rental skates if needed and store personal belongings.
Know the skating rules. Strollers, backpacks, cameras and phones are not permitted on the ice. Only visitors wearing skates may enter the ribbon.
Check for weather updates. The ribbon operates outdoors, and management may close sessions when conditions require it. Registered visitors will be notified of cancellations.
Consider public transportation. Maggie Daley Park is accessible from Downtown CTA rail and bus connections. Visitors driving can use nearby parking garages, including Millennium Lakeside Garage beneath the park.
For parking information, visit Maggie Daley Park's official visitor guide.
Make It a Downtown Chicago Date or Family Outing
One of the biggest attractions of skating at Maggie Daley Park is the surrounding neighborhood.
The park connects to Millennium Park through the BP Bridge, making it easy to continue exploring Downtown before or after a skating session.
Families can visit Cloud Gate, better known as The Bean, for photos with Chicago's skyline reflected in its mirrored surface.
For a daytime outing, the nearby Chicago Cultural Center offers free exhibitions and architectural interiors, including its famous stained-glass dome.
Couples planning an evening visit can reserve a sunset or nighttime skating session, then explore nearby Loop restaurants for dinner or warm up with coffee afterward.
The combination of outdoor recreation, public art, dining and walkable attractions makes Maggie Daley Park a memorable place to experience Chicago during the colder months.
For Downtown residents, the ribbon is also an example of the seasonal activities available near the Loop, Lakeshore East and surrounding neighborhoods.
Explore Chicago Living Beyond the Skyline
Maggie Daley Park's skating season highlights one of the benefits of Downtown Chicago living: access to public spaces, cultural attractions and seasonal activities within a relatively compact area.
For buyers and relocation clients considering the Loop, Lakeshore East, Streeterville or South Loop, proximity to parks, public transportation, restaurants and neighborhood amenities can be important when comparing homes.
The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps buyers, sellers and renters navigate Chicago's housing market with local neighborhood expertise and personalized guidance.
Interested in making Downtown Chicago your next home? Connect with our team to explore available condos, compare neighborhood amenities and find a property that fits your lifestyle and budget.
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