Living in the desert has never stopped Arizonans from enjoying winter holiday festivities.
Central and southern Arizona may not get a white Christmas, but that doesn’t mean there are not a surplus of holiday experiences to enjoy in metro Phoenix.
Each year outdoor ice skating rinks pop up across the Valley just in time for the holidays. Indoor ice skating rinks are also available yearround if that’s your preference.
Each ice rink across the Phoenix area differs in pricing, accommodations, events and hours.
Find out which ice skating rink you should visit this year to make your winter wonderland dreams come to life.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Christmas at the Princess
What’s better than experiencing a winter wonderland of holiday lights surrounded by the Sonoran Desert while skating with family and friends at Christmas at the Princess, the resort’s signature winter event?
The Desert Ice Rink encompasses 6,000 square feet of real ice, and the Alpine Skate Trail winds through the heart of the property. A pass for unlimited skating costs $40 in addition to admission to Christmas at the Princess. Skating is limited to those who can stand freely as ice skate assists are not included at the rink.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 4-11 p.m. Fridays-Sundays, Nov. 21 through Jan 3. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive. Admission is $32; parking is an extra $32. christmasattheprincess.com.
Skate Westgate in Glendale
The real-ice rink at Skate Westgate is back at the Westgate Entertainment District in Glendale. All skill levels are welcome, and tickets can be purchased near the rink in Fountain Park.
Admission with skate rentals for adults and children is $30, $25 if you bring your own skates. Toddlers with shoe sizes between 9T and 12T can skate for $25. Military members with ID can skate for $25 with skate rental.
Details: 4-9:45 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 12 p.m.-10:45 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 7 through Jan. 12. Westgate Entertainment District, 6770 N. Sunrise Blvd., Glendale. westgateaz.com.
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Mesa
Boasting 6,000 square feet of real ice, the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink is at City Plaza at Mesa City Center.
Admission includes one hour on the ice and your skate rental; there’s no discount if you bring your own skates. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance as there are a limited number of skaters allowed in the rink at once.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 12-10 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Nov. 28 through Jan 10. City Plaza at Mesa City Center, 56 E. Main St. $11 for one hour; includes skate rental. merrymainst.com. Extended hours; 12 p.m.-10 p.m. everyday, Dec. 20-Jan 4.
Desert Farm Lights Ice Rink in Surprise
Enjoy a Christmas experience encompassed by the desert with this outdoor skate rink. The rink is located on a 13 acre lot with lights and Christmas attractions along the property.
Admission includes a 45 minute skate time for $12 each, including skate rentals. Personal skates are not permitted on the rink. Ages three and up are welcome on the ice, however skate assist devices are first come first serve for beginner skaters. Adults must also be present for guests under 18-years-old.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Nov. 21 through Dec. 28. 14629 W Peoria Ave, Waddell, AZ 85355. Tickets can be purchased online at desertfarmlights.com.
AZ Ice in Arcadia, Gilbert and Peoria
If you prefer to skate indoors, AZ Ice has three indoor ice skating locations that offer public skating year-round.
The Arcadia location has one ice surface, a restaurant, bar and coffee shop.
The Gilbert and Peoria locations each have two ice surfaces, two restaurants and a bar.
Public skate times vary daily. Check the schedules at azicearcadia.com, azicegilbert.com and azicepeoria.com.
Details: AZ Ice Arcadia, 3853 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix. AZ Ice Gilbert, 2305 E. Knox Road. AZ Ice Peoria, 15829 N. 83rd Ave. $11 per session; $9.50 for ages 4-12; $7.50 for ages 55 and up; $5.50 for military; free for age 3 and under; skate rental is $4. azicearcadia.com, azicegilbert.com, and azicepeoria.com.
Ice Den in Chandler and Scottsdale
Both Ice Den locations offer public skating year-round in addition to being home to numerous amateur hockey clubs and junior teams as well as hosting USA Hockey and U.S. Figure Skating Association tournaments.
The Scottsdale location features three NHL regulation ice surfaces while the Chandler location has two. For public skating, reserve your day and time online in advance. Registration opens 48 hours ahead and closes when it hits capacity or one hour prior to the session.
Check the public skating calendar at icedenchandler.com and icedenscottsdale.com.
Details: Ice Den Chandler, 7225 W. Harrison St. Ice Den Scottsdale, 9375 E. Bell Road. Skate prices differ per week; check the calendar for updated prices. icedenchandler.com, icedenscottsdale.com.
Reporting by Paige Moore and Meredith G. White, Arizona Republic
