Where to go ice skating in Chicago: 16 best rinks

Situated in the heart of downtown Chicago with the city's sweeping skyline as a backdrop, the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a winter attraction unlike any other. Skaters can lace up and wind around a winding ice-covered path that's twice the length of a lap around a traditional rink. Reservations for the popular ice rink should be made in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Admission: Mon-Thu free if you bring skates, Fri-Sun and holidays free at 11am if you bring skates or $5 at all other times
Skate rentals: Mon-Thu $17-$19, Fri-Sun and holidays $21-$23

Skate under the Chicago skyline and within eyeshot of the Chicago Christmas Tree at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park. Plus, take advantage of free skating lessons on most Saturdays and Sundays, where you can learn both beginner- and intermediate-level skills. Note that you'll need to make a free online reservation for both regular skating and lessons, and if it seems too warm to skate, call ahead—this rink is open through February 2, weather permitting.

Admission: Free if you bring skates
Skate rentals: Mon-Thu $16, Fri-Sun and holidays $20

Located on the terrace of The Peninsula Chicago, the 2,100-square-foot Sky Rink offers ice skating in the shadows of the city's tallest buildings, all while overlooking Michigan Avenue. Show off your skills in a winter wonderland featuring snowflake lighting and festive music, and when you need to warm up, grab a hot drink and snack at the Chalet.

Skate rentals: $20 adults, $10 kids

If you're jonesing for an outdoor Christmas adventure this year, the folks behind Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up are bringing back its winter sibling, Jack Frost, in Fulton Market. The sprawling two-acre attraction boasts a Christmas market, photo opportunities and a variety of activities like ice skating, bumper cars, axe throwing, curling and more. The pop-up is open through January 5.

Admission with skate rental: Starts at $23

If you’ve ever wanted to skate on the same ice as the Chicago Blackhawks, you’re in luck. Fifth Third Arena, which is just a few blocks from the United Center, serves as the NHL team’s practice space, and also offers up public skating times nearly every day. The arena also hosts its own adult and youth hockey leagues, and can be rented out for birthday parties or special events.

Admission: $12
Skate rentals: $5

Want to watch planes fly out of Midway while you glide across the ice? Wentworth Park is located just to the west of Chicago's South Side airport and houses a skating rink that's open to guests seven days a week. Pre-registration is required for open skate, and available here.

Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $7

Not far from the Beverly Arts Center in the Mt. Greenwood neighborhood, this ice rink offers skating programs, open skate times and provides a limited number of walkers for those just learning to skate. Pre-registration is required for open skate, and available here.

Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $7

During the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, Midway Plaisance Park was filled with amusement park rides and attractions. Today, the park serves as a connector between Jackson and Washington Park, and makes way for a sizable ice rink. Pre-registration is required for open skate, and available here.