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Every year, as Chicagoans are packing away their Halloween costumes and debating whether it’s too early to cue up the Christmas music, the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon begins to thaw from its summer slumber—or rather, freezes. The iconic ribbon of ice that winds through downtown Chicago like a frosted racetrack is a welcome event for those who still believe that the trials and tribulations (and dibs) of a Chicago winter can somehow be fun.
On Friday, November 14, the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon’s familiar scene will return: parents lacing tiny skates with military precision, couples testing the limits of romance and balance, and teenagers pretending not to hold onto the rink’s wall for dear life. Whether you’re a seasoned glider or just here for the hot chocolate, here’s everything you need to know before visiting the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon this winter.
RECOMMENDED: The best ice skating rinks in Chicago
When does the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon open?
The rink will officially open on Friday, November 14 at 11am.
What is the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon non-holiday schedule?
Monday–Friday (non-holiday): 11am–1pm, 2–4pm, 5–7pm and 8–10pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8–10am, 11am–1pm, 2–4pm, 5–7pm and 8–10pm
What is the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon holiday schedule?
Thanksgiving (November 27): 8–10am, 11am–1pm and 2–4pm
Day after Thanksgiving (November 28): 8–10am, 11am–1pm, 2–4pm, 5–7pm and 8–10pm
Holiday season (December 12, 2025–January 4, 2026): 8–10am, 11am–1pm, 2–4pm, 5–7pm and 8–10pm
Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25): 8–10am, 11am–1pm and 2–4pm
New Year's Eve (December 31): 8–10am, 11am–1pm, 2–4pm and 5–7pm
Find the full Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon 2025–26 schedule here.
When do reservations for the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon open?
Rolling reservations will be released at noon on the following dates:
Monday, November 17, 2025: Reservations for December 1–December 11
Monday, December 1, 2025: Reservations for December 12–January 4
Monday, December 22, 2025: Reservations for January 5–January 18
Monday, January 5, 2026: Reservations for January 19–February 1
Monday, January 19, 2026: Reservations for February 2–February 15
Monday, February 2, 2026: Reservations for February 16–March 1
Monday, February 23, 2026: Reservations for March 2–March 8 (closing day)
How long are skate sessions at the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon?
All skate sessions are two hours. The rink’s ice is resurfaced between each two-hour window.
How much does the Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon cost?
Reservations to visit the Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon are free and can be made here. That said, there are fees for both renting skates and bringing your own.
Here’s a look at skate rental rates:
Monday-Thursday (non-holiday): $17 online, $19 walk-up*
Friday–Sunday and holidays: $21 online, $23 walk-up*
BYO skates: Free first session, $5 all other sessions thereafter
Skate aids: $11
*Keep in mind that walkup skate rentals are only offered if a skate session is not sold out.