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Whether you are looking to escape the South Texas heat or glide under twinkling canopy lights during the winter holidays, finding a place to skate in the Alamo City is a memorable outing. While San Antonio is celebrated for sunshine and mild winters, the city and its surrounding Hill Country communities offer year-round indoor arenas, open-air holiday wonderlands, and classic neighborhood rinks.
From family weekend public skates to festive downtown date nights, here is your complete local guide to the best ice skating and roller skating rinks in San Antonio for 2026.
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Also check out these articles – December Events for Adults in San Antonio, December Events for Kids in San Antonio, San Antonio Holiday Season Preview, Christmas Lights San Antonio, Christmas Tree Lighting San Antonio, and Drive-Through Christmas Lights San Antonio.
Quick Guide: San Antonio Ice & Roller Skating Rinks
| Rink Name | Surface & Season | Area / City | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park | Outdoor Ice (Holiday Seasonal) | Downtown San Antonio | $15 ($7 Tuesdays) |
| Pearl Ice Rink | Outdoor Ice (Holiday Seasonal) | Broadway / Pearl District | $20 |
| Frost Plaza at The Rock at La Cantera | Outdoor Ice (Nov 21 – Jan 3) | Northwest San Antonio | $15 (Free parking) |
| Winter Carnival at Arnold Park | Outdoor Ice (Nov 20 – 21, 2026) | South Side San Antonio | $15 (Free festival entry) |
| Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Rink | Outdoor Ice (Nov 25 – Jan 3) | Fredericksburg, TX | $20 all-day ($15 Tuesdays) |
| Gruene Holiday Ice Rink | Outdoor Ice (Nov 21 – Jan 4) | New Braunfels, TX | $18 |
| Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods | Indoor NHL Ice (Year-Round) | North Central San Antonio | $14 + $6 skate rental |
| The Rollercade | Indoor Roller (Year-Round) | North Central / Alamo Heights | $9 – $15 |
| Skateland West | Indoor Roller (Year-Round) | West Side San Antonio | $7.39 – $10.16 |
| Car-Vel Skate Center | Indoor Roller (Year-Round) | Leon Valley / Northwest SA | $7 – $10 + $3 – $4 rental |
Seasonal Outdoor Ice Skating in San Antonio
Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park
Image credit: Rotary Ice Rink
Every winter, downtown San Antonio transforms historic Travis Park into a central gathering space anchored by the Rotary Ice Rink presented by Valero. Skaters can glide on real outdoor ice directly beneath the city’s official 50-foot Christmas tree, surrounded by historic architecture and thousands of lights.
The park offers seasonal concessions, hot cocoa stations, and weekend holiday events just blocks away from the River Walk. Visiting during twilight hours is a great way to catch the sunset before the park lights turn on for the evening, and budget-minded skaters can take advantage of $7 Cheap Skate Tuesdays.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 5 pm – 10 pm | Friday 5 pm – 11 pm | Saturday 12 pm – 11 pm | Sunday 1 pm – 8 pm
Where: 301 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX 78205
How Much: $15 general admission (includes skate rental); $7 on Cheap Skate Tuesdays
Pearl Ice Rink
Located along Broadway across from the Historic Pearl, this open-air pop-up rink provides a festive winter skating experience in one of the city’s central cultural districts. The rink offers skyline views, rideable skate aids for small children, and easy proximity to dining options across the Pearl complex.
Non-skating companions can explore the surrounding holiday photo displays, light tunnels, and festive decor while keeping an eye on skaters. Sessions run for one hour and include skate rentals with admission.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 3 pm – 10 pm | Friday – Sunday 10 am – 10 pm (hours vary by date)
Where: 250 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215
How Much: $20 – $28 (includes skate rental)
Frost Plaza Skating Rink at The Rock at La Cantera
Set within the Spurs’ training and entertainment campus in Northwest San Antonio, Frost Plaza at The Rock at La Cantera features an outdoor synthetic Glice skating rink from November 21, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Skaters can glide under festive canopy lights right next to the plaza’s 40-foot outdoor screen.
The surrounding plaza features fire pits, free holiday movie screenings, weekend artisan markets, and dining from local food pop-ups. General plaza entry and campus parking are completely free, making it easy to pair a skate session with budget-friendly holiday entertainment.
Operating Hours: Plaza open daily 9 am – 11 pm; Rink hours vary (Thurs – Sun 4 pm – 10 pm early Dec; daily 11 am – 10 pm Dec 19 – Jan 3; closed Thanksgiving & NYE)
Where: 1 Spurs Way, San Antonio, TX 78256
How Much: $15 per skater plus tax (includes skate rental; free parking and plaza admission)
Winter Carnival Ice Rink at Arnold Park
Hosted by the San Antonio Parks Foundation on the city’s South Side, the annual Winter Carnival at Arnold Park brings an outdoor holiday ice-skating rink along with classic amusement rides, carnival games, and local food vendors.
It provides an accessible, family-oriented option for families seeking holiday activities on the South Side, complete with free festival grounds admission, holiday photo opportunities, and budget-friendly skate wristbands.
Operating Hours: Friday, November 20, 2026: 3 pm – 10 pm | Saturday, November 21, 2026: 10 am – 10 pm
Where: 1011 Gillette Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78224
How Much: Free festival admission; $15 skating (includes rental) or $25 skating + carnival rides wristband
Year-Round Indoor Ice Skating & Hill Country Day-Trip Rinks
Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods
Image credit: Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods
The Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods is San Antonio’s only year-round indoor ice arena. Featuring a regulation 17,000-square-foot NHL ice sheet, this North Central facility hosts daily public skating sessions, youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating academies, and learn-to-skate group classes.
In addition to the ice rink, the venue offers indoor miniature golf and an arcade, making it a reliable destination for family afternoons, summer heat relief, and birthday parties. Skate walkers are available for rent to help beginners stay upright.
Operating Hours: Public Skate Daily 12:30 pm – 3 pm & Wednesday – Sunday 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (check schedule for tournament changes)
Where: 17530 Henderson Pass, San Antonio, TX 78232
How Much: $14 admission + $6 skate rental ($22 combo for public skate + mini golf)
Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Rink (Fredericksburg)
Image credit: Eisbahn Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
Situated about an hour northwest of San Antonio in historic Fredericksburg, Eisbahn is a seasonal open-air ice rink held annually from late November through early January under the Kinder Halle pavilion at Marktplatz. Skaters glide in the center of town surrounded by German holiday traditions, twinkling lights, and the 26-foot wooden Christmas pyramid.
The rink is organized by Heritage School and donates proceeds to local non-profit initiatives and student tuition assistance. Admission includes a come-and-go all-day pass so you can explore Main Street shops and return to the ice later.
Operating Hours: Daily 10 am – 10 pm (Nov 25, 2026 – Jan 3, 2027; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day)
Where: 122 W Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
How Much: $20 all-day come-and-go pass (includes skate rental); $15 discount rate on Tuesdays
Gruene Holiday Ice Rink (New Braunfels)
Located just 35 minutes northeast of San Antonio in the heart of the Gruene Historic District in New Braunfels, this seasonal open-air ice pavilion lets skaters glide alongside 19th-century storefronts and Texas’s oldest dance hall. Operating from late November through early January, the rink is decked out with heritage holiday lighting and festive concessions.
Because timed hourly sessions sell out quickly on weekends, reserving tickets online in advance is strongly recommended before making the drive up I-35.
Operating Hours: Daily 10 am – 10 pm (Nov 21, 2026 – Jan 4, 2027; hours vary on holidays)
Where: 1622 New Braunfels St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
How Much: $18 – $20 (includes 1-hour session and skate rental)
Year-Round Indoor Roller Skating Rinks in San Antonio
If you want year-round skating beyond Northwoods’ single indoor ice sheet, San Antonio’s classic roller rinks offer budget-friendly open sessions, DJ nights, and beginner lessons every week of the year.
The Rollercade
Serving the Alamo City since 1959, The Rollercade is a local institution featuring maple hardwood floors, classic disco lighting, and an energetic, family-friendly atmosphere. It offers a nostalgic skating experience for those looking for regular indoor rink time year-round.
The venue features arcade games, a snack bar serving retro favorites, and dedicated specialty nights including beginner family sessions, budget discount days, and adult-only evenings.
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday 4 pm – 10 pm | Wednesday 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm | Thursday 6 pm – 10 pm | Friday 4 pm – 10 pm | Saturday 2 pm – 10 pm | Sunday 2 pm – 8 pm
Where: 223 Recoleta Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216
How Much: $9 – $15
Skateland West
Operating for more than 50 years on the city’s West Side, Skateland West is a spacious roller rink known for open skate sessions, weekend DJ events, and private party packages. The facility features modern sound and lighting alongside Saturday afternoon beginner skate lessons.
Families looking for an affordable outing can take advantage of value-focused weeknight sessions where parents skate alongside their kids at discounted rates.
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday 6 pm – 9 pm | Friday 6 pm – 10:30 pm | Saturday 2 pm – 10:30 pm | Sunday 2 pm – 6 pm
Where: 2327 SW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78227
How Much: $7.39 – $10.16
Car-Vel Skate Center
Image credit: Car-Vel Skate Center
Located in Leon Valley on the northwest side of San Antonio, Car-Vel Skate Center provides a classic community rink experience that has entertained multiple generations of Alamo City skaters. The rink offers a friendly, retro neighborhood vibe, affordable admission, and birthday party packages.
Skate trainers are also available for young children finding their footing on wheels, making it an easy starter spot for first-time skaters.
Operating Hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday 6 pm – 9:30 pm | Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday 8 pm – 11 pm | Friday 7 pm – 10 pm | Saturday 2 pm – 10 pm | Sunday 2 pm – 5 pm
Where: 6807 Bandera Rd, San Antonio, TX 78238
How Much: $7 – $10 admission; $3 – $4 skate rental depending on session
Know Before You Go: San Antonio Skating Tips
While several of San Antonio’s premier skating destinations are located in central corridors like Downtown, the Broadway Cultural Corridor, and North Central along US-281, they are readily accessible to surrounding communities like Stone Oak, Helotes, Schertz, Boerne, and New Braunfels within a 20-to-35-minute drive.
- Sock Selection Matters: Avoid thick cotton gym socks that bunch up inside skate boots. Wear tall, medium-thickness moisture-wicking socks extending past the top collar of your skate boot to prevent friction blisters.
- Reserve Holiday Time Slots in Advance: Seasonal outdoor rinks at Travis Park, The Pearl, and La Cantera maintain firm capacity limits on the ice. Weekend evening slots regularly sell out; booking timed admission online guarantees entry.
- Layer Appropriately: Indoor arenas like Northwoods maintain internal temperatures near 50°F to preserve the ice sheet. Wear comfortable layers, flexible athletic pants, and light gloves, even during the heat of summer.
FAQs About Ice Skating in San Antonio
Does San Antonio have an ice skating rink open year-round?
Yes. The Ice & Golf Center at Northwoods, located off US-281 and Henderson Pass in North Central San Antonio, operates year-round with a regulation indoor NHL ice sheet hosting daily public open skating ($14 admission plus $6 skate rental), figure skating training, and hockey leagues.
Are there any free or discounted ice skating options in San Antonio?
While all San Antonio ice rinks charge a fee to skate on the ice, you can enjoy free festival grounds admission, holiday light displays, and free parking at Frost Plaza at The Rock at La Cantera and the Winter Carnival at Arnold Park. For budget skating, visit the Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park on Cheap Skate Tuesdays for $7 admission, including skate rentals.
When do seasonal outdoor ice rinks open in San Antonio?
Outdoor pop-up rinks—including the Rotary Ice Rink at Travis Park, Pearl Ice Rink, and Frost Plaza at The Rock at La Cantera—generally open the week before Thanksgiving (around November 20–21, 2026) and run through the first week of January.
Can you wear jeans to an ice skating rink?
You can wear jeans, but they are not recommended. Denim restricts knee and hip flexibility and absorbs moisture quickly if you fall, leaving you damp and cold. Flexible athletic joggers, workout leggings, or track pants provide better movement and comfort.
Looking for more? See the upcoming Weekend Events in San Antonio.
- Best Places for Ice Skating San Antonio & Nearby - November 13, 2026
- San Antonio Holiday Season Preview 2026: River Lighting & Festivals - November 12, 2026
- Things To Do This Weekend in San Antonio – November 13 – 15, 2026 - November 12, 2026
