Nothing says the holidays like bundling up, lacing up some skates, and sliding (sometimes slipping!) into the season. At the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink, the spirit of winter wonderland awaits, with 9,000 square feet of real ice and holiday cheer in every corner. So grab your scarves, wrangle the little ones, and let’s plan an ice-tacular family outing!
1. Mark Your Calendar
The rink is open daily from November 15 through January 12, including holidays. Whether you’re gliding gracefully or channeling a wobbly Santa, there’s plenty of time to join the fun. Pick a weekday for fewer crowds, or hit the weekend if you love skating alongside other holiday revelers.
Weekday Tickets (Mon–Thurs, excluding Dec. 20–Jan. 5): $15
Weekend Tickets (Fri–Sun, excluding Dec. 20–Jan. 5): $20
Winter Break Tickets (Dec. 20–Jan. 5): $25
Pro Tip: Got a budding figure skater? Season Passes let you skate to your heart’s content, and with zero reservations required, you’ll feel like a VIP on ice. Buy tickets and season passes early at bellevueicerink.com so there’s no Grinch-like waiting.
2. Bundle Up Like a Snowman (But Not Too Much!)
Layer up for outdoor winter fun, but leave room to move! Gloves, hats, and warm socks are must-haves—plus helmets are great for the little ones (and the adults who may be doing more “falling” than “skating”). The rink is covered, so there is no need to fret over a bit of rain—your holiday spirit will stay as cozy as your cocoa.
3. Arrive Early
Parking at Bellevue Downtown Park is free, but on busy days, spaces fill up faster than a snowball fight. Check a map and look for alternative lots. Then, book tickets online to avoid standing in line, and you’ll be gliding instead of waiting!
4. Free Lessons: Because Santa Didn’t Bring Skating Skills
Are you new to skating? Not a problem! Thanks to Microsoft, you can enjoy free skate lessons. The patient instructors will help even the wobbliest elves learn a trick or two. (Parents, you’re welcome to join—no judgment here if you hold onto the wall for dear life.) Free lessons are available on November 19, November 21, November 26, December 3, December 5, December 10, December 12, December 17, December 19, January 7, January 9.
5. Bring Out the Festive Costumes for Themed Skate Nights
Themed skate nights are where your inner holiday elf can shine! Check the rink’s social media pages for updates—think of the possibilities: Christmas sweaters on Saturday nights, candy-cane stripes, or maybe even a matching reindeer family look. Check the calendar here.
6. Snack Break: The Secret Ingredient for Festive Fun
Treat yourselves to hot cocoa and festive goodies at the concession stand. A warm drink between laps can recharge even the weariest skaters (and you can say it’s all part of the “athlete” experience). Find a cozy spot in the viewing area to sip, snack, and cheer on the bravest skaters on the ice!
7. Add a Dash of Extra Holiday Magic Nearby
Once you’ve had your fill of skating (and maybe a few falls), extend the holiday cheer around Bellevue:
Garden d’Lights: Stroll through Bellevue Botanical Garden to see dazzling lights, perfect for little ones with big eyes. Click here for info.
Snowflake Lane: Head to The Bellevue Collection for parades, music, and more holiday spirit than you can shake a candy cane at! Click here for info.
KidsQuest Children’s Museum Gingerbread Workshops: Get hands-on with gingerbread decorating—if your icing skills are more “abstract,” you’ll fit right in.
These nearby activities will make sure the holiday spirit lasts long after your skates are off!
Lace Up and Let the Holiday Hijinks Begin
Whether spinning like a pro or doing the “hold-on-for-dear-life shuffle,” the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink is the ultimate place to embrace winter magic with your family. So bundle up, bring your festive spirit (and maybe an extra pair of mittens), and make some holiday memories on the ice that’ll warm your heart all season long.
