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Thrillist Weekend Guides

Thrillist's guide to everything you can do this weekend and this month—from hot new restaurants to art exhibits to outdoor activities.

Thrillist Weekend Guides: Everything Happening This Weekend and This Month

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Events

Phoenicians make the most of their desert climes by knowing when to get outdoors and when it’s time to stay cool inside.

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Christkindlmarket Chicago

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Nation

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Between Rome, Florence, and Venice, Italian cities are beloved by tourists.

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New York

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Lifestyle

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Nashville

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Maybe you happen to live in some fairytale ski town where your winters are a perpetual state of après-ski.

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Houston

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Blessed with the best of both worlds—a big, urban concrete jungle and an abundance of natural landscapes—Houston bursts with exciting things to do and thrilling places to explore.

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Dallas

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There’s always something going down in the Big D. A look at the city’s offerings might leave you dizzy: record shops, vintage shops, museums, bar arcades, nerdy bookstores, restaurants, bars, brunches, sports aplenty, and a thriving music and arts scene.

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Philadelphia

Photo credit: Gab Bonghi, photo courtesy of 48 Record Bar

December is your last chance to fulfill all those New Year’s Resolutions that went, well, unresolved.

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McFetridge Sports Center

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McFetridge Ice Arena

From pop-up seasonal rinks to indoor facilities, these ice skating spots in Chicago offer fun for all ages.

Maggie Daley Park

Ah, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/chicago/things-to-do-in-chicago">winter in Chicago</a>. Sure, it may not be as action-packed as summer, but it has its merits. There’s a palpable, heartwarming camaraderie that comes with a season so stark it’s basically just survival at its most primal. It’s also prime time for unapologetic comfort food, hibernating for months on end, and honing your skills for game night. And let’s not forget the sheer adrenaline rush of gliding over sheets of ice on blades of carbon steel, like the winter god that you are. Indeed, a city like Chicago, with its extended winters, knows how to make the most of the chilly season and keep things fun year round. Both indoors and out, ice skating rinks come in all different sizes and shapes—from standard ovals to not-so-standard “ribbons”—all over the city. As you brace for another classic Chicago winter, here’s where to lace up and embrace your inner Michelle Kwan.

Ah, <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/entertainment/chicago/things-to-do-in-chicago">winter in Chicago</a>. Sure, it may not be as action-packed as summer, but it has its merits. There’s a palpable, heartwarming camaraderie that comes with a season so stark it’s basically just survival at its most primal. It’s also prime time for unapologetic comfort food, hibernating for months on end, and honing your skills for game night. And let’s not forget the sheer adrenaline rush of gliding over sheets of ice on blades of carbon steel, like the winter god that you are. Indeed, a city like Chicago, with its extended winters, knows how to make the most of the chilly season and keep things fun year round. Both indoors and out, ice skating rinks come in all different sizes and shapes—from standard ovals to not-so-standard “ribbons”—all over the city. As you brace for another classic Chicago winter, here’s where to lace up and embrace your inner Michelle Kwan.

One of the most unique ice skating experiences in Chicago, the ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is a far cry from your run-of-the-mill oval. Rather, it’s a roving pathway that meanders through whimsical landscaping and around seasonal climbing walls, like a frozen-oven lazy river with the downtown skyline as your backdrop.&nbsp;<a href="https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/ice-skating-reservations/" target="_blank">Reserve</a> your 90 minute session ahead of time to guarantee your time on the ice. Cost: Tickets and skate rental prices vary (more information <a href="https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/ice-skating-reservations/" target="_blank">here</a>) Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-do-see/ice-skating-reservations/" target="_blank">here</a>)

Photo by Abel Arciniega

Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon

If you’re looking for a centrally located place to skate complete with stellar views and tasty snacks, look no further. McCormick Tribune Skating Rink sits in the heart of Millenium Park, while nearby Momentum Coffee will be serving up warm drinks and eats to keep you sated. Snag a <a href="https://millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com/" target="_blank">reservation</a> for a 90 minute session before you head out, and remember that this is the <a href="https://chicago.curbed.com/2017/4/6/15207352/millennium-park-navy-pier-attraction-attendance" target="_blank">most visited tourist destination in the entire Midwest</a>— so the rink tends to fill up fast. Cost: Admission is free (<a href="https://millenniumparkiceskating.showare.com/" target="_blank">reservations</a> required); skate rentals start at $13 each Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park10.html" target="_blank">here</a>)

McCormick Tribune Skating Rink 

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

In the summer months, Wrigley Field is hallowed ground for one of America’s most storied baseball teams. Come winter, though, and the turf transforms into a full-blown winter wonderland, complete with a German-style holiday market, Santa’s Workshop, and an ice rink located literally inside the ballpark. Along with kid-friendly rides and attractions, like the Wintertube ice slide, ice bumper cars, and Hot Cocoa Cups, which are basically theme park-like Tea Cups, but merrier, ice skating is a star attraction at the aptly dubbed Winterland. Cost: $5 admission to Wrigley Field, plus rink access costs three tickets for $12 Hours: 3 - 9 pm, Monday - Thursday; 11 am - 10 pm, Friday - Saturday; 11 am - 7 pm, Sunday

Gallagher Way Chicago

Gallagher Ice Rink

From its birch tree maze to its interactive LED displays, Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier is always popping this time of year, but the heated indoor alpine skating rink decked out with a twinkly curtain of lights is worth the trip alone. In addition to rink access, your ticket includes a ride on the legendary Centennial Ferris wheel, a visit with Santa (if he’s around), and the opportunity to marvel at more than 600,000 holiday lights.&nbsp;Another great perk? Navy Pier boasts some of the most Instagram-worthy waterfront panoramas in the city. Cost: Tickets and skate rental prices vary (more information <a href="https://navypier.org/light-up-the-lake/" target="_blank">here</a>) Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://navypier.org/light-up-the-lake/" target="_blank">here</a>)

Navy Pier

Light Up The Lake

Along with an NHL-sized public ice rink in the park’s great lawn, Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park also offers upscale dining, live entertainment, bowling, a movie theater, indoor skydiving, and a comedy club. And if that isn’t enough, the nearby Fashion Outlet of Chicago is filled to the brim for a little post-skate retail therapy. Come for the ice and stay for the winter wonderland experience—masked and distanced, of course. Cost: Admission is free; skate rentals run $8 each Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://rosemont.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/20211102142212/Skating21_11x17FINAL.pdf?tag=P3_AMAZON_TAG&amp;asc_source=P3_UTM_SOURCE&amp;asc_campaign=P3_UTM_CAMPAIGN&amp;asc_refurl=P3_ARTICLE_LINK" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer sponsored" class="has-affiliate-link noskim">here</a>)

Photo courtesy of Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park

Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park

Parkway Bank Park at Rosemont

South Side staple Midway Plaisance Park is a Park District-run rink outfitted with a warming center plus ski rentals for adults and kids. A full roster of additional activities include skating lessons, stick and puck games, rat hockey (a pick-up style game for adults that requires players to bring their own equipment and not body-check each other), pond hockey, broomball and more—just make sure to <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/midway-plaisance-ice-rink#Register" target="_blank">register online</a> before hitting the ice. Cost: Admission is free; skate rentals run $7 each Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/midway-plaisance-ice-rink" target="_blank">here</a>)

Pavel Ilyukhin/Shutterstock

Midway Plaisance Park

Midway Plaisance Ice Rink

Not only does the swanky Peninsula Chicago sports Chicago’s only <a href="https://www.peninsula.com/en/chicago/special-offers/rooms/peninsula-sky-rink" target="_blank">hotel ice rink</a>, it just so happens to overlook all the hustle and bustle of Michigan Avenue from its frosty perch on The Terrace. The hotel’s Chalet is stocked with warm beverages and food, and if a private experience with just your family and friends sounds like a plan, you can even request to rent out the entire 2,100-square-foot rink. Cost: Admission is free; skate rentals run $20 each ($10 for kids 12 and under) Hours: Days and hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.peninsula.com/en/chicago/special-offers/rooms/peninsula-sky-rink" target="_blank">here</a>)

The Peninsula Chicago

Sky Rink

Peninsula Sky Rink

A neighborhood favorite, Warren Park houses a well-kept outdoor rink stacked with activities via the Park District, from stick and puck games to ice skating lessons. Pro-tip: The park is conveniently located near Little India, so a <a href="https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/best-indian-food-in-chicago" target="_blank">post-skate samosa</a> or two is never far away. Cost: Admission is free; skate rentals run $7 each Hours: Days and hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/warren-park-ice-rink" target="_blank">here</a>)

Warren Park

Don’t let the big guys intimidate you at this massive indoor facility. McFetridge Ice Rink is a year-round sports center that attracts figure skaters, synchronized skaters, and hockey players from all corners of the city. <a href="https://www.mcfetridgesportscenter.com/ice-skating-1/public-skate" target="_blank">Public skate</a> hours are limited and require registration, and if you’re interested in getting a little more involved, be sure to look over their <a href="https://www.mcfetridgesportscenter.com/ice-skating-1/ice-rink-calendar" target="_blank">online schedule</a> for group activities, lessons, leagues, and more. Cost: Tickets run $5 per adult (discounts available); skate rentals run $3 each Hours: Open daily; hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://www.mcfetridgesportscenter.com/ice-skating-1/ice-rink-calendar" target="_blank">here</a>)

McFetridge Ice Rink

One of the Blackhawks’ practice sites, this community ice rink hosts a wide variety of organized activities and lessons in addition to public skating hours. An added bonus? Order food at Fifth Third Arena Concessions and drinks at Fifth Third Arena Bar for a ready-made date night. Hockey fans should also check the calendar to see when they can catch the pros practicing their moves. Cost: Tickets run $12 per person; skate rentals run $5 each Hours: Days and hours vary (check the calendar <a href="https://member.dashplatform.com/#/online/blackhawks/calendar?location=1&amp;start=2021-12-17&amp;end=2022-01-31" target="_blank">here</a>)

Fifth Third Arena

Black Hawk's Community Ice Rink

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/elanor-bock" target="_blank">Elanor Bock</a> is a contributor for Thrillist.

<a href="https://www.thrillist.com/authors/matt-kirouac" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Matt Kirouac</a>&nbsp;is a travel writer with a passion for national parks, Disney, and food. He's the co-founder and co-host of Hello Ranger, a national parks community blog, podcast, and app. Follow him on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/matt_kirouac/" rel=" noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

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Where to Go Ice Skating in Chicago This Winter

Where to Go Ice Skating in Chicago

From outdoor park rinks to iconic spots decked out for the holidays.

McFetridge Ice Arena

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Where to Go Ice Skating in Chicago This Winter

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