Looking for ice skating in the Triad this winter? From the year-round rink at the Greensboro Ice House to outdoor holiday rinks in downtown Greensboro, Graham and Kernersville, there are plenty of ways to lace up near home. This guide covers every rink in Greensboro, Winston-Salem and the surrounding area for the 2026–2027 season, with prices, hours, dates and insider tips. We’ve also included a few rinks worth the drive in the Triangle and Charlotte.

Quick picks:

Open all year: Greensboro Ice House
Biggest indoor rink: Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena Ice Rink
Best outdoor holiday rink: Piedmont Winterfest at LeBauer Park
Free skating: Downtown Graham Ice Skating Rink

Why Ice Skating Is the Perfect Winter Activity in the Triad

North Carolina winters are mild, but ice skating still delivers the full holiday experience. Here’s why local families love it:

Fun and fitness: It’s active and doesn’t feel like exercise.
Family friendly: All ages are welcome, and most rinks rent skate trainers for little ones.
Memory-making: Outdoor lights, hot cocoa and music make it a holiday tradition.
Budget-friendly: Prices run from free in Graham to about $15 at most Triad rinks.

Pro tip: Always check the rink’s schedule before you go. Hours, pricing and special events change through the season, and outdoor rinks close for bad weather.

Top Ice Skating Spots in the Triad

Greensboro Ice House (Greensboro)

6119 Landmark Center Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27407

The Triad’s only year-round indoor ice rink offers public skating, Learn to Skate classes, figure skating, hockey and birthday parties. Because it’s open all year, it’s a great pick before and after the holiday rinks close.

Why Go: Climate-controlled ice, reliable hours and great for all skill levels.
Don’t Miss: The Learn to Skate Holiday Show and group discounts for 10 or more.
Website: Greensboro Ice House
Cost: $15 per skater, all ages, skate rental included. Each session is 2 hours.
Hours: Public skate on Fridays 8:15–10:15 PM, Saturdays 1:45–3:45 PM and 8:15–10:15 PM, and Sundays 1:45–3:45 PM. Times change around holidays, so check the monthly schedule.

Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena Ice Rink (Winston-Salem)

414 Deacon Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27105

This large indoor rink at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena is one of the busiest in the state. It runs public skating from fall through April and hosts themed skates, Twin City Thunderbirds hockey and birthday parties.

Why Go: Spacious arena ice with a festive, high-energy atmosphere.
Insider Tip: The last two weeks of December are the busiest of the year. For beginners, try a weekday afternoon session instead.
Website: Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Ice Skating
Cost: $10 admission ($12 December–January), $3 skate rental
Hours: The 2026–2027 public skating schedule is posted on the Fairgrounds ice skating page. Friday afternoon parking is at Gate 4.

Piedmont Winterfest at LeBauer Park (Greensboro)

208 N. Davie St., Greensboro, NC 27401

Downtown Greensboro’s outdoor rink turns LeBauer Park into a winter wonderland with skating, curling nights, hot cocoa and twinkling lights.

Why Go: The only outdoor ice rink in downtown Greensboro, with real seasonal charm.
Bonus: Curling nights on Mondays and Tuesdays, plus plenty of seating for spectators.
Dates: 2026–27 dates coming soon (last season ran November 21 through February 1)
Website: Piedmont Winterfest
Cost: $15 per person, skate rental included. Skate trainers are $5 per hour. Season pass $100. Groups of 10+ get 15% off.
Hours: Wednesday–Friday 4–10 PM, Saturday 12–10 PM, Sunday 12–8 PM, with extended hours during school holiday breaks.

Downtown Graham Ice Skating Rink (Graham)

Alamance Arts, 213 S. Main St., Graham, NC 27253

Graham Recreation & Parks sets up this outdoor synthetic ice rink downtown for three weeks each holiday season. Skating and skate rentals are free, which makes it one of the best budget outings in the area.

Why Go: Free skating in a relaxed, small-town setting that’s great for kids.
Tip: Thursdays are “Skate with the Characters” nights ($5 per skater, reservations required). Registration opens November 16 at 8 AM.
Dates: November 20 – December 13, 2026 (closed Thanksgiving)
Website: City of Graham Ice Skating Rink
Cost: Free for public sessions, including skate rental
Hours: Sundays 2–7:45 PM, Wednesdays 5–7:45 PM, Fridays 5–7:45 PM, Saturdays 2–7:45 PM. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Kernersville Holiday Skating Rink (Kernersville)

127 W. Mountain St., Kernersville, NC 27284

This small synthetic ice rink pops up downtown each winter and brings holiday cheer to the heart of Kernersville.

Why Go: Small-town charm with seasonal vibes.
Tip: Pair your visit with a stroll through downtown Kernersville’s holiday displays.
Dates, Hours and Cost: Check the rink’s Facebook page for 2026–27 details.
Website: Kernersville Museum Skating Rink on Facebook

Ice Rinks Worth the Drive: Triangle and Charlotte

If you’re up for a road trip, these rinks make a fun day out.

Polar Ice (Triangle)

Polar Ice runs five year-round rinks in Cary, Garner, Raleigh, Morrisville and Wake Forest. The Raleigh rink is North Carolina’s only Olympic-size rink, and the Morrisville rink at Invisalign Arena is the Carolina Hurricanes’ practice home.

Website: Polar Ice NC

Charlotte-Area Rinks

Ice Skating at The Bowl at Ballantyne: An outdoor holiday rink at The Amp Ballantyne. Last season, tickets were $20 for adults and $12 for ages 5 and under, with skate rental included.
Camp North Pole at Camp North End: An outdoor holiday rink with fire pits, warm drinks and local shops nearby. Admission is $18, or $15 for ages 10 and under, with skate rental included.
U.S. National Whitewater Center: Seasonal outdoor skating on the Upper Pond, with hot drinks served from an on-ice Airstream.
Pineville Ice House: An indoor, year-round rink skating since 1995. Admission includes hockey or figure skates in tot through adult sizes.
Light the Knights at Truist Field: An NHL-size outdoor rink in Uptown Charlotte, plus snow tubing, holiday lights and a market.

Tips for Your Ice Skating Outing

Dress warm: Layers, gloves and a hat keep you cozy without overheating.
Smart socks: Tall, thick socks help prevent blisters.
Arrive early: Beat the crowds and get the best rental skates.
Book ahead: Holiday weeks sell out, so buy tickets online when you can.
Safety first: Stay near the rail if you’re new and take breaks when tired.
Make it a day: Add hot cocoa, photos by the lights or a warm meal nearby.

FAQs: Ice Skating in the Triad

Where can I ice skate year-round in the Triad?

The Greensboro Ice House is open all year. The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena Ice Rink runs public skating from fall through April.

Is there free ice skating in the Triad?

Yes. The Downtown Graham Ice Skating Rink is free for public sessions, including skate rental, from November 20 to December 13, 2026.

How much does ice skating cost in the Triad?

Expect to pay between free and $15 per person. Most rinks include skate rental in the price, except Winston-Salem, which charges $3.

Do I need to bring my own skates?

No. Every rink on this list rents skates.

Are the rinks beginner-friendly?

Yes. Most rinks rent skate trainers for kids, and all welcome every skill level during public sessions.

Are outdoor rinks open if it rains?

Some close for bad weather. Check the rink’s website or social media before you go.

What should we wear to ice skate?

Comfortable layers, gloves and socks that come above the ankle. Skip stiff jeans that limit movement.

More Winter Fun in the Triad

Lace Up and Go

Winter doesn’t last forever, so make the most of it. Whether you’re twirling under twinkling lights or just finding your balance, these Triad rinks are the perfect way to enjoy the season. Bundle up, bring your crew and make some frosty memories.

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