Utica Ice Rink Season Passes, Free Skating Days, and Holiday Events Announced

Winter in Utica has a rhythm all its own. The days get shorter, the air gets colder, you can see your breath again... and then the ice rink opens. Skates hit the ice, music plays, and suddenly, winter isn’t something to just get through. It’s something to enjoy.

If outdoor skating is part of your cold-weather tradition, or you’ve been saying for years that you’re finally going to do it, now is the time. Season passes for Utica’s outdoor ice rink are officially on sale, and the city has announced extended holiday hours, free skating days, and some festive events that make it easy to lean all the way into the season.

Season Passes Now Available for Utica’s Outdoor Ice Rink

Utica Mayor Mike Galime announced that season passes are now available for the outdoor ice rink at Memorial Parkway. There are two options, depending on how you like to skate. There's a season pass option with skate rentals for $150, or a season pass without skate rentals for $100.

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Season passes can be purchased directly at the rink, located at 220 Memorial Parkway.

Regular Ice Rink Hours This Winter

The outdoor rink will operate on the following schedule during the season:

• Wednesday through Friday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Saturday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Sunday: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

During the holiday stretch, the city is also adding extended hours and special skating sessions.

Free Skating and Holiday Hours Announced

Between December 23 and January 2, every Friday will be a complimentary skate, with free admission and free skate rentals for everyone.

Additional holiday hours include:

• Christmas Eve (Wednesday, December 24): Noon to 3 p.m.

• Sunday, December 28: Noon to 4 p.m.

• New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, December 31): Noon to 3 p.m.

After the New Year’s Eve skate, skaters are invited to head downtown and join the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration on Genesee Street. Gates for the party open at 6:45 p.m.

For most other holiday dates, the rink will offer two daily sessions from Noon to 4 p.m. and again from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Skate with Santa Returns to Utica

One of the most magical events of the season is also right around the corner. Families are invited to Skate with Santa on Tuesday, December 23, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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The event includes free admission, free skate rentals and complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. Later that evening, Santa will also be available for photos from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., giving families a chance to capture a holiday memory under the rink lights.

Planned Rink Closures

The outdoor ice rink will be closed on the following dates:

• Monday, December 22

• Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day)

• Monday, December 29

• Thursday, January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day)

If winter in Utica means cozy nights, hot cocoa, and making memories outside instead of hiding from the cold, this is your sign. Lace up, hit the ice, and enjoy the season while it’s here.