The Rink at Rockefeller Center
New York, New York
In 1936, Rockefeller Center built a temporary ice rink to draw visitors to its sunken row of shops and restaurants. Since then the rink has become a New York winter icon. Tourists and locals alike line up to skate under the complex’s dazzling Christmas tree and golden statue of Prometheus. therinkatrockcenter.com
Hotel del Coronado
San Diego, California
Ice-skating may be a winter sport, but as Marilyn Monroe knew, Some Like It Hot—and the setting of Monroe’s most famous film delivers. Lanky palm trees and caramel-colored sand border the Hotel Del’s unusual oceanfront rink. hoteldel.com
The Venetian
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you prefer neon to twinkling lights, head to Vegas’s Venetian hotel. As part of its Winter in Venice festivities, the Venetian sets up an outdoor ice rink that hovers over the Grand Canal, on which gondoliers ferry passengers to and fro. venetian.com
Rideau Canal Skateway
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Each year a million skaters traverse the 4.8 miles of the Rideau Canal Skateway, the world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink. In the mornings locals speed to work—briefcases and shoes in hand—while visitors linger at the outdoor art gallery or nibble a BeaverTails pastry. ncc-ccn.gc.ca
Fuji-Q Highland
Fujiyoshida, Japan
While many flock to Fuji-Q Highland’s roller coasters, you can also take a spin across Japan’s largest outdoor ice rink. Practice your moves on 165,700 square feet of ice, or enjoy a leisurely skate while gazing up at nearby Mount Fuji. And for the kids, the park’s staff offer free skating lessons. fujiq.jp/en
Somerset House
London, England
The nearly 500-year-old Somerset House is home to one of London’s most elegant rinks. Skaters twirl around a neoclassical courtyard while others watch as they sample the menu at Tom’s Kitchen Skate Lounge. somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink
City Park
Budapest, Hungary
Each winter, a flurry of ice-skaters takes over City Park’s picturesque boating lake, whose almost 130,000 square feet of ice lies at the foot of the eclectic Vajdahunyad Castle. Fortunately, there’s more than enough room on this, Europe’s largest outdoor rink. visitbudapest.travel
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