A Winter Tradition Lives On At Elm Street Plaza
Ice skating in the heart of downtown is one of Cincinnati’s quintessential winter traditions. This year, the beloved rink brings its signature charm and festive atmosphere to a new location at Elm Street Plaza, where families and friends can make lasting memories. Read on for more details about the 2025–2026 ice rink season!
Ice Rink Opening November 2025
A decades-old Cincinnati tradition formerly housed at Fountain Square, the UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank, will officially relocate to Elm Street Plaza for the 2025-2026 rink season. The outdoor ice rink will take over Elm Street Plaza from November 21 to February 16. Read on for hours, pricing, and FAQs.
Session Types and Cost
- Admission to the rink is $12 per person and includes skate rental, payable by credit/debit card (Visa/MasterCard/AmEx) or by mobile payment.
- Children ages 5 and under are free with a paid adult admission and must be accompanied by an adult on the ice at all times.
- View the calendar of events for details about special events that may include discounts on admission (i.e. college skate).
Still have questions? Please call 513-297-6069 during rink hours.
Children under 55 inches must be accompanied by an adult while on the ice. Admission and skate rentals end one hour before the rink closes. Times are subject to change due to weather or special events.
Check our social media pages for the most up-to-date Ice Rink information!
Instagram | Facebook
Ice Rink Hours
Nov 21 – Dec 17
- Monday – Wednesday: 3p to 8p
- Thursday – Friday: 3p to 10p
- Saturday: 9a to 10p
- Sunday: 9a to 8p
Holiday Hours: Dec 19 – Jan 4
- Monday-Sunday: 9a to 10p
Jan 5 – Feb 16
- Monday – Wednesday: 3p to 8p
- Thursday – Friday: 3p to 10p
- Saturday: 9a to 10p
- Sunday: 9a to 8p
The rink will be OPEN on all holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Eve.
RATES
- Skating is $12 per-person and includes admission and skate rental Payable by credit card or other contactless payments.
- (Visa/MasterCard/AmEx).
Children ages 5 and under are free with paid adult admission and must be accompanied on the ice at all times.
DISCOUNTS & PROMOTIONS
- Children ages 5 and under are free with paid adult admission and must be accompanied on the ice at all times.
- Follow the rink on Facebook for special events and promotions including discount days.
HOURS OF OPERATIONS
Nov 21 – Dec 17
- Monday – Wednesday: 3p to 8p
- Thursday – Friday: 3p to 10p
- Saturday: 9a to 10p
- Sunday: 9a to 8p
Holiday Hours: Dec 19 – Jan 4
- Monday-Sunday: 9a to 10p
Jan 5 – Feb 16
- Monday – Wednesday: 3p to 8p
- Thursday – Friday: 3p to 10p
- Saturday: 9a to 10p
- Sunday: 9a to 8p
The rink will be OPEN on all holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Years Eve.
RULES & WAIVERS
RINK RULES
- No skating in opposite direction
- No fast skating, weaving in and out, or figure skating “jumps” permitted
- No food or drinks on the ice
- No sitting or climbing on the railings
- No street shoes on the ice
- No horseplay or foul language
- No smoking on the rink platform or ice
- No backpacks or large purses on the ice or on your lap in a bumper car
- No pets
- Do not use mobile phones or cameras while skating
- No skaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs permitted
- Staff reserves the right to ask any patron to leave the ice for disobeying rules, endangering themselves or others
Waivers- Upon entering the rink area you agree to the following
Participants and/or their parent(s) or guardian(s) understand, acknowledge, and agree that activities on ice are inherently dangerous and physically demanding activities. Participating skaters assume full responsibility for any risk of injury, property damage, or death while participating in activities at this establishment.
Participants and/or their parent(s) or guardian(s) hereby release and hold harmless Fountain Square Management Group LLC and all sponsors of the ice rink establishment and their subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, employees, agents, and volunteers from any and all liability for any loss, damage, or expense that the Participants or their respective heirs, assigns and legal representatives may suffer as a result of Participant’s use of the ice skating rink, from any cause whatsoever, including but not limited to negligence or breach of contract on the part of Elm Street Plaza Management Group LLC and all sponsors of the ice rink establishment, in the operation, supervision, design, maintenance, or condition of the ice surface or of the ice rink and all surrounding areas.
Participants agree to abide by the “Ice Rink Rules” as posted around the ice rink platform and will follow the instructions of the operating staff of the rink. Failure to follow these codes of conduct may result in the termination of Participant’s use of the rink, the rental ice skates, and the surrounding areas without refund. Participant permits Elm Street Plaza Management Group LLC to use any photographs, videotapes, recordings or any other records taken while on the ice skating rink premises for publicity, advertising, or any other legitimate purpose.
WEATHER UPDATES
Although the rink can stay cold up to about 60 degrees air temperature in dry weather, warm temperatures with high humidity or rain can make the rink unskatable and cause it to be closed temporarily. Please call 513-297-6069 or visit our Facebook page for rink status.
AMENITIES & SKATE SIZES
Rink amenities include:
- We offer rental skates in Youth sizes 8-4, Women’s sizes 5-13 and Men’s sizes 5-13.
- Our Pavillion Bar offers snacks and beverages including hot and cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages.
- Cubbies are located on the rink platform.
- The WGU Warming Tent is available for patrons who want to warm up, have a snack, or take a break.
- Traction Aids: Adult size traction aids for parents that want to WALK with their kids on the ice. Note: Individuals without proper footwear are NOT permitted on the ice.
- Skate Aids: Push along aids that help skaters keep their balance are available first come first served
PARKING
Convenient and secure parking is available in the 5th and Race Garage (84.51 building) located at 120 W. 5th Street, with entrances on both 5th and 6th Streets.
Additional parking is available just a block away at the Fountain Square garage located at 520 Vine Street, The Foundry Garage at 526 Race Street, or the 4th & Race garage at 411 Race Street with entrances on Elm and Race streets. More parking information is available here: https://www.3cdc.org/where-to-park/
CONSESSIONS OFFERINGS
Need to refuel while skating? Stop by the Plaza Bar for a hot or cold drink and quick snack. We proudly serve Coca-Cola products. Additionally, we offer beer, wine and select spirits. The Plaza Bar is open during all rink hours, rink entry is not required to enjoy the Fountain bar.
RESURFACING
Every 2 to 3 hours, skaters must clear the ice for 15-20 minutes while the rink is resurfaced.
Winter Rentals
Host a winter get-together everyone will remember at Elm Street Plaza! This season, rent the Ice Rink, WGU Warming Tent, cozy igloos, and more — perfect for everything from company outings to family celebrations.
Igloos
Cozy, heated domes that seat up to eight — perfect for enjoying winter views in comfort.
- Perfect for 4 – 8 guests
Pergolas
Open-air structures with seating for up to eight, featuring a built-in fire pit for a warm and inviting winter hangout.
- Perfect for 4 – 8 guests
WGU Warming Tent
A large, enclosed, and heated space with ice rink views, picnic tables and a flexible layout — ideal for group events.
- Half Rentals – up to 35 guests
- Full Rentals – up to 75 guests
- Additional guests available a la carte
Submit your rental inquiry below.
