The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
6 wintry places to glide across the ice in skates
Ice skating rinks are open from Cumming to Sandy Springs.
It’s that time of year to gather with the family around the fire, drink hot cocoa — and perhaps head to ice skating rinks around town. . From out in the ‘burbs to high in the sky, metro Atlanta offers lots of options for cheerfully twisting, turning and gliding across the ice with family and friends.
Avalon
The mixed-use development in Alpharetta may do the holiday season better than anywhere else in the city. With sparkling lights strung above, Avalon’s ice skating rink is a great addition to its live-work-play atmosphere.
3-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays; noon-7 p.m. Sundays. Through Jan. 26. $18 per adult and $14 per child under 9, including skates. 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770765-1000. experienceavalon.com.
Have an Ice Day Rink at Sugar Hill
People from all over the city flock to Sugar Hill to experience this old-fashioned holiday tradi
tion. Located right behind the City Hall, this covered real ice rink has a family environment and is huge on bringing the community together by hosting school spirit nights and promoting figure skaters presentations. The rink offers free skating aids for kids and fire pits to roast s’mores.
Holiday hours vary by day. Through Feb. 9. $13 for adults, $11 for children 8 and under, includes skate rental. 5039 W Broad St. NE, Sugar Hill. 770554-7506, haidrinks.com.
Skate the Sky
The Roof at Ponce City Market in the Old Fourth Ward is transformed into a winter dreamland with over-the-top décor, seasonal treats, hot cocktails, cozy private igloos and a 3,500-square-foot ice skating rink. Igloo reservations require a $150 rental fee and can seat up to six guests. Reservations include admission to The Roof, two hours reserved in a private igloo, dedicated server, skate rentals with 50 minutes of skate time and unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park (when available).
3-10 p.m. Monday Wednesday; 3-11 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday (Fridays and Saturdays are 21 and up after 5 p.m.); 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Through Jan. 5. $25 for adults and $8 for kids ages 5-12. 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta. 770999-1530, poncecityroof.com.
Ice Days
This family-owned and operated company is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a return to the Randy Mills Pavilion in Olde Town Conyers. About two-thirds of the rink is covered so you don’t have to worry about being rained out. The family also runs a second location at Nash Farm Park in Hampton.
Holiday hours vary by day. Through Feb. 23. $10, includes skates. 949 Main St. NE, Conyers. 678-374-7655, icedays.com.
Center Ice Arena
Center Ice Arena has yearround indoor public ice skating and is a place to take kids and adults who are still learning how to skate on the ice.
Holiday times may vary. $ 9 for adults, $ 7 for children 5 and under. Skate rental is $4. 5750 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-549-8425, centericearena.org.
The ICE
Forsyth County’s only indoor ice skating facility will offer extended public skate hours over the winter holiday season from Dec. 14- Jan. 6. The ICE will also celebrate the 10th annual “Christmas at The ICE Skate Show: Holiday Hits” on Dec. 14. In addition to regular skating hours, The ICE offers youth and adult skating and hockey lessons.
Holiday hours vary by day. $7 for adults. $5 for kids ages 5 and under. Rental skates are $3 per person. 1345 Atlanta Highway, Cumming. 678-845-0103, theice.info.