Winterfest Hartford Ice Skating
Visitors glide across a 100-by-100-foot outdoor rink located adjacent to the Bushnell Park Pump House. Skaters can bring their own equipment or borrow a pair of skates on site. On weekends, nearby food trucks and hot chocolate from the carousel are often available.
What to Expect
Free outdoor ice skating and skate rentals in Bushnell Park.
Event Details
Ages
All ages (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult)
Neighborhood
Downtown Hartford
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
The iQuilt Partnership
Food & Drink
On weekends, there is usually a food truck or two, and the Bushnell Park Carousel sells hot chocolate.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and casual skaters
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free ice skating and free skate rentals; the page also describes free learn-to-skate classes and free photos with Santa as part of the season.
- Hours: Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 am - 8 pm; special hours for holidays; rink-area entry closes at 7:30 pm.
- Parking: There is free street parking on Elm and Jewell Streets during Winterfest Hartford. On other streets in the City, on-street parking is free after 6 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.
- Accessibility: A handicapped-accessible bathroom is available, with the key available from staff at the skate shack.
Tips & Advice
- Complete the waiver before skating and bring the confirmation email, since it is required to enter the rink area.
- Bring a helmet if you want one; helmets are recommended but are not provided.
- Bring your own lock if you plan to use a warming-shed locker for shoes or belongings.
- Check for weather-related closures before setting out, as the rink can close for inclement weather or a city parking ban.
- If a skater is under 16, make sure an adult accompanies them into the rink area.
Special Events & Promotions
- Free entry to skate and free skate rentals.
- Free skating lessons are offered on Saturdays in December and January.
- Winterfest has special hours on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- January 4 is the last day of ice skating for the season.
- Santa will be on site for four days for photos.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do skaters need to complete a waiver?
Yes. Every skater must complete a waiver and show the confirmation email to enter; each adult needs a separate waiver.
Can children skate on their own?
There is no age limit, but skaters under 16 must be accompanied by an adult in the rink area.
Are skate rentals and lessons available?
Skate rentals are free, from children’s size 9 through adult size 15. Free skating lessons are offered on Saturdays in December and January.
What food and drinks are available nearby?
On weekends, food trucks are usually available, and the Bushnell Park Carousel sells hot chocolate.
Is there somewhere to store shoes or coats?
There is no coat or shoe check, but a few lockers are available in the warming shed. Bring your own lock.
More Christmas Events near Hartford
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.