Robson Square Ice Skating

Free ice skating takes place from December until February on the outdoor ice rink at Vancouver’s Robson Square at the corner of Robson Street and Howe.

Skating is free and you can rent skates for a reasonable fee. The rink is set beneath a covered plaza in the heart of downtown Vancouver and is a classic winter outing, rain or shine.

This article contains the following information about skating at Robson Square:

Robson Square Ice Skating and Entertainment

Designed by renowned Vancouver architect Arthur Erickson, Robson Square is a public space that features an outdoor ice rink covered during the winter months. At other times of the year, the facility is used for dance lessons, special events and other activities.

Skating on the 6,000-square-foot rink is free. Visitors can bring their own skates or rent them at the facility.

Robson Square Ice Rink — Robson Square Skating Rink

Skating Hours & Dates

For the 2025/26 season, the rink operates from December 1st, 2025, to February 28th, 2026. It opens seven days a week from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

However, on specific festive days, hours differ slightly. On Christmas Eve, the ice rink is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Christmas Day it’s open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Boxing Day, the rink is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, and on New Year’s Day, it is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Check the official website for updates, as warm weather can lead to unexpected closures.

Rental Fees

Ice skating is free at Robson Square. Skate rentals cost $5 per pair (helmets included) and are available. Ice cleats rent for $2. Helmets are mandatory for children aged 12 and under and are provided free of charge with skate rentals. For individuals who bring their own skates, the sharpening service costs approximately $5 when available.

Robson Square Location

The plaza is located in the 800 block of Robson Street, between Howe and Hornby streets, behind the Vancouver Art Gallery. The ice-skating rink is in the middle of the square. The rink is open-air, but also covered and partly underground.

Robson Square Ice Skating Video

To give you an idea of what the rink and ice skating look like at Robson Square, check out the following video. It was filmed in January.

As you’ll see in the video, the rink is right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Also, although mainly outside, it is fully covered.

Live Music at Christmas

Most years, ice skating at Robson Square during the Christmas holidays is extra special. That’s because, on about a dozen different days, live music is performed by popular local bands and musicians.

A holiday music lineup is happening again this December. The 2025 program runs from December 13th to 24th, with an additional performance on December 31st. The 2025 schedule is listed below.

Twelve Days of Christmas Entertainment Schedule in 2026

Saturday, December 13th – Vancouver Tuba Christmas from 1:30 pm to 3:20 pm, followed by Tamara Rhodes Trio from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 14th – Perry Ehrlich’s ShowStoppers from 2:30 pm to 4:15 pm, followed by PK3 Jazz Trio from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Monday, December 15th – British Columbia Regiment Band Society from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 16th – Rumba Calzada from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 17th – Top Line Vocal Collective & Friends from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Thursday, December 18th – Deep Cutzzz from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Friday, December 19th – Daryle Dean Flamenco Guitar from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Saturday, December 20th – The Heartbeats from 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm, followed by DJ Mike So? & J’aded from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 21st – DJ Barron S from 2:30 pm to 4:15 pm, and again from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Monday, December 22nd – Marlin Ramazzini from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 23rd – Malcolm Aiken from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 24th – Scott Robertson’s Swing Patrol! from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 31st – DJ-El-Niño from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.