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. Set beneath a covered plaza in the heart of downtown Vancouver, it’s 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 a covered outdoor ice rink 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, and you can bring your 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. operating seven days a week from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Holiday hours differ slightly. On Christmas Eve, the ice rink is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Christmas Day, it is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. December 26th hours are 9:00 am–9:00 pm, and January 1st it operates between 9:00 am–9:00 pm. It’s essential to check 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 until 30 minutes before closing. Ice cleats rent for $2. Helmets are mandatory for children aged 12 and under and are provided free of charge with skate rental. 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 mostly 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 expected again this December. The 2025 schedule will likely be comparable to last year’s program. Last year, live music ran from December 13th to 24th. There was also a performance on December 31st. Refer to the 2024 music schedule below for reference.

Twelve Days of Christmas Entertainment Schedule

Friday, December 13th, 2024 – Rumba Calzada performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Saturday, December 14th, 2024 – The Heartbeets performed from 2:30 pm to 4:20 pm, followed by Karla Sax from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 15th, 2024 – Perry Ehrlich’s ShowStoppers performed between 2:30 pm and 4:15 pm, followed by La Bodega from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Monday, December 16th, 2024 – The British Columbia Regiment Band Society performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 17th, 2024 – Malcolm Aiken performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 – the Tamara Rhodes Trio performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Thursday, December 19th, 2024 – the Caviar & Lace Quartet performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Friday, December 20th, 2024 – the Top Line Vocal Collective performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Saturday, December 21st, 2024 – Vancouver Tuba Christmas hit the stage from noon to 1:15 pm, followed by the PK3 Jazz Trio between 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
Sunday, December 22nd, 2024 – DJ Barron S spun tracks from 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Monday, December 23rd, 2024 – the Amanda Wood Holiday Trio performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 24th, 2024 – Phat Santa Swing! performed from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.
Tuesday, December 31st, 2024 – DJ-El-Nino performed from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.