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 featuring an outdoor ice rink, covered during the winter months. At other times of the year, the plaza hosts dance events, cultural activities and seasonal celebrations. Skating on the 6,000-square-foot rink is always free, and visitors can bring their own skates or rent them on-site.

Skating Hours & Dates

For the 2025/26 season, the Robson Square Ice Rink operates from November 28th, 2025, to February 28th, 2026. It is open seven days a week, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Holiday hours are a little different. On Christmas Eve, the rink is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Christmas Day, it is open from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. On Boxing Day, the rink is open regular hours (9:00 am to 9:00 pm), and on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, hours are also 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Warm weather may lead to unexpected closures, so it’s good to check the Robson Square website for updates before heading out.

Rental Fees

Ice skating at Robson Square is free. Skate rentals cost $5.00, and helmets are included with the rental. Ice cleats rent for $3.00, and skate sharpening is available for $5 when staff are available to do it. Helmets are required for kids aged 12 and under and staff provide them for free.

Note: skate rentals end 30 minutes before closing each day.

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 2025

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.