The UC Health Ice Rink opens Saturday at Elm Street Plaza in downtown Cincinnati, kicking off a run that will keep skaters gliding seven days a week through Feb. 21. Opening day brings more than just ice time, with local mascots, a s'mores bar, face painting and a holiday artisan market all set up around the plaza to mark the start of the season.
The rink sits directly outside the First Financial Convention Center at Elm Street Plaza, according to Elm Street Plaza. Admission runs $12 per person and includes skate rental, the same source notes. On opening day specifically, mascots will be on the ice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to Elm Street Plaza's event listing, while ArtisanFest runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the plaza, giving shoppers a chance to browse local vendors and get a jump on holiday gifts.
Hours, Pricing and Who Skates Free
As reported by WKRC, the rink is scheduled to run 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on opening day. WLWT reports the rink is scheduled to be open from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. through Feb. 21, though Elm Street Plaza's posted information cautions that daily hours are subject to change due to weather, special events, rentals and more. Admission and skate rentals end one hour before closing each day, per the venue.
On the question of free admission for young children, the sources differ slightly. Elm Street Plaza states that children ages 5 and under are free with a paid adult admission, while WLWT reports that children under five get in free with a paying adult. Either way, families with toddlers in tow won't pay extra at the gate. Once on the ice, children under 55 inches must be accompanied by an adult, and the rink offers free push-along and ride-on skate aids on a first-come, first-served basis for younger or less steady skaters.
Warming Up and Winter Programming
For anyone who needs a break from the cold, the Decal Impressions Warming Tent is available for patrons who want to warm up, grab a snack or just take a breather, according to Elm Street Plaza. The rink also provides Robin Imaging igloos when they aren't reserved. Entering the rink area constitutes agreement to the waiver, and the posted rink waiver states that skaters assume full responsibility for risks of injury, property damage or death while skating, according to Elm Street Plaza's own language.
WKRC reports the rink will host giveback skates, college nights and adult nights throughout November, giving the season a rotating lineup beyond the daily public skate sessions. The outdoor rink has operated at Elm Street Plaza from November through February each year since 2025, when it relocated there from Fountain Square, according to Downtown Cincinnati. The rink is managed by 3CDC, per Elm Street Plaza's event page.
More Downtown Holiday Attractions on the Way
The rink's return lands alongside a broader wave of downtown holiday programming this winter, per WKRC. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati's Downtown Dazzle series is moving to Elm Street Plaza this year, with its first event scheduled for Nov. 28. Fountain Square Winterhaus, located two blocks from Elm Street Plaza, remains open daily for those who want to split time between the two spots.
Later in the month, the CVG Fountain of Lights and the Duke Energy holiday tree are both scheduled to arrive on Nov. 14, with the tree lighting set for Nov. 27 during Duke Energy's Light Up the Square event, according to WKRC. Event schedules and operating hours for the ice rink itself are available on Elm Street Plaza's website, which also carries the venue's address at 150 W. Fifth St.
