Looking for a festive, budget-friendly activity in Seattle this December? The only free ice skating rink in the Seattle area (that we know of!) is returning to Pioneer Square for its fourth year. If you go, you’ll be treated to free skate rentals, live carolers, and a holiday bazaar.
Read on for all the details!
Last year, Pioneer Square’s free ice skating rink only operated for three days. This year, the pop-up rink has been extended to nine days! The rink will be open from Saturday, December 13 through Sunday, December 21 from noon to 6:00 p.m. daily.
This will be a pop-up 40- x 80-foot synthetic outdoor rink in Occidental Square. Skaters of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Skates are available to borrow for free! Of course, you’re also welcome to bring your own.
There are a few other holiday happenings in the Pioneer Square neighborhood this December. Need to get some shopping done? Swing by the ice rink for its opening day on Saturday, December 13 and then stop by the Occidental Square Holiday Bazaar. Featuring over 40 local makers, it’s the perfect spot to find unique, thoughtful holiday gifts. The bazaar will share the same hours as the ice rink that Saturday: noon to 6:00 p.m.
You’ll also have the chance to enjoy live carolers and possibly even a free crêpe with your ice skating. From 2:00 to 4:00 on Thursdays from December 4 through December 18, Pioneer Square will have live performances from the Dickens Carolers, featuring holiday jazz and classic carols sung a cappella. Then on December 13 and 20, Mirabelle by Orphée will give out free crêpes to the first 20 visitors starting at noon.
Finally, there’s a daily holiday ornament scavenger hunt happening in Pioneer Square now through December 20. If you’d like to participate, you can find the daily clues on the Pioneer Square website.
Holiday Ice Skating Rink in Pioneer Square
Dates: December 13-21, 2025
Hours: noon to 6:00 p.m. daily
Address: Occidental Square (117 S Washington St, Seattle, WA 98104)
Cost: Free!