Ice, ice, baby: Where to skate in Las Vegas

By Conor Shine

Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014 | 2 a.m.

If you're looking for a place to get into the holiday spirit despite the warm weather and sunny skies, consider lacing up a pair of skates and heading to one of several outdoor ice rinks that have popped up around Las Vegas.

The Venetian started the trend when it opened its ice rink in 2011, but the company didn't bring back the attraction this year.

There are still plenty of places to skate though, including new locations in Summerlin and downtown Las Vegas.

Some rinks use real ice while others rely on a slippery plastic material to simulate the real thing. Either way the rinks offer a family-friendly diversion for those looking for things to do over the holidays.

Here's a rundown of Las Vegas' ice skating options:

The Ice Rink at the Cosmopolitan

Sporting some of the best views of the Las Vegas Strip, the Cosmopolitan's Boulevard pool has been transformed into a 4,200 square foot real-ice skating rink complete with occasional snow showers that amp up the holiday atmosphere. The rink is open from noon to midnight every day through Jan. 4.

A skating pass is $10 for locals and $15 for everyone else, plus a $5 skate rental fee.

While you're there, be sure to roast a smore over one of the fire pits and warm up with a specialty cocktail.

Rock Rink at Downtown Summerlin

Las Vegas' newest ice rink features a real-ice surface measuring more than 7,000 square feet next to a giant Christmas tree for added holiday cheer.

Located near the mall's north parking garage, the rink is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. The rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during school holidays.

Admission is $15 and includes a skate rental.

Caesars Chalet at Caesars Palace

The iconic fountain at Caesars Palace has been turned into a Strip-side skating rink made with real ice that measures 4,400 square feet.

When you're done skating, grab a seat in the winter lodge to enjoy a funnel cake or some hot chocolate.

The ice rink is open 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 11. A 90-minute skating pass costs $20, plus a $5 rental fee. Locals, hotel guests and Total Rewards members can get a two-for-one package for $25. For those with a larger group, the entire rink can be rented at a cost of $3,500.

Winter Wonderland in downtown Las Vegas

Another addition to Las Vegas' ice rink offerings, this downtown rink is part of a larger winter playground that includes places to go sledding, visit Santa or just play in the snow.

Skating on the synthetic rink costs $5, the cheapest rate in town.

The rink is located adjacent to the Container Park at 899 Fremont St. and is open 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays. The rink will be closed on Christmas.

Under the roof

For those who'd rather skate indoors or year-round or both, the Las Vegas Ice Center offers public skating for $10, including skate rental ($6 for children 5 and younger). The center is at 9295 W. Flamingo Road. Public skating also is available at the SoBe Ice Arena at the Fiesta Rancho, 2407 N. Rancho Drive. Admission is $7, plus $3 for skate rental.