Five Of The Best Ice Rinks To Visit Around The World This Winter

NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE, TORONTO

The urban plaza in front of Toronto’s City Hall welcomes the festive season every November by transforming into a winter wonderland that lasts until March. Enjoy an evening on ice with the lights of the city’s official Christmas tree shining bright in the background, or stay toasty with a hot chocolate from one of the many food and drinks stalls at the Holiday Fair, which runs this December 1-23. nathanphillipssquare, skaterentals.com

SOMERSET HOUSE AND NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, LONDON

So good we’re naming London twice: firstly Somerset House, where until January 14, Fortnum & Mason has its own mulled wine and fondue lodge, while the Skate Lates music sessions include a set from Mercury Prize nominees Wild Beasts. Across town the Natural History Museum’s rink is all a-twinkle with fairy lights and good cheer until January 7, with a Penguin Skate Club for tots. somersethouse.org.uk / nhm.ac.uk

ROCKEFELLER CENTER, NYC

Think Christmas in Manhattan and the historic Rockefeller ice rink, surrounded by some of the world’s best-dressed shop-windows, springs to mind. It’s first-come-first-served on the ice until April, although early birds can book a 7am slot until December 31, which also includes a free co ee or hot chocolate. Night owls, on the other hand, may prefer the Starlight Skate sessions, which run until midnight on selected dates. therinkatrockcenter.com

INDOO ICE ARENA, HAMBURG

Having undergone an extensive refurbishment, Europe’s largest open-air ice rink, in Planten un Blomen Park, has reopened for the season. Friday and Saturday nights are dedicated to music ends, where live DJs will provide beats, while there are also Ladies’ Nights every Thursday evening and even curling. This year also saw the launch of the Park Café restaurant – a chic, Scandi-décor-style restaurant with a full menu. eisarena-hamburg.de

BOSTON COMMON FROG POND, BOSTON

As one of the oldest public parks in the United States, Boston Common remains one of the city’s centrepieces for events and festivals – and its small but perfectly formed Frog Pond is a must-do in wintertime when it ices over. For those rusty on their blades, book a lesson with The Skating Club of Boston – or, if you’re a child/ tiny, rent a cute Bobby the Seal skating aid. bostonfrogpond.com