The Ice at Canalside Public Ice Skating
Visitors take to the ice on New York State's largest outdoor rink, enjoying open-air skating on the Buffalo waterfront. Skaters can bring their own equipment or rent skates and training walkers on-site. Guests can also stop by the Nosh & Nibble snack shack for warm cups of hot cocoa and quick bites.
Nov 20, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 All ages
See more other Christmas activities near Buffalo
Plan Your Visit
Tickets
Age 5 and Under: Free; Children and Military: $5.00; Age 13 and Up: $8.00; Individual Season Pass: $49.00; Family Season Pass: $99.00; Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Individual Season Pass: $39.00; Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Family Pass: $80.00. Skate rentals $6.00 (Youth 9–Adult 12); training walker $2.00; locker rental $1.00.
Hours
Regular: Tuesday 11AM–2PM; Wednesday–Thursday 4PM–8PM; Friday 1PM–9PM; Saturday 11AM–9PM; Sunday 11AM–8PM. Special hours: November 23 11AM–8PM; November 25 11AM–9PM; December 23–January 2 11AM–9PM (December 24 11AM–6PM); January 18 and February 15 11AM–6PM; February 16–18 11AM–8PM; February 19 11AM–9PM. Monday is closed for maintenance and leagues. Hours may vary depending on weather.
Neighborhood
Canalside
Food & Drink
Nosh & Nibble sells hot cocoa and quick bites; outside food and beverages are not permitted.
Parking
Parking spaces are located in several nearby surface ramps, surface lots, and street spaces.
Accessibility
Accessible parking is available in nearby surface lots, ramps, and inside the Harborcenter parking ramp.
Location
Tips & Advice
- Sign the Assumption of Risk waiver before your first visit that session, then check in at the Honda Winter Pavilion.
- Bring your own skates or rent on-site; training walkers are available if you need skating support.
- Leave outside food and drinks at home, since they are not permitted; buy refreshments at the Nosh & Nibble snack shack.
- Use nearby surface ramps, lots, or street parking, or arrive by Metro Rail or rideshare.
- Allow for weather-related schedule changes, as skating hours may vary with conditions.
Special Events & Promotions
- Admission is free for children age 5 and under.
- Reduced admission is offered to children and military visitors.
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield members can get discounted season passes.
- Private parties are welcome on Mondays, when public skating is closed for maintenance and leagues.
- Special holiday hours apply on November 23 and 25; December 23–January 2; January 18; and February 15–19.
Links & Contact
Run by Buffalo Waterfront
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children take part, and are training aids available?
Skaters of all ages can use the rink; skate rentals include youth sizes, and training walkers are available to rent.
Do I need to sign anything before skating?
Every skater must sign an Assumption of Risk waiver before their first visit each session. Check in at the Honda Winter Pavilion; guests who do not need to sign can be bypassed.
Can I bring food or drinks onto the rink?
Outside food and beverages are not permitted. The Nosh & Nibble snack shack sells food and drinks on-site.
What are the transport options besides driving?
Rideshare drop-off is at 130 Main Street. The NFTA Metro Rail stop is at 100 Main Street in downtown Buffalo.
Can I rent skates or a training walker?
Yes. Skate rentals are available in youth 9 through adult 12, and training walkers and lockers are also available to rent.
Browse Christmas in Buffalo
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.