There are plenty of reasons to love Port Angeles in the winter, but few things feel quite as magical as outdoor ice skating in the heart of downtown. The Port Angeles Winter Ice Village returns for its ninth season this November, bringing a cozy, festive tradition back to the waterfront district for locals and visitors alike.
Season 9 at a Glance
The Winter Ice Village opens on November 20th, 2026, and will be skating strong through January 4th, 2027. The rink is open from noon to 9 PM every single day, including all holidays, which makes it a wonderful addition to your holiday plans whether you are in town for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's.
You will find the village at 121 W. Front Street in downtown Port Angeles, presented by the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce. It is an easy stop to pair with an afternoon of downtown shopping, a warm drink from a local coffee shop, or dinner along the waterfront.
One helpful tip for planning your visit: the ice is resurfaced at 3 PM and 6 PM each day, and skating pauses for about 30 minutes during each resurfacing. It is a great chance to warm up, grab a snack, or watch the ice get its fresh, glassy shine.
What to Expect
Your admission includes skates, a helmet, and the help of skate helpers, so there is nothing you need to bring other than warm socks and a good attitude. Your ticket is valid until closing on the day you purchase it, which means you can skate, take a break, and head back out for more.
Admission is $20 for ages 13 and up and $10 for ages 3 to 12. Seniors 60 and over and active military skate for $10 as well. Bringing the whole crew? Family packages are available for groups of three to six, starting at $35 for a family of three. If you plan to skate often this winter, a season pass for $200 is available for skaters of all ages. And if you have your own skates, you will save $3 off daily admission.
Skaters must be at least 3 years old, and everyone on the ice must wear skates. Pets are welcome to cheer from afar, but they are not allowed within the rink area.
To get on the ice even faster, skaters are encouraged to sign a waiver in advance. Each skater needs a fresh waiver every season, and adults can sign on behalf of skaters ages 3 to 17. The waiver will be available closer to opening day.
Senior Sessions and Learn to Skate
The Winter Ice Village has something special for skaters of every age and experience level. Senior Sessions are held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11 AM to noon for skaters ages 50 and up. It is a relaxed hour on the ice for just $10.
If you are brand new to skating, longtime instructor Kinsley leads a beginner skating lesson for ages 5 through adult. The 25-minute class begins with a little off-ice instruction before moving onto the rink, where you will learn the basics like putting on your skates properly, falling and getting up safely, gliding forward, and stopping. The class fee is $25 and includes skates, the lesson, and all-day skate admission, so you can stay after class and practice your new skills. Preregistration is required and classes are limited to 10 skaters, so be sure to sign up early once dates are announced.
Good to Know
The Winter Ice Village runs on volunteer power! If you are looking for a fun way to get involved, volunteer shifts include working at the Snack Shack, ticket sales, skate rentals, or serving as a safety monitor. Every shift earns you a skate ticket, which makes it a pretty sweet deal. Clubs and businesses can also reach out about volunteer takeovers.
Curious what the rink looks like before you head over? The Skatecam returns in November so you can peek in on the action from home at skatecam.org.
There will be a hot chocolate bar with a wide assortment of delicious toppings for all ages!
Tips and Tricks for Making a Day of It
The Winter Ice Village sits right in the middle of downtown, which makes it easy to turn a skate session into a full day out. Here are a few of our favorite ways to round out your visit!
Warm up with a hot drink. Skating works up an appetite and a chill, so plan a coffee or cocoa stop before or after your time on the ice. Great Northern and the Waterfront Coffee Bar are both great options close to the rink, and a hot drink in hand is the perfect way to enjoy a stroll through downtown.
Take a walk along the Wharf. Just a short stroll from the rink, the Port Angeles Wharf is a lovely place to take in the harbor views, especially as the afternoon light starts to fade. If you have little ones with you, the Olympic Coast Discovery Center at the Wharf is a fun and family friendly stop to learn about the marine life of the Olympic Peninsula.
Make your way to the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. If you have a little extra time, the Fine Arts Center and Webster's Woods Sculpture Park are well worth the trip. The winter season brings its own magic here, so keep an eye out for seasonal events and light displays that are perfect for a cozy evening out.
Explore downtown at a slower pace. Winter is a great time to wander through downtown's local shops and galleries, pick up a thoughtful holiday gift, and support the makers and small businesses that make Port Angeles so special.
Finish with something warm. After a few laps around the rink, a hearty meal or a cozy drink at one of downtown's local restaurants or breweries is the best way to cap off the day.
Plan ahead for the best experience. Sign your waiver in advance, wear warm socks, and dress in layers. If you are visiting on a weekend or holiday, consider arriving earlier in the day or around the 3 PM and 6 PM resurfacing breaks to give yourself time to warm up between sessions.
Make It Part of Your Winter Traditions
Between the twinkling lights, the crisp air, and the sound of skates gliding across the ice, the Winter Ice Village is one of those places that makes winter in Port Angeles feel extra special. Bundle up, grab your favorite people, and come on downtown to spend an afternoon or evening on the ice.
For the latest schedule, waiver, and volunteer information, visit wintericevillage.org or follow along on Facebook and Instagram. We will see you at the rink!