Seasonal ice-skating rinks make it easier to plan corporate events featuring the classic wintertime activity. Here’s a selection of pop-up rinks from around the United States—from cold-weather destinations like New York and Chicago to a sleek indoor rink in Miami. Many come attached to spaces that can be used for pre- or post-skate meetings or more casual gatherings.
With views of the Hudson River, the Rink at Brookfield Place is presented in conjunction with Olympic ice dancers Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. The outdoor rink offers corporate skating events for groups of as many as 50 guests and can include an appearance by the Olympians. Catering is available through Hudson Eats or another Brookfield Place vendor. The New York rink will remain open until March. While at Brookfield Place shopping center, guests can also catch David Rockwell’s new light installation “Luminaries” in the Winter Garden. The installation consists of 650 hanging lanterns that will be on display through January and brought back next holiday season.
Guests can ice skate while taking in views of the Atlantic Ocean at the rink at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa in the Hamptons. New this season, the open-air rink is located atop the Seawater Spa roof and accommodates 200 people for events. The area has a bar—serving winter favorites like hot toddies and hot chocolate—as well as a covered lounge area and DJ booth.
Now in its third season, the Peninsula Sky Rink at the Peninsula Chicago is available for private events or in conjunction with meetings at the luxury hotel. Measuring 2,100 square feet, the outdoor rink offers views of the Magnificent Mile and John Hancock building. For buyouts, planners must also book the hotel’s ballroom, which holds 550 for receptions. During public skates, the hotel suggests a donation of $15 per adult or $10 per child with proceeds benefitting two local children’s charities. It is open through the first week of March.
For larger groups, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park in New York offers a glass-enclosed 170- by 100-foot rink for as many as 500 skaters. Overlooking the ice is Celsius, a temporary bar, restaurant, and event space. The two-story heated venue spans 7,000 square feet can be used for conferences, corporate hospitality, or trade show-style events. Each floor includes indoor and outdoor space and holds about 250 people for receptions. Private rink rentals are available through the season, which runs to March 6. When Celsius and the rink are used together for events, the venue can hold about 2,000 people. Both the rink and Celsius are produced by Upsilon Ventures, which offers full-service catering.
In the lower level of the Miami Beach Edition hotel is an indoor ice-skating rink available for private events. The 2,000-square-foot rink is part of the luxury property’s entertainment complex called Basement and has its own sound system, lighting, and projection effects. For private rentals, planners would need to book the rink as well as the adjoining bowling alley. The rink holds 25 skaters at a time, but the venue can hold as many 150 people for events.
