THE RINK AT CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK PRESENTED BY LEXUS
KICKS OFF 2026-27 SEASON NOV. 21-22
- Public invited to help The Rink defend its No. 1 ranking in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Ice Skating Rink; voting begins today and continues through Nov. 30
- Opening Weekend features Ugly Holiday Sweater Party presented by Michigan Lottery and Santa Skate Party presented by Bank of America
- Rink tickets available at DowntownDetroit.org/TheRink
DETROIT – One of Detroit’s most beloved winter traditions returns Saturday, Nov. 21, as The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus opens for the 2026-27 season. With a weekend of holiday celebrations, themed skating parties and family-friendly fun planned, the Downtown Detroit Partnership is preparing to welcome skaters back to the heart of downtown. But first, metro Detroiters have an opportunity to help The Rink defend its title as the nation’s best ice skating rink.
Voting opens today, Nov. 2, in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Ice Skating Rink, giving Detroiters and skating enthusiasts nationwide a chance to help The Rink retain the No. 1 ranking it earned the past two consecutive years. Supporters can vote once daily through noon Monday, Nov. 30.
The Rink’s national reputation extends well beyond its award-winning setting. Over the years, it has welcomed Olympic and U.S. champion figure skaters, including Nathan Chen, Meryl Davis, Charlie White, Ashley Wagner, Jeremy Abbott and Karen Chen.
Managed and programmed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, The Rink welcomes skaters for another season beneath Detroit’s towering Christmas tree and downtown skyline, including the Ugly Holiday Sweater Party presented by Michigan Lottery on Saturday, Nov. 21, and the Santa Skate Party presented by Bank of America on Sunday, Nov. 22.
“The Rink at Campus Martius Park reflects what makes downtown Detroit special. It’s the energy, connection and the ability to bring people together in a setting you can’t find anywhere else,” said Laura Dean, director of parks and public spaces at the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “We’re proud to offer a nationally recognized skating experience that gives people new reasons to visit and enjoy downtown Detroit all winter long.”
“At Lexus, we believe the most meaningful experiences are those that bring people together. Our continued partnership with the Downtown Detroit Partnership allows us to support a truly special Detroit tradition. As we return for our second year as rink sponsor, we’re proud to help create lasting memories while celebrating the city, its people and the vibrant spirit of downtown Detroit,” said Adelmo Chaparro, general manager of the Lexus Central Area.
THE RINK OPENING WEEKEND | NOV. 21-22
Ugly Holiday Sweater Party presented by Michigan Lottery
Saturday, Nov. 21 | 6-11 p.m.
Skaters are encouraged to wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters for an evening of festive fun beneath Detroit’s Christmas tree. The celebration features music, prizes for the best ugly sweaters and free $5 instant lottery tickets during the “Lucky Lottery Minute” each hour of the event.
Santa Skate Party presented by Bank of America
Sunday, Nov. 22 | Noon-4 p.m.
Families and friends can enjoy an afternoon of skating to holiday favorites, photos with Santa, sweet treats and seasonal festivities.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITY: FIRST ON ICE | TUESDAY, NOV. 17
Media are invited to capture photos and b-roll from 10:30-11:30 a.m. as the Downtown Detroit Partnership and Lexus host a special “First on Ice” skating event ahead of opening weekend.
2026-27 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Learn to Play Clinics | Saturdays, Jan. 9-March 6
In collaboration with the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, Detroit-area children will receive free on-ice instruction and a full set of hockey equipment courtesy of the Detroit Red Wings.
Broomball | Tuesdays beginning Jan. 5
Broomball returns for another season of friendly competition on the ice.
Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer | 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11
The Sk8 to Elimin8 Ice Show returns for its ninth year, bringing together world-class and local skaters to raise funds for the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation and its mission to turn cancer upside down®.
Sweetheart Skate presented by Bank of America | 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with romantic lighting, feel-good music and a festive skating experience for couples, friends and anyone looking to share a memorable evening on the ice.
THE RINK ADMISSION AND TICKETS
Admission for the 2026-27 season is $14 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and younger, seniors ages 59 and older, military personnel and first responders. Skate rental is $5. Tickets and skate rentals can be purchased in advance at DowntownDetroit.org/TheRink. A limited number of walk-up tickets will be available for each session on a first-come, first-served basis. Group rates are available by calling 313-963-9393.
Bank of America cardholders can enjoy $2 off regular admission as part of Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Winter in the Parks presented by Bank of America.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The Rink will be open daily, including holidays, through March 7, 2027.
Nov. 21-Jan. 3
Sunday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-midnight
Christmas Day: Noon-10 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Jan. 4-March 7
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon-8 p.m.
CHALET 313 STYLED AND FURNISHED BY GARDNER WHITE
CHALET 313 returns Nov. 21, offering a cozy, two-story heated lounge overlooking The Rink and Detroit’s Christmas tree. Visitors can enjoy comfortable seating, a lively bar and panoramic views of the downtown skyline. It’s an inviting place to warm up, grab a drink and take in the season. This space is made possible through generous funding from William Davidson Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Development Authority and Detroit Grand Prix.
EATS, DRINKS AND HOLIDAY SHOPPING
The Rink is part of downtown Detroit’s broader winter experience, with nearby restaurants and seasonal attractions, including Cadillac Lodge in Cadillac Square, offering drinks, treats and games in a festive ski-lodge setting. The Downtown Detroit Markets also return, featuring gifts and merchandise from dozens of local vendors.
Together, skating at The Rink, dazzling holiday lights, seasonal attractions and downtown businesses create a festive winter destination that encourages visitors to explore the city and shop locally.
For more information about The Rink at Campus Martius Park visit DowntownDetroit.org.
###
About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Since 1922, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has worked to cultivate social and economic impact in Downtown Detroit. As a member-based nonprofit, the DDP convenes civic, corporate, community and philanthropic partners to create a vibrant and world-class urban core. As a leader in Downtown urban innovation, the organization also provides small business support and manages, programs and stewards 18 parks and public spaces throughout Downtown Detroit. Learn more at DowntownDetroit.org and engage on social media @DowntownDet.
