- Michigan’s premier outdoor skating rink marks its 21st season
- A full weekend of themed skate parties, live DJs, special guest appearances and more will be offered
- New CHALET 313 designed by Gardner White, a two-story glass-enclosed lounge with cozy seating, lively bar and 360-degree views of the ice rink and towering Christmas tree
- This year tickets and skate rentals will be available for presale online
- Open seven days a week, including holidays, through March 2, 2025
DETROIT – The Downtown Detroit Partnership today announced that The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit will open the 2024-2025 season with a weekend celebration, Nov. 23-24, that features guest appearances on and off the ice and special offerings. Michigan’s premier family-friendly outdoor ice rink located right in the heart of Downtown welcomes nearly 100,000 people annually. Following its festive opening weekend, The Rink will be open daily, including holidays, through March 2, 2025.
“As we mark the 21st season of The Rink at Campus Martius Park, Visit Detroit is proud to collaborate with the Downtown Detroit Partnership for another year. Every year, we welcome thousands of visitors across the region and beyond to experience the quintessential winter Detroit experience that combines family entertainment, energizes our downtown shops and restaurants, and fosters memorable winter traditions and fun for everyone. For families returning to The Rink for another year or visitors experiencing it for the first time, The Rink showcases everything that makes Detroit a premier winter destination — proud community spirit and signature seasonal festivities,” said Claude Molinari, president and CEO of Visit Detroit.
“The Rink at Campus Martius Park is one of the nation’s most iconic and scenic skating experiences, drawing visitors from across the region to celebrate the holiday and winter seasons,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer with the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “This year, The Rink will once again open with a fun-filled weekend on the Saturday following the Detroit Tree Lighting. For the first time, guests can also enjoy a two-story glass chalet, a heated lounge with stunning views overlooking The Rink, Detroit’s Christmas tree and cityscape. Plan to spend the day downtown and take in Detroit’s festive lights, bustling winter markets, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and incredible dining spots. It’s the ultimate winter experience for everyone.”
RINK OPENING WEEKEND CELEBRATION
Saturday, Nov. 23 – Sunday, Nov. 24
Visitors can glide into the spirit of the season with a weekend of skate parties and more at The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit.
GRINCH SKATE PARTY
Saturday, Nov. 23 • 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The season kicks off with a Grinch Skate Party that offers fun for the whole family. In partnership with 313 Presents, the event will feature a DJ spinning holiday favorites, an opportunity to write letters to Santa and chances to win tickets to upcoming theater shows. As a special treat, the Grinch himself will make a special appearance.
UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER PARTY PRESENTED BY MICHIGAN LOTTERY
Saturday, Nov. 23 • 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to don their favorite ugly holiday sweater for a night of festive fun under Detroit’s Christmas Tree. There, they can enjoy time on The Rink with merry beats and a chance to win prizes for the best ugly sweater. They can also walk away with a free $5 instant ticket during the “Lucky Lottery Minute” taking place each hour of the event.
HOLIDAY ONESIE AND FAMILY PAJAMA SKATE PARTY PRESENTED BY METRO PARENT
Sunday, Nov. 24 • 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Hosted in partnership with Metro Parent, families and individuals of all ages are encouraged to showcase their holiday spirit on the ice in cozy, festive outfits. where prizes will be awarded for the best group outfits! Kids and families can enjoy a magical afternoon of skating, hot cocoa and Christmas tunes to warm their hearts.
CHALET 313 Designed by Gardner White
Campus Martius Park unveils a new, never-before-seen seasonal gathering space: a two-story heated lounge designed by Gardner White. With cozy seating, a lively bar and 360-degree views of the ice rink, towering Christmas tree and dazzling Detroit skyline, this glass-enclosed lounge offers the ultimate festive retreat. Perfect for sipping holiday drinks and soaking up the season, this unique addition promises a vibrant winter wonderland where friends and family can gather, warm up and enjoy the holiday magic in the heart of downtown Detroit. Generous funding partners include Michigan Economic Development Corporation Revitalization and Placemaking Program, William Davidson Foundation, Downtown Development Authority and Grand Prixmiere.
The Rink at Campus Martius Park is marking its 21st anniversary year. The world’s best Olympic and U.S. champion athletes perform and skate here annually – from gold-medalists Nathan Chen, Meryl Davis and Charlie White and U.S. champions Ashley Wagner, Jeremy Abbott, Karen Chen and many others. It also serves as a base for dozens of mission-driven community events and campaigns, including Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, Make-A-Wish, Salvation Army and more. This year’s Rink season welcomes the following:
LITTLE RED WINGS
Saturdays, Jan. 11 – Feb. 15 • 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
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 for those who attend the full series at The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit.
SK8 TO ELIMIN8 CANCER
Feb. 13 • 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Sk8 to Elimin8 Ice Show returns to Campus Martius Park for the 8th consecutive year. This show features world class and local skaters in an effort to raise funds on behalf of the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which aims to turn cancer upside down™.
THE RINK ADMISSION AND PURCHASING
Admission for the 2024-2025 season is $12 for adults; $9 for children 12 and under and also seniors 59+; and $8 for military and first responders. Skate rental is $6. Tickets and skate rentals are available for presale at DowntownDetroit.org/TheRink. Patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets for admission in advance. Also, a limited number of walk-up tickets are available per session on a first come, first served basis. Group rates are also available by calling 313-963-9393.
THE RINK SEASONAL HOURS
Open daily, including holidays, through March 2, 2025.
Nov. 22 – Jan. 5
Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight
Christmas Day: noon to 10 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Jan. 6 – March 2
Monday – Wednesday – Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon to 8 p.m.
PARKING
Convenient and affordable parking options are available only steps away from The Rink at Campus Martius Park, including One Campus Martius, and other parking decks and spots across the Downtown. Public transit also is a great way to navigate the city, including DDOT, SMART, FAST, The People Mover, QLINE, rideshare and MoGo.
EATS + DRINKS
There are plenty of dining and bar options for visitors of The Rink to enjoy, from fast casual to upscale dining and everything in between. In addition to new CHALET 313, there’s the award-winning Parc, the rink side restaurant that offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Downtown Detroit and, nearby, there’s the stylish Lumen Detroit at Beacon Park, surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights from its contemporary dining room or from its heated outdoor chalets on the patio.
Visitors also can take a break in the comfort and style of a ski lodge setting inside the Cadillac Lodge across the street from The Rink at Campus Martius Park, which offers an assortment of beverages, toasty treats, board games and more.
Skating at The Rink at Campus Martius Park, award-winning holiday lighting and public spaces, along with a myriad of retailers and restaurants all come together this season to make a perfect “staycation” with no shortage of opportunities to support local businesses. For more information visit DowntownDetroit.org.
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About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) strengthens and supports Downtown Detroit through strategic initiatives and programs. DDP convenes business, philanthropic and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the surrounding community. DDP is responsible for programming, managing and operating several of Downtown Detroit’s parks and public spaces. For more information, visit DowntownDetroit.org.
About Visit Detroit
The mission of the Visit Detroit is to market and sell the Detroit metropolitan region to business and leisure visitors in order to maximize economic impact. In collaboration with our partners, stakeholders and customers, our purpose is to champion the continuous improvement of the region as a dynamic and memorable tourism destination. For more information VisitDetroit.com.
