Skating in Moscow: The Most Magical Ice Rinks
From riverside trails and glowing pavilions to festive squares and historic gardens — discover the places to skate in Moscow with the best vibes this winter.
Winter in Moscow transforms the city into a world of shimmering lights, warm treats, and crisp, frosty air, and there's no better way to feel this magic than by stepping onto the ice. Moscow’s rinks range from grand, sprawling arenas to quiet parks where you glide between fir trees dressed in lights. We’ve gathered the most beautiful, festive, and unique spots where you can skate, warm up with a cup of tea, and experience the capital at its seasonal best.
Red Square (GUM Ice Rink)
Skating in Red Square is a bucket-list winter experience. The rink is compact, styled like a festive hockey arena, and surrounded by the sparkling lights of GUM, a towering Christmas tree, holiday music, and the aroma of warm pastries from the nearby fair. Beginners usually glide in the centre, while confident skaters take the outer ring. Throughout the season, the rink hosts performances by professional skaters, themed evenings, and one-hour timed sessions with ticketed entry.
Address: Red Square
Bolotnaya Square Ice Rink
A spacious 2,500 m² open-air rink surrounded by winter lights and festive décor. Entry is free with online registration, and sessions last 1.5–2 hours with breaks for smoothing the ice. At the far end of the rink stands a glowing Fiery Horse sculpture, the symbol of 2026. Rental services offer skates, helmets, and protective gear; beginners can rent a skating assistant. The rink is open daily except Mondays, with extended hours on weekends.
Address: Bolotnaya Square
Kolomenskoe Riverside Rink
This winter, Kolomenskoe, one of Moscow's most picturesque historic estates, opens one of the longest linear ice rinks in the city. Stretching 1.7 km along the Moscow River, the rink lets you skate with the water on one side and the snow-covered park on the other. Above the trail, a glowing “starry sky” light installation turns the whole route into a magical winter promenade. Perfect for long, peaceful rides and for photos that look like scenes from a winter fairytale.
Address: Kolomeskoe Museum-Reserve
VDNH Ice Rink
VDNH hosts one of Europe’s largest and most iconic winter skating spaces, a lively rink set against the backdrop of monumental Soviet pavilions and famous fountains like Friendship of Nations and Stone Flower. Visitors can rent skates, sharpen their own, and warm up in cafés serving hot sbiten, waffles, and fresh blini.
During the 2025–2026 season, a hockey arena and a new children's rink will appear near Pavilion No. 1, making the ice experience even more dynamic and family-friendly. VDNH also introduces a special night-skating programme, inviting visitors to enjoy the rink after dark.
Address: VDNH, Mira Avenue, 119
Gorky Park Ice Rink
A classic Moscow tradition since Soviet times, Gorky Park’s rink is reimagined each year with a new design, changing light installations, and themed zones. The ice is illuminated with shifting colours, music plays across the park, and several warm pavilions offer a space to rest, change, or grab a hot drink. Seasonal food stalls serve tea, cocoa, and churros, perfect for a break between laps.
Address: Krymsky Val, 9
Hermitage Garden Rink
Tucked in the heart of the city, the Hermitage Garden rink feels like stepping into a vintage holiday postcard. The ice paths wind between decorated fir trees, warm lights glow from morning to evening, and soft jazz flows from the speakers, setting a cosy mood even on snowy days. After skating, visitors can stop by nearby cafés such as Veranda 32.05 and Silvano, or enjoy coffee at 1554 near the main entrance.
Address: Karetny Ryad, 3
Luzhniki Ice Rink
In Luzhniki’s main square, the new central fountain transforms into a massive winter rink covering more than 16,000 m², spilling onto the side alleys of the complex. A striking light show adds drama to evening sessions, while cafés, restaurants, skate rental, and service points line the perimeter. It’s one of the most impressive skating locations for those who love big, festive winter spaces.
Address: Luzhniki Olympic Complex
Northern River Station Rink
In front of the Northern River Station, a building shaped like a Soviet riverboat, a small, family-friendly rink appears each year. With all-weather artificial ice, it’s perfect no matter the temperature. Children can use cute penguin-shaped supports to take their first steps, and the vibes in the evenings are especially nice thanks to the station’s illuminated façade. The rink has a warm changing area, skate rental and sharpening, and snack machines for quick treats.
Address: Northern River Station Square