5 Magical Places In South Carolina With Outdoor Ice Skating

Christmastime in the Palmetto State ushers in a variety of seasonal outdoor activities. From drive-through holiday light shows to a magical walk-through light display and more, South Carolinians look forward to the change of pace the holiday season brings. If you've never tried ice skating, then the following spots will dish up some high adventure for sure. Check out these seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks (yes, outdoor!) for an activity that's sure to be fun for the entire family.

1. Skating on the Square - Spartanburg

Downtown Spartanburg has offered an annual holiday tradition: a magical open-air ice rink where you can skate all day (even leave and come back, if you want!) for only $10.00, which includes the cost of the skate rental. (It's also $10 if you bring your own skates.) The rink is set up in Morgan Square in the heart of downtown. Hours vary, so checking online first is always a good idea. For more information, including special holiday hours, see their official website.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Unfortunately, Skating On The Square was canceled, and a reopening has yet to be announced, although many locals continue to hope this beloved tradition returns!

2. Holiday Ice - Anderson

Hours of family togetherness and fun can be found each night in this outdoor ice rink. Downtown Anderson's Carolina Wren Park installed a synthetic ice rink in place of the spray plaza. The cost for ages 7 and up is $5. The kiddie rink is $3 per person. Don't wait too long to make your skating plans, as the rink is open just for the month of December, and typically only Thursdays thru Sundays. Dates and times vary, so make sure you check their website for exact details. For more information, including school break hours and special holiday hours visit this link. In some years, Holiday Ice has had the option that for a special occasion you can rent the whole rink for $100/hour during times that it's not scheduled to be open! Some limitations apply. Find out more on their website.

3. Main Street Ice - Columbia

Holiday ice skating fun is brought to Columbia's Boyd Plaza seasonal fun for the whole family! The rink typically opens from November until mid-January, with varying hours and prices. Monday through Wednesday are discount days with prices set at $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Every other day of the week the price is $10 for adults and $8 for persons 12 and under. If you're planning to partake in the New Year's Eve celebration downtown, then you can add skating to the party plans because the rink will be open until midnight on News Years Eve. The rink is closed on Christmas. Regular hours are Monday - Thursday 4:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m., Friday 4:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m, Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Find out more on their Facebook page.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Columbia has yet to announce the return of Holiday Ice. After the rink had needed to make a temporary move for one season, the rink never returned to its original location in front of the Columbia Art Museum. City planners have not ruled out bringing back this fun-filled winter activity in the future if the right location can be identified.

4. Ice on Main - Greenville

The Christmas season in Greenville never officially arrives until Ice on Main opens. Located in front of the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Greenville, Ice on Main is a favorite each Christmas season. Bring your own skates or rent them on site. Either way, the cost of admission is $10 per person ages 13 and older, and $8 per child ages 3-12. There are various promotions during the skating season, so be sure to check the Ice on Main website. The hours vary depending on the day of the week, and there are special hours for school break and for the holidays. You can view those, and any unexpected closings on their Facebook page. Also included on their website are answers to any and all frequently asked questions to help your time on the ice go smoothly.

5. Founders Holiday Ice Rink - Rock Hill

After wrapping up another eventful ChristmasVille weekend recently, the City of Rock Hill continues spreading holiday cheer with their annual Founders Holiday Ice Rink located across from Fountain Park in the heart of Old Town. Fifteen dollars will get you a skate rental and up to 90 minutes on this ice rink. You'll find the daily hours for this ice rink are plugged into the calendar on this page of their website. Make sure you buy your ticket online in advance, but you can minimize any concerns you may have over the weather, as the rink is covered by a large tent and open during almost any weather.

It's rare to find an ice skating rink in South Carolina, period - let alone one that's outdoors. Have you kicked up some ice at any of these yet? We'd love to know. And if we missed any outdoor ice skating rinks please add them below in the comments!

For more holiday fun in the Palmetto State, head to the only holiday lights safari in South Carolina.