Winter in Atlanta is weird. One day you’re in a light sweater walking the BeltLine, and the next, a damp chill from the Chattahoochee hits your bones and you just want to hide. That’s usually when people start frantically Googling the Ponce City Market igloos. It has become this sort of local rite of passage. If you haven't sat in a plastic bubble ten stories above Ponce de Leon Avenue with a $15 cocktail in hand, have you even lived in the Old Fourth Ward?
But honestly, the booking process is a headache if you don’t know which "flavor" of igloo you’re actually looking for.
The Tale of Two Igloo Tiers
Here is the thing: there isn't just one type of igloo up there. People show up all the time thinking they can get a full three-course steak dinner at the "Skate the Sky" igloos, only to find out they're basically in a very fancy warming hut for skaters.
1. The 9 Mile Station Dining Igloos
These are the heavy hitters. If you want the "real" dinner experience, this is where you go. They are situated right outside 9 Mile Station, which is the elevated, sit-down restaurant on the roof.
You get a dedicated server. You get the full menu—think Dry Aged Pork Chops and Pan Seared Duck Breast. You also get a massive heater that actually works. The rental fee is usually around $125 to $175 depending on the day, and that doesn't even count the food. Plus, there is a $25 per person food and beverage minimum. It's an investment. You're paying for the view of the Buckhead and Midtown skylines while feeling like you're in a Swiss chalet that happens to be on top of an old Sears building.
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2. The Skate the Sky Igloos
These are located over by the ice rink. They’re a bit more casual, or at least as casual as a private rooftop bubble can be.
When you book these, you’re basically buying a "winter party pack." The reservation usually includes your Roof admission, unlimited games at Skyline Park (yes, even the horse racing game), and unlimited ice skating. They give you a "basket of treats"—usually some sweets and snacks—but you aren't getting a full ribeye here. It’s more about the cocktails and the vibes. If you have kids or a group that can’t sit still for a two-hour dinner, this is the one you want.
Is the Price Actually Worth It?
Let's be real. Spending nearly $200 just to sit in a chair before you even order a drink sounds insane to some people.
But I’ve sat in these things when it’s 34 degrees and windy outside. The moment you step through that zipper door, the world goes quiet. The wind stops howling. You’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium glowing in the distance, and you’re warm.
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Pro Tip: If you're trying to save a buck, the 9 Mile Station igloos allow all ages at all times now. Earlier in the day on Sundays is generally easier on the wallet and the nerves.
The "Secret" Timing for Reservations
If you try to book a Friday night in December on December 1st, you’re going to have a bad time.
The Roof typically releases tickets on the 20th of the month for the following month. Mark your calendar for October 20th if you want a November slot. If you're aiming for a Valentine’s Day dinner—which is the absolute peak of igloo season—you need to be on that website the second the clock strikes midnight.
They usually pack up the igloos and melt the ice rink around February 15th. After that, the roof transitions back into its spring "Skyline Park" carnival mode.
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What to Actually Wear
Don't be the person who shows up in a thin cocktail dress and no coat because "the igloos are heated."
The walk from the elevator to the igloo is cold. The walk to the bathroom is cold. And while the heaters are powerful, they are still fighting against the laws of thermodynamics in a plastic tent. Wear layers. Faux fur is the unofficial uniform up there anyway.
Key Logistics You Need to Know
- Capacity: Every igloo maxes out at 6 people. No, they won't "squeeze in" a seventh. Fire marshals on the roof are surprisingly strict about that.
- Duration: You usually get the space for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. 9 Mile Station gives you a bit longer (2.5) because of the multi-course dining.
- The Ice: The rink is 3,500 square feet. It's real ice, not that synthetic plastic stuff.
- Arrival: Give yourself 20 minutes just to get through the check-in downstairs and wait for the freight elevator.
The Final Verdict
The Ponce City Market igloos aren't a weekly hangout. They are a "special occasion" flex. If you're celebrating an anniversary or trying to impress cousins visiting from out of town, it's hard to beat. There is something undeniably cool about watching the sunset over the Atlanta skyline through a crystal-clear dome.
Just make sure you book the right one.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the weather forecast for the Old Fourth Ward; if high winds are predicted, call ahead to ensure the roof is open.
- Log into the "The Roof at PCM" website on the 20th of the month at 9:00 AM sharp to snag the best weekend slots.
- Review the current 9 Mile Station seasonal menu before booking to ensure the $25 per-person minimum aligns with your group's tastes.