Skating in the shadows of City Hall is a vibe you can't really replicate anywhere else in Philadelphia. Honestly, the ice rink at Dilworth Park—officially known as the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink—is more than just a place to fall on your butt while tourists watch from the sidelines. It’s the centerpiece of a winter transformation that turns a concrete transit hub into something that feels, well, actually magical.
You’ve got William Penn looking down from the top of City Hall, the smell of roasted nuts from the Christmas Village nearby, and that specific crispness in the air that only hits when you're standing over a SEPTA station. It's iconic.
Getting the Lay of the Land at Dilworth Park
Most people think you can just show up and hop on the ice. You can’t. Since the pandemic, the Center City District (CCD) has stuck with a timed ticketing system. It’s actually better this way. It keeps the crowds from turning into a total human bumper-car situation. You get a 90-minute session. That’s usually plenty of time before your toes start going numb or you realize your ankles aren't as strong as they were in the 90s.
The rink is situated on the west side of City Hall. It’s literally on top of a major transit hub, which makes it incredibly easy to reach via the Broad Street Line or Market-Frankford Line. If you’re driving? Good luck. Parking in Center City in December is a special kind of stress. Use a garage like the Love Park Garage nearby if you must, but honestly, just take the train.
What it Costs and How to Save a Buck
Let's talk money because Center City isn't exactly cheap. Admission for adults usually hovers around $6 to $9, and kids (10 and under) are about $5. But the real kicker is the skate rental. If you don't own your own blades, expect to drop another $10. It adds up fast if you’re bringing a whole family.
- Adult Admission: $9
- Children (10 & under): $6
- Skate Rental: $10
- Group Rate (10+ people): $15 per person (includes rental)
If you're a local and you plan on going more than once, just buy your own skates. Seriously. A decent pair of recreational skates pays for itself in three visits. Plus, rental skates are... well, they’re rental skates. They’ve been lived in.
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The College Student Hack
Every Tuesday night, usually from January through late February, they do "College Nights." If you have a valid student ID, admission is only a couple of bucks. It’s one of the few genuine deals left in the city. Check the CCD website for the specific dates, as they can shift based on weather or sponsorship changes.
More Than Just Skating: The Rothman Cabin
Right next to the ice, there’s the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin. This is where you go when you’re done pretending you’re an Olympian. It’s a heated tent, but it feels more like a rustic lodge. They serve actual food—think poutine, hearty soups, and pretzels.
But the real reason people crowd in there? The drinks. They have seasonal cocktails, spiked hot cocoa, and local brews from Victory Brewing Company or Stella Artois. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching people wipe out on the ice through a window while you’re sipping a warm bourbon cider. It’s the little things.
The Wintergarden and Why You Should Care
Just a few steps away from the ice rink at Dilworth Park is the Wintergarden at Greenfield Plaza. It’s this maze of dried hydrangeas, evergreen trees, and twinkle lights. It’s technically an "outdoor horticultural installation," but basically, it’s a giant photo op.
The contrast is wild. On one side, you have the heavy, ornate masonry of City Hall—the largest municipal building in the United States—and on the other, you have this whimsical, woodland-style garden. It stays open even after the rink closes for the season, usually until late March. It’s a great spot to sit and decompress if the rink is too loud.
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When to Go (And When to Avoid)
If you hate crowds, stay away on Saturday nights. It’s a nightmare. It’s loud, the ice gets choppy fast, and you’ll spend half your time dodging teenagers who are way better at skating than you.
The "sweet spot" is weekday mornings or early afternoons. If you can sneak away on a Tuesday at 11:00 AM, you might have the whole place to yourself. The ice is fresh, the music is quieter, and you can actually appreciate the architecture surrounding you. Also, the "Deck the Hall" Light Show usually starts in the late afternoon. It’s a projection-mapped show on the side of City Hall. If you time your skating session to end right as the sun goes down, you get a front-row seat to the show from the edge of the rink.
A Few Real-World Tips for the Ice
Don't wear thick wool socks. I know it sounds counterintuitive. You think "cold ice, thick socks," right? No. Thick socks bunch up in the skate, cut off your circulation, and actually make your feet colder. Wear a thin, moisture-wicking pair. Your feet will thank you.
Also, locker rentals are available but they're small. Don't bring your giant backpack or a ton of shopping bags from the Fashion District. Carry light. There’s no "concierge" to watch your stuff, and leaving a bag on a bench in Center City is... bold.
- Check the Weather: If it’s above 50 degrees, the ice gets "soft" and slushy. It’s harder to skate on and you’ll get soaked if you fall.
- Buy Tickets Online: Do not just walk up. You’ll likely see a "Sold Out" sign for the next three sessions.
- Learn to Stop: Before you get into the center of the rink, practice a T-stop or a snowplow stop. The perimeter is for beginners, the middle is for people who think they’re in Disney on Ice.
The Logistics of the Season
The rink usually opens in early November—right around the time everyone starts arguing about when it's okay to play Christmas music—and stays open through late February. This is a longer season than the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn's Landing, which is Philly's other big skating destination.
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While the RiverRink has the whole "waterfront" vibe and a Ferris wheel, Dilworth has the "urban heart" feel. You’re surrounded by skyscrapers like the BNY Mellon Center and the Ritz-Carlton. It feels like you’re in a movie set.
Beyond the Ice: The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market
If you're heading there before January 1st, the ice rink at Dilworth Park is flanked by the Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market. Unlike the main Christmas Village at Love Park (which has a lot of international vendors), the Dilworth market focuses on local artisans.
You can find handmade jewelry, local honey, and Philly-themed apparel. It’s a bit more curated and a lot less chaotic than the main market across the street. It’s worth a walk-through even if you aren't buying anything, just to see what the local maker scene is doing.
Is it Worth the Hype?
Look, skating in a city is never going to be "cheap" or "relaxing" in the traditional sense. It’s a bit chaotic. It’s loud. But there is a specific magic to being at the intersection of everything in Philadelphia. You see families, couples on awkward first dates, and office workers taking a very long lunch break.
It’s a communal experience. When someone falls, three people usually reach out to help them up. In a city that sometimes gets a bad rap for being "gritty," the rink at Dilworth is a reminder that we actually quite like each other when there’s hot cocoa and ice skates involved.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Secure your spot: Head to the Center City District official website to book your timed tickets at least 48 hours in advance, especially for weekends.
- Plan your transit: Download the SEPTA Key app or ensure you have a contactless payment method ready to avoid the ticket machine lines at 15th Street Station.
- Dress in layers: The wind whips around City Hall like a tunnel; you’ll be freezing while standing in line and sweating ten minutes into your skate.
- Check the "Deck the Hall" schedule: If you're going for the lights, verify the showtimes on the CCD site, as they usually run every hour on the half-hour starting at 5:30 PM.
The rink stays open through February 22, 2026, so even after the holiday lights come down, you still have a solid window to get out there. Just remember to bend your knees and stay off the boards if you can help it.