Skating at Nathan Phillips Square

Skating at Nathan Phillips Square is Toronto’s quintessential winter experience: gliding under the lit arches in front of City Hall, with the official Christmas tree, the Toronto sign and the city skyline around you. It’s free with your own skates.

At a glance

Detail	Info
Where	Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West
Season	Usually late November to mid-March, weather permitting
Cost	Free with your own skates; rentals available on site
Hours	Generally from morning until late evening; check the City’s rink page
Nearest subway	Osgoode or Queen (Line 1)

When does the rink open?

The rink typically opens in late November, around the time of the Cavalcade of Lights opening night, and stays open until mid-March. Opening depends on the weather, so check the City of Toronto’s rink status page before you head out.

Skating at Christmas

From late November to early January the square is at its most festive, with the city’s official tree, more than 300,000 LED lights and the glowing arches over the ice. Cavalcade of Lights opening night usually includes a skating show, and the City has hosted free skating parties with DJs and hot chocolate in past seasons. On New Year’s Eve, the City’s free celebration now takes place on the waterfront at Harbourfront Centre; it moved there in 2025, with no fireworks at Nathan Phillips Square. New Year’s Eve in Toronto

Rentals and facilities

Skate rentals and sharpening are available beside the rink for a fee, along with washrooms and a place to change. The rink alternates between public skating and occasional programming, so check the schedule.

A short history of the rink

Nathan Phillips Square opened in 1965 alongside Toronto’s distinctive curved City Hall, designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell. The reflecting pool in front of City Hall doubles as a skating rink in winter, framed by the square’s concrete arches. It has become one of the most photographed winter spots in Canada, especially with the colourful TORONTO sign and the official Christmas tree. See the history of Christmas in Toronto.

Best times to skate

• Weekday mornings and early afternoons are the quietest.
• Weekday evenings offer the lights with moderate crowds.
• Weekend evenings in December are the busiest, but the most festive.
• Christmas Day and Boxing Day can be relaxed and fun, depending on hours.

Skating with kids

• Helmets are recommended for children and beginners.
• Go early when the ice is fresh and less crowded.
• Bring extra mittens and dry socks.
• Warm up in City Hall or a nearby café between sessions.

Make it a downtown evening

After skating, walk to the Eaton Centre for shopping, see the windows on Queen Street, or have dinner in the Financial District or Chinatown. For a full route, see the Christmas lights walking tour and the Cavalcade of Lights.

Nathan Phillips Square skating: FAQ

Is skating at Nathan Phillips Square free? Yes, with your own skates. Rentals cost extra.

When does the rink open? Usually in late November, weather permitting, and stays open into March.

Can I skate on New Year’s Eve? Check the City’s schedule; the City’s 2025 celebration moved to the waterfront.

Tips

• Go on a weekday or early in the day for the most room on the ice.
• Evening skates look best for photos, with the arches and tree lit up.
• Warm up afterwards at the Eaton Centre, a few minutes’ walk east. Eaton Centre at Christmas
• Pair it with a show: the Four Seasons Centre (The Nutcracker) is a block away. Nutcracker Toronto

More rinks: outdoor skating in Toronto.