Opening of pop-up ice skating rink, Tucson Holiday Ice, delayed until Nov. 29 ⛸

Note: This story was originally posted in 2023 and updated 2025.

The seasonal opening of downtown Tucson's pop-up ice skating rink, has been delayed until Saturday Nov. 29., due to an unexpected equipment failure. The City of Tucson and Rio Nuevo said in a press release, that replacement parts are currently on order, and crews are working to complete repairs as quickly as possible.

Guests who have purchased tickets for dates impacted by the delay will receive automatic refunds. No further action is required from customers.

For questions, call 520-791-4101.

The temporary outdoor rink, dubbed Tucson Holiday Ice, made possible by the City of Tucson and Rio Nuevo, will be up until Jan. 4 outside of the Tucson Convention Center, 260 S. Church Ave.

Skate sessions, which run for 90 minutes, are priced at $22 for adults and $15 for kids under 12 years old. If you visit for the first session of the day, you’ll be able to pay a discounted price of $12 for adults and $8 for kids. Tickets can be purchased here. Times vary based on day. The rink will be closed Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

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Skates, which begin at size 8 for kids and go up to size 15 for men, are included in the admission price. Socks are required and gloves are recommended. Skate assists can be rented onsite for an additional $7.

Tucson Holiday Ice made its debut in 2019, then near Hotel Congress.

“A lot of other cities do this,” Lane Mandle, the chief of staff for Tucson’s city manager, said in 2019. “It’s not unrealistic to have ice outside in a desert winter. … We’ll still be able to operate even if it’s a warm December.”

“This would be a fun experience for Tucsonans because we don’t have a public sheet of ice; we don’t have any place to skate. This is a lovely way to make a nice holiday tradition.”