Grand Illumination Parade
Saturday, November 22 ❄ 7 pm
Grand Illumination Parade
Kick off the season as this beloved annual parade lights up Downtown Norfolk with shimmering displays and holiday cheer.
Saturday, November 22
A magical waterfront ice skating experience, presented as part of Winterfest Riverwalk.
About
Skate the Riverwalk at this all-new ice rink along Norfolk's Winterfest Riverwalk—an illuminated, mile-long waterfront light trail. Glide under twinkling lights with festive music, cozy waterfront vibes, and the joyful energy of the holidays.
Whether you're sipping cocoa between laps, creating family traditions, or enjoying a romantic winter date, this open-air rink brings a classic holiday experience to the heart of Winterfest. Lace up and make memories on the ice all season long!
Get TicketsHours & Location
Rink Dates
November 22, 2025 - January 4, 2026 Nov 22, 2025 - Jan 4, 2026
Regular Hours
❄ Monday–Thursday: 4–9 pm
❄ Friday: 4–10 pm
❄ Saturday: 11 am–10 pm
❄ Sunday: 11 am–9 pm
School Holiday Hours
November 22–28 & December 23–January 5
❄ Nov 22–28 & Dec 23–Jan 5
❄ Daily: 11 am–10 pm
Special Holiday Hours
❄ Thanksgiving Day, November 27: 3–10 pm
❄ Christmas Eve, December 24: 11 am–7 pm
❄ Christmas Day, December 25: 3–10 pm
❄ Thanksgiving Day, Nov 27: 3–10 pm
❄ Christmas Eve, Dec 24: 11 am–7 pm
❄ Christmas Day, Dec 25: 3–10 pm
Location
TowneBank Fountain Park
666 Waterside Drive
Norfolk, VA 23510
Calendar
Letters to Santa on Ice
Every Saturday ❄ 1–5 pm
Skate & Send: Letters to Santa on Ice
Glide into the holiday spirit as kids skate, sip cocoa, and drop their wish lists into Santa's mailbox. This festive rinkside tradition makes every Saturday feel a little more magical.
Every Saturday
A Jolly Spin on the Ice
December 20 & 21 ❄ Time TBD
Skate with Santa
Hit the ice for a merry skating session with Santa himself! Enjoy holiday music, festive photo ops, and a joyful atmosphere perfect for all ages.
December 20 & 21
Holiday Sip & Shop
at Nauticus
Wednesdays, December 3 & 10
5 pm–8 pm
Holiday Sip & Shop
at Nauticus
Shop a curated mix of local vendors throughout Nauticus' first floor, along with festive drinks, music, and cozy waterfront vibes.
Wednesdays, December 3 & 10
Visit Santa
at Nauticus
Saturday, December 6
9:30 am–12:30 pm
Santa's Maritime Morning
at Nauticus
Create unforgettable holiday memories aboard the Battleship Wisconsin with the jolliest captain of them all — Santa himself. Enjoy a morning of photos, crafts, and cheerful surprises.
Saturday, December 6
Yule Log Bonfire & Holiday Marketplace
Saturday, December 6
12 pm–8 pm
Yule Log Bonfire & Holiday Marketplace
Presented by Festevents
Just steps from Skate the Riverwalk, enjoy live music, cozy fire pits, local vendors, festive treats, and family fun along the Norfolk waterfront. Come for the skating — stay for the celebration!
Saturday, December 6
General Admission
$17
+ $1.50 fee + taxes/skater
- 75-minute skate session
- Skate rentals included
- Age 3 and up
Ice & Lights Combo Pass
$35
+ $1.50 fee + taxes/skater
Enjoy both experiences in one evening:
- 75-minute ice skating session + skate rental
- Timed admission to Winterfest on the Wisconsin during select hours
Combo tickets must be used on the same date. Guests skate first, then receive a Winterfest ticket for same-day evening entry. Hours vary by date — check your selected night for availability.
Cheap Skate Mondays
$15
+ $1.50 fee + taxes/skater
- $2 off all day Monday
- 75-minute skate session
- Skate rentals included
Military Discount
$16
+ $1.50 fee + taxes/skater
- Available online or on-site
- Must present valid ID at check-in
- 75-minute skate session
- Skate rentals included
Skate Helper Rental
$7
Optional add-on
- Limited availability
- Available for rental on-site only
- Helpful aid for beginner skaters
Tickets & Reservations
You can purchase tickets online ahead of time or on-site (first come, first served). Please note that your reservation is valid only for the date and time you select.
Each ticket includes 75 minutes of skating fun, starting when you check in at the rink.
After purchase, you'll receive two emails:
- Your receipt, and
- A link to your Reservation Management page, where you can add skater names and complete electronic waivers.
Each skater will need to complete their own waiver, and parents or guardians must sign for minors.
All skating sessions are weather permitting. While we do our best to have all skate sizes available, wait times may occur during busy periods. A waiver is required for every guest each time they skate.
Private Parties
Reserve the rink for your next celebration — from corporate gatherings and birthdays to family get-togethers and holiday parties. Make it a night to remember on the ice!
For details and to book, email skatetheriverwalk@icerinkevents.com
More Information
Parking
Convenient parking is available in several Downtown Norfolk garages. Many offer two hours of free parking daily (except during the Grand Illumination Parade, when event rates apply). After two hours, standard City rates apply.
Garages Closest to the Rink:
- Town Point Garage – 110 W. Main St.
- The Main Garage – 100 E. Main St. (entrance on Plume St.; exit through The Main Hotel to Main St.)
- Main Street Garage – 230 E. Main St.
- West Plume Garage – 135 W. Plume St.
Parking is also available at the Waterside Garage (50 Martin's Lane), though rates may be slightly higher due to an existing lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We've got answers! Click any question to learn more.
Tickets are available online on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also purchase tickets on-site, though availability may be limited.
If you arrive without a ticket, simply scan the QR code posted at the rink to buy tickets from your smartphone. If you're unable to purchase digitally, our team can assist with on-site credit card purchases.
To guarantee admission, we highly recommend purchasing your tickets online in advance.
Please check the operating hours listed above.
Your reservation is valid only for the date and time purchased, and each ticket includes 75 minutes of skating time, beginning at check-in.
No, the ice rink is cashless.
We recommend buying tickets online in advance to secure your day and time, but we do sell tickets for walk-up skaters through our online ticketing system.
Tickets are non-refundable. However, based on availability, you may reschedule for another date or time.
To make changes, visit your Reservation Management page or contact us at support@icerinkevents.com.
We continue skating in light rain or drizzle. If heavy rain or severe weather requires the rink to close, all ticket holders will receive an email notification and have the option to reschedule.
For help with your e-tickets, visit the "Info and Help" section on your Reservation Management page. You can access the Reservations Management page via the email we sent after your ticket purchase. From there, you can "Contact Support."
Yes. If an unexpected issue comes up (such as illness or a family emergency), you may reschedule within 72 hours after your original reservation date for any available time during the current season.
- Yes, skaters must be 3 years or older.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Children who cannot walk are not allowed to skate.
- Children cannot be carried while skating.
Yes! Non-skaters are welcome inside the venue. Please make sure children are supervised at all times.
Non-skaters may enjoy the designated viewing area, but are not permitted on the ice.
Yes. Skate helpers are available as an optional add-on for $7 and are one-size-fits-all.
Yes! Skate rental is included with every ticket.
We offer sizes from Toddler 8 to Adult 15, plus double-runner and clamp-on skates for very young children.
Sizing tip: Women typically go 2 sizes down, and men go 1 size down from their regular shoe size.
Yes, personal skates are welcome — just make sure they're in safe, skateable condition.
All guests must purchase a ticket to access the rink, even if they bring their own skates.
Yes, socks are required for all skaters.
Yes, the rink is ADA compliant. Wheelchair users must wear skates, and the assisting individual must wear ice cleats (provided at the rink). Both participants must complete a waiver before entering the ice.
No. Hockey sticks and pucks are not allowed on the ice.
We do not offer lockers or storage areas. No bags or loose items are allowed on the ice. Guests are responsible for their belongings, and Fenton and Ice Rink Events are not liable for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Managed by Ice Rink Events
The nation's leading designer and operator of seasonal and special-event ice rinks, with hundreds of successful installations across the U.S. and around the world.