The Ultimate 2025–2026 Guide To Ice Skating In Winston-Salem: Prices, Schedules, And Outdoor Fun
Planning your winter fun in the Triad? As of December 23, 2025, the heart of ice sports in Winston-Salem is the reliable and fully-equipped Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex Ice Rink. This year, the facility is buzzing with a full 2025–2026 schedule of public skating sessions, specialized lessons, and competitive hockey action, making it the definitive destination for all ice enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned skaters.
Whether you are looking for a fun family outing, a romantic date night, or professional figure skating training, the local ice scene has you covered. We've compiled the most current details on admission prices, skate rentals, and all the essential information you need to lace up your skates this season.
Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex Ice Rink: Your Indoor Hub
The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex is the primary and most consistent venue for ice skating in the city. It hosts a full calendar of events, ensuring the ice is active almost year-round, with public sessions ramping up significantly during the holiday season and winter months.
2025–2026 Public Skating Schedule and Pricing
The public skating sessions at the Fairgrounds Annex are the main attraction, offering a climate-controlled environment perfect for skating regardless of the weather outside. The schedule is dynamic, so checking the official Fairgrounds Arena Ice Calendar is always recommended, but here is the essential pricing information for the current season.
- General Admission (Standard): $10.00 per person.
- Peak Season Admission (December–January): $12.00 per person.
- Skate Rental: $3.00 (required for those without their own skates).
- Address: 414 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.
During the winter season, especially around the holidays, look out for special sessions like the "Winter Break No School Skate Days." These sessions are a perfect way for students to burn off energy when classes are out, and they often feature extended hours.
Special Events and Programs at the Annex
The Annex is more than just a public rink; it’s a full-service ice sports facility that supports a variety of programs and local teams. This wide range of activities ensures the facility maintains high topical authority in the local sports scene.
Ice Sports and Events Entities:
- Skating With Santa: A popular annual holiday event, scheduled for December 14, 2025, where families can skate alongside Santa Claus.
- Twin City Thunderbirds: The Annex serves as the home ice for the Twin City Thunderbirds, a local junior hockey team, providing high-level hockey action for fans.
- Wake Forest Hockey: The rink also hosts the Wake Forest University hockey team's schedule, adding a collegiate sports dimension to the venue.
- Pickup Hockey & Stick 'n Puck: For adult and youth hockey players, the facility offers dedicated times for casual games and practice sessions.
Figure Skating and Ice Skating Lessons in Winston-Salem
For those looking to move beyond casual public skating, the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex is the center for formal ice skating instruction. They offer programs for all ages and skill levels, from basic learn-to-skate classes to advanced figure skating techniques.
The facility employs experienced instructors, such as Jane Hottinger, who has a long history of teaching skating. These professionals offer both group and individual coaching, helping students master everything from basic forward strides to complex spins and jumps.
The cost for lessons typically involves two parts: the session's ice time (similar to public admission, around $10–$15) and the instructor's fee, which can be around $50 per hour for private coaching, depending on the chosen instructor.
Types of Lessons and Sessions:
- Learn to Skate Programs: Structured classes for absolute beginners.
- Freestyle Sessions: Dedicated ice time for figure skaters to practice routines and technical elements.
- Private Coaching: One-on-one instruction for accelerated learning and competitive preparation.
The Closest Outdoor Rink: Piedmont Winterfest (Greensboro)
While the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex provides a fantastic indoor experience, many people search for the classic, open-air feeling of an outdoor ice rink during the holidays. The closest and most popular seasonal outdoor option is the Piedmont Winterfest, located just a short drive away in downtown Greensboro.
Piedmont Winterfest transforms LeBauer Park into a winter wonderland, offering a large outdoor skating surface and often featuring an ice slide. This venue provides a festive, holiday-focused atmosphere that complements the more sports-centric indoor experience of the Fairgrounds Annex.
Piedmont Winterfest 2025–2026 Details:
- Location: LeBauer Park, Downtown Greensboro, NC.
- Dates: The season typically runs from late November 2025 through early February 2026 (e.g., November 21, 2025 – February 1, 2026).
- Experience: An authentic outdoor ice skating experience with a festive, seasonal cheer.
For Winston-Salem residents, this is a highly recommended day trip for those seeking a unique, open-air skating adventure. It’s important to check their specific hours and ticket prices, as they operate independently from the Fairgrounds Annex.
Essential Tips for Your Winston-Salem Skating Visit
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Check the Calendar: The Full Arena Ice Calendar is the single most important resource. Public skating times can change due to hockey games, freestyle sessions, or special events.
- Dress Warmly: Even though the Annex is indoors, it is an ice rink. Dress in layers, wear gloves, and consider a hat for maximum comfort.
- Arrive Early for Rentals: If you need rental skates, arriving 15–30 minutes before the session starts is advisable, especially during busy times like Winter Break No School Skate Days, to get the best fit.
- Bring Cash/Card: Admission is $10–$12 and skate rentals are $3, so be prepared for the total cost of $13–$15 per person.
Whether you're hitting the ice at the Fairgrounds Annex for a hockey game or driving over to Greensboro for the open-air Piedmont Winterfest, Winston-Salem and the surrounding Triad area offer excellent opportunities to enjoy the ice this 2025–2026 season.
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