A Winter Wonderland in West Palm Beach: Florida Hotel Opens Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
The Sunshine State may be lacking in snow, but that does not mean it is lacking in the magic of the holiday season.
Floridians and travelers have the chance to participate in holiday festivities, including ice skating outdoors.
Florida hotel The Ben, located in West Palm Beach, has created an enchanting outdoor ice skating rink, lovingly dubbed a Winter Wonderland. As the palm trees sway gently, it’s hard not to feel a sense of joy intertwining with nostalgia, creating a space where childhood memories can be relived and new ones made.
“The rink will stay frozen thanks to a state-of-the-art refrigeration system developed by Ice America, using aluminum coils to continuously freeze the ice, ensuring a high-quality skating experience,” the hotel shared in a press release.
With ice skates available for rent, the rink welcomes all ages and can accommodate up to 70 skaters per 90-minute session. It’s a delightful shuffle of laughter and exhilaration as families and friends glide across the ice, embracing the spirit of winter while staying warm under the Florida sun.
Bernardo Neto, general manager of The Ben, expressed enthusiasm about this unique winter experience: “We are incredibly excited to bring this magical experience to the local community. The Ben Hotel thrives on creating moments that are truly unexpected in South Florida, and this Winter Wonderland is no exception.” His words capture not just the essence of the hotel but also the shared joy it hopes to offer.
Notably, the rink’s refrigeration system is a feat of engineering, utilizing high-flow and low-pressure aluminum piping. “This allows us to freeze water in high heat loads where conventional systems couldn’t,” said Enochs, shedding light on the marvel beneath the festive surface.
As visitors meander among the palm trees adorned with lights and cheerful decorations, holiday music wafts through the air, creating a cozy atmosphere filled with seasonal delights. The Winter Wonderland features more than just ice skating; a charming snack chalet provides treats, while the Top Shelf Elf bar serves drinks and festive cocktails, adding a splash of cheer to cooler nights.
Neto continues, “From the real ice skating to the festive food and chalet-inspired ambiance, we are providing a space where families and friends can gather and make memories that will last a lifetime.” Each twirl and fall on the ice seems to echo the laughter that fills the air, crafting a narrative of togetherness during a season often marked by frenzy.
Interestingly, last year, Florida experienced its warmest winter day, hitting 83°F, while the average high temperature remained around 71°F, according to the Florida Climate Center. It adds a humorous twist that, even in winter, it’s possible to don’t need a heavy coat while experiencing the joys of the season.
Over on the West Coast, outdoor ice skating also beckons, with the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink making its annual return to Ali Youssefi Square, inviting Californians to lace up their skates. Meanwhile, in Arizona, the CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink in Phoenix opens on November 23, while Scottsdale welcomes skaters to the Desert Ice Skating Rink from November 19.
The enchanting Winter Wonderland experience at The Ben Hotel will be on display until March 1, 2025. For those seeking winter magic beneath the warm, glowing Florida sun, this is the perfect opportunity to revel in a uniquely festive atmosphere that brings a smile to children and adults alike.
