BUFFALO – As Western New Yorkers savor this fall’s above-average temperatures, Buffalo Waterfront gears up for the cold as staff prepare the Ice at Canalside, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, for a Nov. 21 opening. Reservations are now open for season passes, one-day skating passes, group outings, igloo rentals and curling.
“It’s hard to believe we just wrapped up our Seneca Casinos Outer Harbor Live concert series on Friday night with an electric performance by T-Pain, and now we’re diving right into the next season,” said Lauren Ford, general manager, Buffalo Waterfront. “We encourage everyone to check out advance ticket options and make reservations early to enjoy everything the rink has to offer this winter.”
For those making holiday plans with family or just looking for a fun night out, a group of eight can rent an igloo for 90 minutes, with passes for ice skating, skate rentals and hot chocolate, for just $25 per person (with a $200 package). New this year, pre-sale skating passes are also available in advance online.
The rink will open Friday, Nov. 21 for its 2025-2026 season debut, with a grand opening planned for Friday evening and a celebration of the Hallmark Channel movie Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story on Saturday. For the first time ever, the rink will open on Thanksgiving, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bumper cars, curling and ice bikes return to the Ice at Canalside, as well as weekly programming, including:
- Festive Fridays, featuring weekly themes ranging from Harry Potter Night to Pokémon to Silent Discos
- Special Event Saturdays, featuring events like a Buffalo Bandits celebration, Jingle Bell Rock the Ice and Ice Festival
- Learn to Skate lessons on Saturday mornings with Skate Great
- Kids Club Sundays, which will debut after the New Year
“Each fall, as the temperatures drop, Western New Yorkers know they can look forward to the return of the Ice at Canalside, a favorite activity for families and friends,” said Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairperson Joan Kesner. “This year is packed with variety! Every week will offer something new—from theme nights and classics like ice bikes and hot chocolate in igloos, to capturing the excitement around the debut of the Hallmark Channel’s ‘A Bills Love Story.’ Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, we’re proud to continue creating a vibrant destination on Buffalo’s waterfront, and I encourage everyone to come enjoy this essential Buffalo experience.”
Ice at Canalside Hours of Operation, beginning Nov. 21:
- Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Special Thanksgiving Day Hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Friday: 1p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
All public skating hours and weather-related updates can be found at BuffaloWaterfront.com. Broom ball leagues and private rentals are available outside of normal hours of operation.
A full event schedule will be available at BuffaloWaterfront.com on November 1, 2025.
“Thanks to the incredible offerings and opportunities around our region, we are incredibly fortunate to usher in each new season with such excitement in Western New York. Canalside is undoubtedly one of those special places that makes each season memorable,” said Michael Ball, vice president, community affairs, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “As the official health plan of Canalside, we are eager to welcome our community to Ice at Canalside for the 12th year, building on an incredible 2025 Fitness at Canalside season.”