Is it just us, or does nothing compare to the pure  joy of gliding across frozen surfaces during the winter months? If you're anything like us, then you're eager to bundle up and find ice skating rinks in the area this holiday season. While there are not a ton of local options, we found two that feature holiday themes. 

Oly on Ice

Oly on Ice is back this year for its fifth season. Running from Nov. 17-Jan. 15 this is a must start family tradition. Located at the Isthmus Park in Downtown Olympia this 5,000 square foot outdoor ice rink will be brimming with holiday cheer. 

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or on site. However purchasing in advance is the recommended option, as rink time is scheduled on a first come, first served basis. All tickets are for a 75-minute skate session which begins at the time of check-in.

Families can find slightly discounted tickets during the weekdays outside of winter break dates - Nov. 17-Dec. 19 and Jan. 3-15. Monday-Tuesday $9, Wednesday-Thursday $12, Fri- Sunday $15.

During the winter break, Dec. 20-Jan. 2, tickets will increase slightly, Monday-Thursday $12, Friday- Sunday $15. 

Free public parking is available during all operating hours at the lot immediately east of the ice rink. For more information and to reserve tickets visit, https://www.olympiawa.gov/services/parks___recreation/oly_on_ice.php.

Sprinker Recreation Center

Sprinker Recreation Center in Spanaway is a year round indoor ice skating rink. However, during the holidays it is transformed into a magical holiday experience called Ice Lights with 350,000 lights worth of magic. This magical time at the rink runs all of December. A giant 20-foot choreographed holiday tree becomes the focal point of the ice rink, plus a giant light curtain wraps around the entire rink. Did we mention snow falls inside the rink during your session? 

Numerous holiday photo ops can be found around the rink, plus a Santa Mail Station and an Ice Skating Exhibit. To elevate your experience at Ice Lights, families can also purchase tickets to participate in Ice Bumper Cars. 

Tickets are sold at the door for all ice skating sessions: $8.50 for adults, $7.50 youth ages six to 17, $6.50 for seniors, $5.50 for children ages five and younger. Plus a $3.50 skate rental is added to all tickets, except for children five and younger whose skates are included. Families can also purchase ice walkers for an additional $5, but quantities are limited.

Ice Bumper Car tickets can be purchased separately for $12 per session which includes a 15-minute ice bumper car ride. Kids age 3+ and under 42" tall can ride on their parents lap. It's highly recommended to book bumper car sessions online in advance as they fill up quickly during the holidays. 

For more information on tickets and pricing, and to book bumper car reservations, visit https://www.piercecountywa.gov/6816/ICE-Lights.