Ice Skating at Block 59 Naperville Opens Today (Nov 20): What to Know
The Rink at Block 59 opened today, November 20, 2025, bringing outdoor ice skating Naperville for the first time at this popular dining and entertainment destination.
Located between Yard House and Cheesecake Factory, the 7,200-square-foot rink offers 1 hour and 45-minute skating sessions through January 18, 2026—and opening day features free admission with advance reservations.
The Rink at Block 59 opened November 20, 2025, bringing outdoor ice skating to Naperville's popular dining and entertainment destination.
This isn't just another ice rink. It's ice Naperville's newest winter tradition, nestled in the heart of one of the western suburbs' most buzzed-about shopping and dining complexes. Whether you're planning a date night, family outing, or just looking for something fun to do on a cold Saturday, here's everything you need to know before you lace up.
Quick answer: Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for kids/seniors/teachers/military/nurses/first responders. Skate rentals cost $5. Sessions last 1 hour 45 minutes. Book online at theblock59.com/therink to skip the lines.
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How Much Does It Cost to Skate at Block 59? {#cost}
Tickets for The Rink at Block 59 are surprisingly affordable compared to other Chicago-area skating destinations:
Adults: $14 per session
Kids 12 and under: $12
Seniors 50+: $12
Teachers, nurses, first responders, military: $12
Skate rentals: $5 (or bring your own)
Skate buddies (beginner assistants): $10 extra
Each session lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to find your groove on the ice without feeling rushed. You'll book a specific time slot when you reserve online.
Pro tip: Buy tickets in advance at theblock59.com/therink. Walk-up sales will be available, but Block 59 officials are encouraging online reservations to avoid long waits on busy weekends and holiday dates.
What Are The Rink's Hours? {#hours}
The Rink runs on two different schedules depending on the time of year:
November 20 – January 4, 2026
Sunday–Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
January 5–18, 2026
Monday–Thursday: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sessions are offered hourly, so you'll have multiple time slots to choose from each day. The extended Friday and Saturday hours through early January make it easy to turn skating into a full evening out—dinner at one of Block 59's restaurants before or after your session.
Is Today Really Free? {#free}
Yes! November 20, 2025 (opening day) features free admission to celebrate The Rink's grand opening. But there's a catch: slots are extremely limited and reservations are required.
If you're reading this on opening day, head to theblock59.com/therink immediately to see if any free slots are still available. These spots are expected to fill up fast since it's the only day all season with no admission charge.
After today, regular ticket prices apply for the rest of the season through January 18.
What Special Events Are Happening This Season? {#events}
Block 59 isn't just offering open skate sessions—they're planning themed events throughout the season to keep things festive:
Skate with Santa
December 4, 14, and 21
Bring the kids to meet Santa on the ice
Perfect for holiday photos your family will treasure
Tickets available online (expect these dates to sell out)
Princess Skate
January 10, 2026
Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite fairy-tale characters
Meet real-life princesses on the ice
A magical experience for little ones obsessed with Elsa and friends
Save the date for these events now. Based on similar rink events around Chicagoland, the Santa skates in particular tend to book solid weeks in advance.
Can You Bring Your Own Skates? {#skates}
Absolutely. If you have your own figure skates or hockey skates, you're welcome to bring them. You'll still pay the regular admission price ($14 for adults, $12 for qualifying groups), but you'll save the $5 rental fee.
Don't have skates? No problem. On-site rentals are available in sizes starting at size 1, so even the smallest skaters in your family are covered. Both figure skates and hockey skates are available.
New to skating or worried about falling? Block 59 offers "skate buddies"—trained assistants who help beginners get comfortable on the ice for an additional $10 charge. It's a smart investment if you've got a nervous first-timer in your group.
Where Do You Park? {#parking}
Block 59 has ample free parking in its main lot, accessible from Ogden Avenue (Route 34). The rink sits in the central green space between Yard House and Cheesecake Factory, so you'll park once and walk right to the entrance.
If you're coming during peak times (Friday/Saturday evenings, or any of the special Santa/Princess events), arrive 15–20 minutes early. Block 59 is already a popular destination for dining, so parking can fill up on busy nights when you factor in rink visitors plus restaurant crowds.
Bonus: You're just minutes from Downtown Naperville if you want to explore the [[Complete Guide to the Naperville Riverwalk]] before or after your skating session.
What Else Should You Know Before You Go? {#tips}
Here are the insider tips that'll make your first visit smooth and stress-free:
Dress in Layers
It's an outdoor rink, so you'll be exposed to whatever weather Naperville throws at you. Wear a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat—but dress in layers you can peel off once you're moving. Skating generates heat fast, and you don't want to overheat halfway through your session.
Bring a Small Bag or Locker Access
You'll want somewhere to stash your shoes while you skate. Check the Block 59 website or ask staff when you arrive about locker availability or bag storage options.
Make It a Meal
The rink is surrounded by restaurants. Grab brunch at First Watch before a morning skate, or book a table at Cooper's Hawk or Yard House after an evening session. Stan's Donuts and Piccolo Buco are also on-site if you want something quick.
Follow Block 59 on Social
Weather can affect ice conditions. Follow Block 59's social media or check their website before heading out, especially after unusually warm stretches or snowstorms.
Plan for 2+ Hours Total
Even though your ice time is 1 hour and 45 minutes, factor in time for parking, getting rentals, lacing up, and post-skate hot chocolate. Budget at least two hours for the full experience.
It's a Naperville Exclusive (For Now)
This is the only outdoor refrigerated rink in Naperville proper. The Naperville Park District operates natural ice rinks at [[Centennial Park and other locations]], but those depend on consistent sub-15-degree temperatures. Block 59's rink uses refrigeration technology from Magic Ice USA, so it stays frozen regardless of weather.
Why Block 59 Decided to Add Ice Skating {#why}
Block 59 developer Brixmor Property Group wanted to keep the complex's central green space active during the colder months when outdoor dining and lounging aren't appealing.
"Everybody in Chicago loves to be outdoors when they can. But it gets a little tough in the wintertime to figure out what to do with the green space," said Rich Dippolito, vice president of redevelopment for Brixmor. "We decided this is something that we could bring to the Naperville area … and it could be something really fun for the community and be a great attraction for our center as well."
The Rink partners with Magic Ice, a company that specializes in setting up temporary skating rinks at shopping centers and municipalities across the country. This isn't Block 59's first experiment with experience-driven attractions—the complex has been steadily adding entertainment and dining options since its transformation from the former Naperville Crossings shopping center.
And here's the best news: Dippolito confirmed The Rink will return every year around November, making this the start of an annual Naperville tradition. "We're excited about The Rink, excited about this becoming a holiday tradition for Naperville," he said.
Your Next Steps
Ready to skate? Book your session now at theblock59.com/therink before the best time slots disappear.
New to Naperville? The Riverwalk, Naper Settlement, and Centennial Beach (frozen solid in winter, perfect for unique photos) are all within a few miles. Make The Rink part of a bigger Naperville adventure this season.
