Avalon On Ice: Your Guide to Outdoor Ice Skating Near Atlanta

If you’re looking for a festive outdoor ice skating experience in the Atlanta area, Avalon On Ice in Alpharetta is one of the most popular seasonal spots. It combines a full-size ice rink with shopping, dining, and holiday events, making it a go-to winter activity for families, date nights, and group outings.

This guide walks you through what to expect at Avalon On Ice, how it fits into the broader Atlanta winter scene, and how to plan your visit.

What Is Avalon On Ice?

Avalon On Ice is a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink set up in the Plaza at Avalon, a mixed-use development in Alpharetta, just north of Atlanta.

• Location: Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta, GA 30009
• Season: Typically early November through mid-January (exact dates vary by year)
• Experience: Open-air skating surrounded by holiday décor, shops, and restaurants

The rink is a popular choice for families with kids, couples, and friend groups who want a winter experience that feels festive without leaving the metro Atlanta area.

Why Atlantans Love Avalon On Ice

A “Winter Feel” Without Leaving Metro Atlanta

Even though Atlanta winters are usually mild, Avalon On Ice offers:

• A traditional winter atmosphere with holiday lights and music
• A full-size outdoor rink that feels more like a winter village than a mall attraction
• Lots to do before and after skating (shopping, treats, and restaurants right by the rink)

You don’t need snow or cold temperatures to enjoy the experience—the rink is designed to stay skate-ready even on relatively warm days.

Family-Friendly Seasonal Activity

Avalon On Ice is especially popular for families with kids:

• Skates are usually available in a wide range of sizes (often from “toddler” through adult).
• The rink tends to offer public skating sessions throughout the week.
• Many families combine skating with photos with holiday décor, hot chocolate stops, and window shopping.

If you’re looking for a special holiday break activity or something fun to do with out-of-town relatives, this is a very accessible option.

Typical Hours, Season, and Weather Considerations

Exact schedules can change year to year, but here’s what Atlanta-area visitors can generally expect.

Usual Seasonal Pattern

Avalon On Ice usually:

• Opens: Early November (often around the time of tree lighting or holiday launch events)
• Closes: Mid-January, after New Year’s and winter break

Because dates can shift slightly each year, it’s wise to check the current season’s calendar before you plan your visit.

Typical Daily Schedule

Rink hours often vary by:

• Day of the week (weekends tend to have longer hours)
• School breaks and holidays (extended hours are common during Thanksgiving and winter break)

Many Atlantans find that:

• Weeknights are less crowded and easier for families with younger kids.
• Weekend evenings have a livelier, more festive feel—but can be more packed.

Weather and Rink Conditions

Atlanta weather can be unpredictable in winter—sunny and 60°F one day, rainy the next. For Avalon On Ice:

• The rink is usually open in mild or cool weather, including during light drizzle.
• Heavy rain, storms, or very warm temperatures may affect ice conditions or operating hours.

👉 Tip: On days with questionable weather, check for updates before driving up from other parts of metro Atlanta.

Admission, Skate Rentals, and What It Typically Costs

Prices can change by season, but the basic structure tends to stay similar.

What You Usually Pay For

You’ll typically see separate or combined charges for:

• Ice skating admission (per person, per session)
• Skate rental (per person, if you don’t bring your own)

Some seasons offer combo pricing that includes both admission and skate rental in one fee. Others list them separately.

Time Limits and Sessions

Many outdoor rinks, including Avalon On Ice, operate in timed sessions (for example, 90-minute windows). This helps manage crowding and ensures everyone gets ice time.

Common patterns:

• A single admission usually covers one session.
• Skaters can often stay for the full session as long as they arrive reasonably close to its start.

If you’re coming from downtown or another part of the metro area, it can help to arrive 15–20 minutes early to get skates and be ready when your session starts.

Parking, Arrival, and Getting There from Around Atlanta

Getting to Avalon from Atlanta

Avalon is in Alpharetta, just off Georgia 400 (US-19), about 25–35 miles north of downtown Atlanta, depending on your route.

From central Atlanta, many people:

• Take I-85 or I-75 to I-285, then head north on GA-400.
• Exit near Mansell Road or Old Milton Parkway, following signs for Avalon.

Travel time can vary significantly with traffic, especially weekday late afternoons and early evenings.

Parking at Avalon

Avalon is designed as a walkable mixed-use center, and visitors typically have:

• Parking decks and garages (often free for short-term parking, though specifics can vary)
• Clearly marked pedestrian paths leading toward the central Plaza and rink area

👉 Tip: With young kids or older adults, consider dropping them near the main Plaza before parking further away to minimize walking in cold weather.

What to Wear and Bring for Outdoor Skating in Atlanta

Atlanta’s winter weather can swing from chilly to damp to surprisingly warm, sometimes all in the same week. For a comfortable Avalon On Ice experience:

Clothing Tips

• Layers are your friend.
  • Base: Light, breathable shirt or thin sweater
  • Middle: Fleece or sweatshirt
  • Outer: Light jacket or coat that allows arm movement
• Long socks that go higher than the skate boot can prevent rubbing and blisters.
• Gloves or mittens are helpful even when it’s not freezing—falling on the ice with bare hands is uncomfortable.
• Comfortable pants (jeans, leggings, or athletic pants) rather than shorts or dresses.

What to Bring

• 🧣 Light scarf or neck warmer, especially for night sessions
• 🧦 Extra pair of socks if skating with kids who may get damp
• 💳 Payment method for tickets, snacks, and parking if applicable
• 🎒 Small bag to store shoes and light personal items while you’re on the ice

Most families find it easy to combine skating with shopping or dinner, so you don’t need to pack heavily—just enough for comfort on the ice.

Skating With Kids at Avalon On Ice

For many metro Atlanta families, Avalon On Ice becomes a yearly tradition. Here’s how to make it smoother with little ones.

Age and Ability Considerations

• Very young children may need significant help or may only last 15–30 minutes on the ice.
• Early elementary age kids usually enjoy trying to skate on their own, often with rail support.
• Teenagers often enjoy going with friends or on group outings.

Some kids love it immediately; others need a gentle introduction. It can help to frame it as “trying something new” rather than expecting perfection.

Safety and Comfort

• Make sure skates are snug but not painfully tight, especially around the ankle.
• Encourage children to hold the side rail until they feel balanced.
• Warn them gently that falls are normal and okay—they’re on ice, after all.
• If your child is very nervous, start with short sessions and lots of breaks.

Many parents in Atlanta build in a warm-up stop before or after skating—hot chocolate, a snack, or a quick visit to a nearby shop—so kids have something to look forward to in addition to the rink itself.

Food, Drinks, and Things To Do Around the Rink

One of the big advantages of skating at Avalon On Ice versus a stand-alone rink is everything else that’s nearby.

Dining Options

Within walking distance of the rink, you’ll find:

• Sit-down restaurants suitable for family dinners or date nights
• Casual spots with burgers, pizza, or quick bites
• Cafés and dessert shops where you can get hot chocolate, coffee, pastries, or ice cream

Many Atlantans plan their visit as:

1. Late afternoon or early evening skating
2. Followed by dinner at one of the on-site restaurants
3. A stroll around the development to see lights and decorations

Holiday Atmosphere and Extras

Depending on the season’s programming, you might also find:

• Holiday decorations and lights throughout the property
• Occasional special events, tree lighting activities, or themed weekends

You don’t have to participate in every event to enjoy the winter atmosphere—simply walking around after skating often feels festive enough.

Sample Planning Checklist for Avalon On Ice

To simplify your planning, here’s a quick reference you can adapt:

How Avalon On Ice Compares to Other Atlanta-Area Skating Options

If you live in or are visiting metro Atlanta, Avalon On Ice is one of several skating experiences you might consider during the winter.

Common comparisons people make include:

• Avalon On Ice (Alpharetta) – Outdoor, festive, surrounded by shopping/dining; good for full-evening outings and North Fulton / OTP residents.
• Other rinks around the metro area – Some are indoor year-round facilities geared toward hockey and figure skating; others are seasonal outdoor setups at different retail or entertainment centers.

For many families, it comes down to:

• Where they live or are staying (OTP North vs. closer to downtown)
• Whether they prefer an outdoor, holiday-feel rink versus a more traditional indoor sports facility
• How much they want to combine skating with shopping, dining, and other activities

If you’re staying in downtown Atlanta but willing to drive 30–45 minutes, Avalon On Ice can feel like a little holiday getaway without leaving the metro area.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

To wrap up, here are some straightforward, Atlanta-focused tips:

• Time your drive: If you’re coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown, try to avoid peak GA-400 rush hour for evening sessions.
• Arrive early: Build in 15–30 minutes for parking, getting skates, bathroom breaks, and layering up.
• Check for schedule changes: On days with heavy rain or unusual temperatures, verify rink status before heading out.
• Think about non-skaters: If someone in your group doesn’t want to skate, they can shop, sit near the rink, or relax at a café while others are on the ice.
• Make it a tradition: Many Atlanta families choose a specific weekend or weekday every December to come back, turning Avalon On Ice into a yearly memory.

Avalon On Ice offers a convenient, family-friendly way to experience outdoor ice skating near Atlanta with all the extra perks of a modern mixed-use development. Whether you live in Alpharetta, commute from intown, or are visiting metro Atlanta for the holidays, it’s a straightforward, festive outing that fits easily into a winter afternoon or evening.