The City's 12,000-square-foot rink, which opened in 2012, is 4,000 square feet larger than the rink at New York City's Rockefeller Center. The Oval Ice Skating Rink, powered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, has piped-in music, skate rentals, concessions, holiday lights and more, making it a fun and affordable family-friendly activity. The rink is professionally managed by ASM Global, the DCU Center's talented management team.
The City's annual Festival of Lights event will begin on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 4:30 - 9 p.m. on the Worcester Common Oval. This free, family-friendly event will host a number of lighting features, ice skating, food vendors, community organizations and performances. A highlight for Festival of Lights visitors is the lighting of the tree, which will take place at 6 p.m.
Partners: City of Worcester Cultural Development Division (Host), Parks and Recreation Division, Downtown Worcester Business Improvement District (Partner), DCU Center/ASM Global (Partner), Worcester Cultural Coalition (Sponsor), Rockland Trust (Sponsor), Cumulus Radio (Sponsor)
Premier Sponsors:
Ice skating on the Oval will begin with the Festival of Lights Celebration on Friday, December 1, 2023.
The Oval Ice Skating Rink will be open as the weather allows and any weather-related delayed openings or closures may be found by visiting the Oval Ice Skating Rink's Facebook and Instagram pages or by calling the Oval Ice Skating Rink Weather Hotline sponsored by Cornerstone Bank at 508-929-0777.
Private rentals make for a great employee outing, birthday celebration, family gathering or other group activity. Restaurants in the area can provide refreshments or we can put you in contact with a variety of food trucks to select from for on-site options.
Private rentals are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, immediately before or after public skate times.
Rental Fee:
To rent the Oval Ice Skating Rink for your private event please contact 508-929-0162.
During public skating hours at the Worcester Common Oval, ice skate rentals will be available for $6. You will need valid identification in order to rent skates.
The comfort of our guests is essential; therefore, The Oval Ice Skating Rink recognizes the special needs of those guests with disabilities. The Oval Ice Skating Rink is accessible with ramps for guests to enter and exit off the ice. Guests who require adaptive skating equipment may obtain the following at no cost (subject to availability) at The Oval Ice Skating Rink: Skate Assistance Trainers or Bobby, the Seal Skate Aids (suitable for children; weight restrictions apply). Guests with disabilities may use The Oval Ice Skating Rink independently or with the help of a caregiver. Please note that caregivers are required to wear ice skates while on the ice. Everyone's safety and pleasure in utilizing The Oval Ice Skating Rink is important.
Individuals with personal assistive devices (adaptive ice sport sleds, adaptive wheelchairs (Typhoon), bar seat walkers or other similar devices) may be provided private access to the rink ½ hour before or ½ hour after public skate times for their use with guests. There will be no charge for the enjoyment of The Oval Ice Skating Rink during these times. Please contact 508-929-0162 to schedule this option. A minimum of a one-week advance reservation is requested.
If you have questions, concerns and/or additional suggestions, please feel free to contact 508-929-0162.
While at The Oval Ice Skating Rink, the Dogfather Food Truck is located on site for access to lunch or refreshments during your visit.
Before or after your time at The Oval Ice Skating Rink, explore the many other amenities near the Common. For a list of options, visit Discover Central Massachusetts.
When available, there is no charge to park in the City Hall underground garage adjacent to the Worcester Common Oval. Additionally, there is plenty of affordable parking available within walking distance of the Worcester Common Oval, including the underground Worcester Common Garage at 2 Eaton Place, Mercantile Center Parking Garage, Federal Plaza Parking Garage and the Pearl-Elm Parking Garage.
