If there’s one thing Buffalonians excel at, it’s making the most out of the seasons. It should come as no surprise that we celebrate our snowy weather with fun outdoor activities. No hibernating here! One of the best things to do in Buffalo each winter is to visit our favorite downtown skating rink. It’s no Rockefeller Center, but we’d argue that Rotary Rink is just as fun!

Rotary Rink is located at Fountain Plaza downtown, nestled near the M&T Gold Dome and the Electric Tower for beautiful backdrops.
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza - Facebook
The rink usually opens for the season towards the end of November but is a bit delayed for the 2022 season. You can also celebrate the official opening with a tree-lighting ceremony during the evening of December 10th.
Lace up your skates and enjoy the rink for free!
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza - Facebook
The best things in life are free, right? Rotary Rink offers free skating for those who bring their own skates. Rentals are also available at the rink.
The rink is also available for special events and school groups.
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza - Facebook
Celebrate a winter birthday or special event with a skating party! Rotary Rink is also a popular spot for school groups with free skate rentals for students K-12 during field trips. Oh, what fun!
The Queen City channels the Big Apple once the downtown tree is lit.
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza - Facebook
There's no need to travel to NYC to get that skating-rink-near-a-giant-Christmas-tree photo. Just head to Rotary Rink for a picture-perfect scene.
And speaking of magical moments...
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza - Facebook
There's no place better than Rotary Rink to take in the New Year's Eve fireworks show downtown! You'll be close to the ball drop from the Electric Tower and can enjoy the stunning fireworks display while you skate. The rink is open on New Years' Eve until 1:00 AM!
Location, location, location! It seriously doesn't get much better than this.
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza - Facebook
If you're looking to really experience the magic of a Buffalo winter or show an out-of-towner the best parts of our city, just head to Rotary Rink. We promise it will not disappoint! I mean... just look at those scenic city surroundings!
There's plenty of time to get to the rink, but we suggest checking it out ASAP!
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza - Facebook
Rotary Rink is open until March (because, Buffalo), but the best time to enjoy a skate is sooner rather than later. Enjoy music, skating, concessions, and - of course - the magical moments that await!
Just be sure to check the weather before you head out.
Rotary Rink at Fountain Plaza - Facebook
Since Rotary Rink is outdoors, operations are weather dependent; things can get a bit iffy if the temperatures reach 45º or higher. When in doubt, call (716) 854-RINK before you make your plans.

Have you had a chance to enjoy this magical ice skating rink in Buffalo? Share your favorite memories and photos of Rotary Rink with us in the comments below! While you’re in Buffalo, take a look at these nine overnight winter getaways.

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Winter in Buffalo, New York

William Suphan | November 12, 2022

What is winter like in Buffalo, New York?

This is what winter is like in Buffalo, New York:

  • Temperatures can reach below 0°F in winter and the high reaches up to 32°F.
  • Winter in Buffalo lasts about 49 days, from December 5 to March 13.
  • Buffalo is the snowiest city in America, getting an average of 5.1 inches of snow in February. The runner-up is Anchorage, Alaska.
  • While there is a lot of snow, Buffalo has frequent thaws throughout the winter and can be rainy as well, with occasional periods of bare ground.

Here are nine tips for surviving what winter is like in Buffalo, New York.

What do people do during the winter in Buffalo, New York?

Here are things that people do during the winter in Buffalo, New York:

  • Sledding is perhaps the most popular winter activity in Buffalo. There are a great many sledding hills in the area such as Delaware Park and Elma Meadows.
  • Ice skating is an extremely popular activity, especially with numerous ice skating rinks like the Bud Bakewell Ice Rink, the Cazenovia Buffalo Ice Rink, and Buffalo Riverworks.
  • Snow skiing is a wintertime favorite with many resorts to choose from such as the Buffalo Ski Center, Holiday Valley, and HoliMont Ski Club.
  • Snowshoeing is a great activity during winter in Buffalo. Locals frequent places like Bond Lake Park, the Beaver Meadow Audobon Center, and Knox Farm State Park.

Here are seven winter family attractions that people do during the winter in Buffalo, New York. 

What are some popular attractions during winter in Buffalo, New York?

These are some popular attractions during winter in Buffalo, New York:

  • Larkinville Ice Festival - With horse-drawn carriage rides, sledding, and numerous vendors, this is a popular festival for Buffalo locals.
  • Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens - This site holds an annual Lumagination light display that runs in January and February. 
  • Canalside - Ice bikes and ice bumper cars are popular activities at this favorite attraction in Buffalo. Curling is also a popular sport that takes place at Canalside.
  • Chestnut Ridge Park - with excellent views of the city skyline and many hiking trailers, this park is a favorite spot, especially for sledding. Locals love the historic toboggan chutes.

Take a look at nine popular attractions during the winter in Buffalo, New York.

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