Ice rinks around the globe buzzed with joy, energy, and camaraderie as the world united to celebrate World Ice Skating Day 2024. Held on December 15 across 52 countries, this year’s event highlighted the remarkable diversity, creativity, and passion that define skating in all its forms. From grand spectacles to intimate gatherings, the day showcased skating’s unique ability to bring people together, transcending borders and connecting individuals from all walks of life.

 A Global Celebration in All Shapes and Sizes

The celebrations bridged continents and time zones, showcasing the unique cultural flair of each region while embracing the unifying spirit of the day. From local community rinks in small towns to iconic arenas in bustling cities, skaters of all ages and abilities came together to share their passion for the sport. Highlights included:

• Global reach: 52 countries joined in with more than 100 rinks worldwide.
• 2024 Newcomers: Argentina, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay.
• Highest location: WISD 2024 reached new heights with an event in Ladakh, India, held at an altitude of 15,500 feet (4,724.4 meters), organized by the local Himalayan skating club with support from the Ice Skating Association of India.
• Southernmost WISD: The southernmost WISD 2024 event took place in Punta Arenas, Chile, organized by the Chilean National Figure Skating Federation.
• Multi-rink celebrations spanned the globe, with Mexico leading the way (19 rinks across 7 cities), followed by Indonesia (12 rinks in 12 cities), the USA (12 rinks in 10 cities), Canada (9 rinks in 9 cities), and South Africa, India, and Norway, each hosting events at 4 rinks across 4 cities.

WISD in Mexico

WISD with Ice Skate Egypt Federation 

A Unified Mission

The goal of World Ice Skating Day 2024 was to foster inclusion, boost participation, and highlight the physical and mental benefits of skating. From seasoned athletes to first-time skaters, participants united to experience the joy of gliding on ice, creating unforgettable memories and reinforcing the bonds within the global skating community.

Skate Austria doing the #WISDance 

The ISU President Mr. Jae Youl Kim is extremely delighted with this year’s global WISD celebrations. ‘’World Ice Skating Day (WISD) celebrates the joy of winter and magic of skating for people across all ages, genders, and abilities. This year, we witnessed incredible creativity and collaboration on every continent, and we were thrilled to see how the world embraced the spirit of skating. The growing diversity of celebrations—highlighted by newcomers like Argentina and Uruguay in South America, Egypt in Africa, and the United Arab Emirates in Asia joining this year’s worldwide ice festivities—demonstrates the universal appeal of ice skating, bringing us closer together as a global community. I want to thank each and every one of you for making this year’s celebration so special. Whether on the ice, supporting from the sidelines, or organizing events, your enthusiasm and passion are what make WISD a true success. We can't wait to welcome you back next year for the fourth edition of WISD. See you on the ice with big smiles and open hearts! Wishing you a joyful holiday season’’ 

ISU President Mr. Jae Youl Kim

Looking Ahead

As the festivities come to a close, the impact of World Ice Skating Day 2024 will continue to ripple across the globe, inspiring new generations to embrace skating, strengthening local clubs and organizations, and fostering the sport's growth worldwide.

Join the global skating celebration next year! Visit worldiceskatingday.com for updates and ways to get involved.

World Ice Skating Day 2024 was a resounding success, marking a significant milestone for the global ice skating community. With participation from 52 countries, the event showcased its international reach, welcoming new participants from nations like Egypt, the Dominican Republic, Barbados, Argentina, and Uruguay—broadening ice skating’s influence in regions less traditionally associated with winter sports. Notable growth was also evident in countries like Indonesia, Norway, and Mexico, which transformed from single-city events into nationwide celebrations, reflecting the sport’s ever-expanding global presence.

WISD in South Africa

Creative Event Highlights by Country (to name a few):

• Norway: Ice games, free coaching, and skate rentals.
• Japan: Celebrity choreographers join celebrations in Chiba.
• Mexico: Cultural festivities with costumes, music, and kids' programs.
• Lithuania: Christmas fairytale themed celebrations at a new rink in the middle of Vilnius
• India: Himalayan natural ice rink celebrations and off-ice events in southern regions.
• Belgium: Charity exhibition with proceeds supporting disadvantaged children.
• Canada: Québec hosts 24-hour skating, music, workshops, and mascot appearances.
• USA: Millcreek Common features a local stars' parade, free skating, food trucks, and more.
• Italy: Bergamo ISU Center of Excellence offers open skating all day.
• Thailand: National skaters host community-inclusive activities in Bangkok.
• South Africa: Grassroots programs in four cities with free coaching sessions.
• Egypt: Debut celebrations with themed performances, music, and dancing.

 WISD Christmas themed celebrations in Vilnius, Lithuania © ISU

Star Power & Main Event Magic in Budapest

World Champions and Olympic medalists Madison Chock and Evan Bates brought star power and heartfelt enthusiasm to World Ice Skating Day 2024 as its Ambassadors. By sharing their inspiring journey as elite athletes, they offered fans a unique glimpse into the dedication, passion, and joy that define their extraordinary careers. To mark the occasion, Madison and Evan performed in the iconic setting of Central Park, captivating audiences with their breathtaking artistry and athleticism. Their performance not only celebrated the magic of figure skating but also inspired people of all ages to embrace the sport and join the global celebration on ice.

Madison Chock & Evan Bates

The 2024 World Ice Skating Day set a remarkable milestone with its largest-ever Main Event in Budapest, Hungary, drawing over 5,000 participants and creating a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere that captured widespread media attention. Social media came alive with creative campaigns, including the viral #WISDance challenge and organic mentions from renowned skating icons and brands such as Vera Wang, Art on Ice, and Stars on Ice. Ukraine’s inspiring debut, despite ongoing challenges, exemplified the resilience and unifying power of the global skating community.

Budapest

Did you want to enter the Best World Ice Skating Day Awards? Entries must be submitted by February 16th 2025! Please send your detailed report, videos and images to contact@worldiceskatingday.com . Click here for more information.

Stars on Ice

Vera Wang

To know more about the World Ice Skating Day, visit the website here. 

For all latest updates about the ISU events and initiatives, visit the ISU Home of Skating and ISU Corporate Inside News.