The International Skating Union (ISU) is delighted to announce that the fifth edition of the World Ice Skating Day (WISD) will take place on 20 December 2026. Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the joy of skating worldwide with us!Building on the strong momentum generated since its launch in 2022, the WISD continues to expand as a global initiative dedicated to fostering participation, inclusivity, and shared experiences on the ice – everywhere and for everyone. The fourth edition, held on 14 December 2025, brought celebrations to more than 125 ice rinks across all continents, underscoring the event’s sustained development and worldwide reach.

A Global Celebration of Skating

World Ice Skating Day brings the magic of skating to everyone, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to come together for moments of joy, discovery and community.

In 2025, more than 125 ice rinks around the world took part, with events spanning North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. 

Rather than focusing on a single main event, WISD was this time built around local celebrations, each uniquely shaped by its community. From free beginner coaching sessions and exhibitions to open ice time and informal gatherings, every rink and club - large or small - played an equal role in bringing the day to life.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim took part in the December celebrations in Gangneung, Korea, highlighting the strong community spirit at the heart of the initiative. He stated:

“World Ice Skating Day exemplifies the best of our sport, bringing people together across all continents to share in the joy of skating. With thousands of participants joining celebrations at more than 125 rinks, and millions engaging online, the 2025 edition demonstrated that skating truly belongs to everyone. As we continue to develop our sport globally, initiatives like WISD play a crucial role in making skating accessible and welcoming to all communities”.

Millions Engaged Worldwide

The global enthusiasm extended far beyond the ice. In 2025, WISD-related content reached 22 million people across social media platforms, generating more than 184,000 interactions and amplifying celebrations from around the world.

Expanding Access Through Partnerships

The 2025 edition also marked the first collaboration between WISD and Glice, the Swiss-based global leader in synthetic ice surfaces. Glice rinks worldwide joined the celebrations, proudly featuring official WISD branding and helping introduce skating to communities with limited or no access to natural ice.

The journey continues in 2026.

Save the date: 20 December 2026! 

For more information and to start planning your participation in the next edition, visit:
 https://worldiceskatingday.com/