Best Winter Skating Rinks Around The World Slideshow

Skate at a dizzying height above the city of Paris as you circle the ice rink at the Eiffel Tower. Located 187 feet above the city, this once-in-a-lifetime ice experience features a light show that allows skaters to create images on the ice with just their skates. Take a break and visit the ice bar for some hot mulled wine and fresh waffles.

At the foot of Mount Fuji in the Fuji-Q Highland amusement park is the Crystal Lagoon Rink. This ice rink is one of three at the park, and it's the largest outdoor rink in Japan. Surrounded by an interesting landscape of roller coasters and mountains, Crystal Lagoon is open all day long. The rink offers beginner skates that have a double blade, as well as regular skates and helmets for children. 

The Millennium Park rink in Chicago, called the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, gets you right in the holiday spirit with its panoramic city views and the sound of carolers at Cloud Gate. Take a short stroll down to Daley Square and to eat your fill of Bavarian and classic Chicagoan eats at the Christkindlmarket, an annual Christmas market and Chicago tradition.

The Wiener Eistraum, or Vienna Ice Dream, features two large ice rinks in front of City Hall with disco balls, pumping music, and a winding skating path that connects the entire arena. And with the surrounding holiday markets selling warm apple strudel and mulled wine, you're sure to feel the infectious Christmas spirit of Vienna.

Join the 10th annual celebration of this winter tradition in Russia as city-dwellers and visitors flock to Moscow's Red Square for a day of ice-skating on the GUM Skating Rink and holiday shopping. In true Russian fashion, get rid of that biting chill with a stop at one the surrounding bars for a shot of authentic Russian vodka.

Ottawa's endlessly charming Rideau Canal Skateway also happens to be the largest naturally frozen ice rink in the world. Stop at the pop-up shops along the way for a traditional beavertail, a Canadian doughnut variation covered in — what else? — maple syrup. Plan your visit around Winterlude, Canada's three-week-long winter wonderland festival.

Celebrating the holiday season in New York City wouldn't be complete without a spin around the iconic Rockefeller Center ice rink. Skate to hit tunes as you take in the giant city scene around you, savor a vanilla macaron and some hot chocolate at Bouchon Bakery, and don't forget to take the requisite picture with the giant Christmas tree!

Enjoy the magic of London with a skate at Somerset House. Fortnum & Mason will be selling snacks and drinks this year for when you've finished skating. Or, you can head to the rink after dark for exclusive club nights featuring popular DJs.

Practice figure eights beneath the majestic natural views of Yosemite National Park in California. Since the 1930s, this is one winter tradition that should not be missed. Warm up next to the fire pit crackling nearby, and hit up the local park store for some hot cocoa and everything you need to make s'mores. You can also check out the park's huge food.