Here's something cool... cold... and not 500 degrees to look forward to!
Credit: The Ben, Autograph Collection
South Florida is currently doing its absolute best impression of a convection oven, but here is an icy announcement worth circling on the calendar. The Ben’s outdoor ice skating rink will return to downtown West Palm Beach this fall.
The hotel’s signature Winter Wonderland is scheduled to run from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 3, 2027, bringing real ice, holiday treats and waterfront views back to the property. Organizers expect the attraction to welcome guests Wednesday through Sunday, with exact operating hours still being finalized.
Following a debut season that drew more than 30,000 skaters, the experience is coming back with a larger rink. That means additional room for us South Floridians to glide, wobble and occasionally discover muscles they forgot existed.
And the rink is only the beginning. In details provided to Browardist, The Ben plans to expand Winter Wonderland into an even bigger holiday destination with local vendors, homemade sweets and seasonal shopping set against palm trees and the Intracoastal Waterway. A rinkside bar will serve themed cocktails, while candy, popcorn and other festive bites will fuel visitors between skating.
The property also shared an important nugget with Browardist... its homemade hot chocolate will return. The drink became a favorite during last year’s festivities, because few things say South Florida winter quite like sipping cocoa beside an outdoor rink while palm fronds sway nearby, right?
Admission prices, hours and additional programming will be announced closer to opening. For Palm Beachers, it’s an easy outing... and for Broward and Miami peeps, it’s within walking distance of the Brightline.
Until then, enjoy the air conditioning and remember... cooler days will arrive eventually? Probably? Maybe?
