When Misleidy Gonzalez, a downtowner, heard that The Ben Hotel was opening South Florida’s first-ever outdoor ice-skating rink, she knew exactly where she’d be taking her family during most weekends this season. The thrill of winter festivities in the warm glow of Florida’s sunshine sounds too magical to miss. Known for hosting uniquely curated events, The Ben has brought a snowy winter experience to our city, where palm trees typically stand in for pines, and sandals are the year-round footwear of choice.
This past Saturday evening, Misleidy, our two grandchildren, and I stepped out and headed to The Ben’s grounds, where the newly winter wonderland stretched before us. The skating rink was surrounded by rustic, Aspen-inspired chalets decked in festive wreaths, strings of twinkling lights, and garlands. A snow machine puffing out flakes transformed the scene into a holiday postcard right in the heart of downtown West Palm.
Paying for our admission ticket was a breeze. We scanned a QR code, paid from my phone, and scanned it back at the gate. Voila!
After requesting our skates and carefully lacing them up, Misleidy led the kids out onto the ice. Even at just 15 and 12 years old, the children’s faces lit up with excitement as they wobbled their way across the rink, their laughter ringing out against the festive holiday music playing in the background. For a moment, it felt like we had left Florida entirely, transported instead to a village somewhere high in the mountains.
The rink kept frozen by an innovative cooling system developed by Ice America, offered a seamless skating experience, even in tropical temperatures. As Misleidy took a break to catch her breath, she spotted a cozy chalet serving winter-inspired treats like hot cocoa, warm cider, and s’mores. Perfect for a post-skating snack! The chalets offered more than just food—they were part of the ambiance, creating a warm, inviting space for skaters and onlookers alike to gather, connect, and share stories over holiday-themed drinks and snacks.
In just one visit, The Ben had given us a taste of winter that went far beyond a simple ice rink—it was the experience of bundling up, sharing holiday treats, and gliding together on real ice under the open sky.
As they left the Winter Wonderland and headed out to a nearby restaurant on Clematis St, The Ben’s Winter Wonderland, with its delightful mix of novelty and nostalgia, had given us something rare in South Florida: the chance to make memories in a setting where the magic of winter sparkled just as brightly as the Florida sunshine.
This will indeed be a place where people can celebrate the season in the most unexpected way without having to leave this tropical paradise we call home.
The Ben Hotel’s Winter Wonderland is open to the public seven days a week through March 1, 2025. The rink accommodates up to 70 skaters per 90-minute session and is available to all ages.
For tickets and VIP packages, go to www.thebenevents.com.