Romantic Things to do in Cincinnati, Ice Skate on Fountain Square
Ice Skate on Fountain Square: A Classic Romantic Winter Date in Cincinnati
November and December cast a unique spell over Cincinnati, transforming the city into a wonderland of twinkling lights and shared excitement. For couples, this is a special time. The crisp air invites you to hold hands a little tighter, and the festive energy creates a backdrop for making memories that will warm you for years to come. It’s a season of bonding, where "almost engaged" couples find themselves dreaming of the future, and engaged pairs build the foundation of their life together, one shared tradition at a time. The city itself seems to sparkle with romance, from the glowing storefronts to the cheerful buzz in the air. In this Cincinnati for couples blog, we will share everything you need to know about: Romantic Things to do in Cincinnati, Ice Skate on Fountain Square.
This magical feeling officially kicks off when the ice rink on Fountain Square opens in mid-November. It’s the unofficial start of winter fun in the heart of downtown. There's something classic and wonderfully romantic about gliding together on the ice, surrounded by the city's architecture and bathed in the soft glow of holiday lights. Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, an evening spent skating here is more than just an activity—it’s an experience that captures the festive spirit of the season and turns a simple night out into a cherished memory.
Before we get started, are you and your fiancé searching for the perfect wedding or elopement venue near Cincinnati? Schedule a tour at Hanover Reserve to see how festive your day could be! Weddings starting at $4500 (weekdays) $8500 Saturdays, elopements starting at $1200 (2025 pricing).
Contact us today to learn more about hosting your wedding with us or to schedule a tour. Don’t wait too long—preferred dates are booking quickly for the remaining 2025 wedding dates and the most in demand dates for 2026! Get in touch with us to schedule a tour, request pricing, or learn more about how we’re dedicated to creating amazing wedding experiences. Need a little inspiration? Check out our gallery or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see real weddings and ideas from happy couples.
Romantic Things to do in Cincinnati, Ice Skate on Fountain Square
10 Things to Know for a Romantic Ice Skate on Fountain Square
Planning the perfect ice skating date is easy with a little preparation. Here’s everything you need to know to make your trip to the Fountain Square ice rink smooth, memorable, and full of romance.
Check the Season & Hours: The rink typically opens in mid-November and runs through February. Check the Fountain Square website for exact dates, hours, and any special themed skate nights, which can add an extra layer of fun to your date.
Book Your Skate Time in Advance: The rink is a popular destination, especially on weekend evenings. To avoid disappointment, it’s wise to reserve your skate session and rental tickets online beforehand. This secures your spot and lets you bypass the longest lines.
Skate Rentals & Sizes: Don’t have your own skates? No problem. The rink offers rentals in a wide range of sizes. They are hockey-style skates, so if you're used to figure skates, it might feel a bit different at first. Just be sure to wear or bring socks for comfort.
Travel Light with Lockers: You won’t want to carry a bulky bag or purse on the ice. Small lockers are available on-site for a fee to stash your valuables, shoes, and bags, keeping your hands free for holding.
Time it Right for Ambience: For the most romantic experience, plan your skate for the evening when the city lights and holiday decorations are in full effect. Weekday evenings often have fewer crowds than Friday or Saturday nights, giving you more space to glide and talk.
Plan Your Pre- or Post-Skate Treat: Extend your date night by grabbing a hot cocoa from a nearby cafe to warm up afterward. Fountain Square is also surrounded by fantastic restaurants, making it easy to pair your skate with a romantic dinner downtown.
Find the Perfect Photo Spots: The entire area is photogenic! Capture a classic photo with the iconic Tyler Davidson Fountain in the background. Other great spots include posing by the edge of the rink with the glowing ice or finding a vantage point that includes the festive holiday tree.
Dress for Warmth and Style: Layering is key. Wear a warm coat, gloves, and a cute hat or scarf. Not only will you stay comfortable, but these accessories also add a cozy, seasonal touch to your photos. Comfortable pants or leggings that allow for easy movement are ideal.
Parking and Transportation Simplified: Several parking garages are located within a block or two of Fountain Square. The Fountain Square Garage is the most convenient. Alternatively, you can use the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar, which has a stop right at the square, for a fun and stress-free way to get there.
Plan Your Future Together: Feeling the romance? If you're engaged or thinking about it, channel that magical energy into planning. Take a short, scenic drive from Cincinnati to tour Hanover Reserve, a stunning wedding venue that blends modern elegance with natural beauty, perfect for a winter wedding.
5 Tips for Dreamy Couples Photos at the Festival of Lights
After skating, a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights is another quintessential winter date. It's also a breathtaking location for engagement or couples photos. Here’s how to capture the magic.
Embrace the Blue Hour: The best light for capturing both the holiday displays and yourselves is during "blue hour"—the period just after sunset when the sky has a deep blue hue. It creates a beautiful contrast with the bright, colorful lights without the harsh darkness of late night.
Use Your Phone’s Night Mode: You don’t need a professional camera. Modern smartphones have incredible night mode or low-light settings. Use this feature to get crisp, bright photos. Tap on your faces on the screen before taking the shot to ensure you are in focus, not just the lights behind you.
Find a Steady Spot: To avoid blurry photos in low light, steady your camera. If you don't have a tripod, look for a ledge, railing, or wall to rest your phone or camera on. Using the self-timer can also help reduce shake from pressing the shutter button.
Focus on Candid Moments: Posed photos are great, but the most magical shots are often candid. Have your photographer (or a friend!) prompt you with actions like "whisper a secret," "walk toward me holding hands," or "look at the lights together." These natural interactions create genuine and romantic images.
Coordinate Your Wardrobe: Wear solid, neutral, or deep-colored coats (like navy, cream, camel, or burgundy). This helps you stand out against the busy, multi-colored light displays. A pop of a single color, like a red scarf, can also look stunning.
Cincinnati winter wedding venue
Why Plan a November or December Wedding at Hanover Reserve
The festive romance of November and December makes it an enchanting time to get married. Hanover Reserve, conveniently located near Cincinnati, is an idyllic venue for a winter wedding that you and your guests will adore.
Instant Seasonal Ambience: Winter offers a built-in romantic atmosphere. Hanover Reserve enhances this with its elegant interiors and beautiful grounds. You can lean into a cozy, festive theme with evergreen garlands, candlelight, and rich, warm color palettes that feel both timeless and special.
Greater Vendor Availability and Value: The winter months are considered the "off-season" for many wedding vendors. This can mean more availability for your top-choice photographers, florists, and caterers, sometimes at a better value than you would find during peak season.
Cozy Indoor-Outdoor Flow: Imagine saying "I do" in a beautiful, climate-controlled space with panoramic windows overlooking a frosty winter landscape. Hanover Reserve offers exactly that, providing the cozy comfort of the indoors while still connecting you and your guests to the serene beauty of the season.
An Unforgettable Guest Experience: Your guests are already in a festive mindset. A winter wedding gives them another wonderful event to look forward to. You can create a memorable experience with seasonal menus featuring warm, comforting dishes and signature cocktails like mulled wine or spiced apple cider.
Stunning Photo Opportunities: The soft, diffused light of winter is a photographer's dream. It creates incredibly romantic and flattering portraits. The natural, rustic backdrops at Hanover Reserve, from the towering trees to the open fields, look just as beautiful under a light dusting of snow or against a dramatic winter sky.
The romantic energy in Cincinnati during November and December is truly something special. It’s a time for connection, celebration, and looking toward the future. For engaged couples caught up in this magical season, there’s no better time to take the next step in your wedding planning. The beautiful dates in these festive months are highly sought after. Schedule your private tour at Hanover Reserve today, and lock in your perfect day before it’s gone.
The best way to know if Hanover Reserve is the perfect fit for your story is to see it for yourself. We invite you to schedule a private tour to walk through the grand hall, explore the ceremony sites, and start picturing your perfect day. Our team is ready to answer your questions and show you why so many couples begin their happily-ever-after here. Let's start planning the celebration you've always dreamed of.
Are you ready to begin planning your big day near Cincinnati? Let us know in the comments or check out more tips on our blog. And if you’re still venue-hunting, schedule a tour at Hanover Reserve to enjoy a private tour of our wedding and elopement spaces!
Contact us today to learn more about hosting your wedding with us or to schedule a tour. Don’t wait too long—preferred dates are booking quickly for spring 2026! Get in touch with us to schedule a tour, request pricing, or learn more about how we’re dedicated to creating amazing wedding experiences. Need a little inspiration? Check out our gallery or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see real weddings and ideas from happy couples.
Cincinnati winter wedding venue
Romantic Things to do in Cincinnati, Ice Skate on Fountain Square
Citations
WeddingVenueOwners.com – Wedding Venue Business Resources 🌐 Website: www.WeddingVenueOwners.com ✉️ Email: info@weddingvenueowners.com, Wedding Venue Owners Working Vacations Education Courses "WeddingVenueOwners.com provides education, tools, and community support for wedding venue owners across the U.S."