URGENT UPDATE: The iconic rooftop ice rink at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas will not open this holiday season, marking the end of a cherished tradition that began in 2011. Instead, the hotel has confirmed plans to auction off its ice-skating equipment, including a Zamboni, as reported by the Five Hundy by Midnight podcast.
This unexpected announcement comes just weeks before the typical opening timeframe, which usually spans from October 25 to November 5, with the rink debuting around Thanksgiving weekend. For many locals and visitors, the closure signifies a significant loss of holiday cheer in the heart of Las Vegas.
The Cosmopolitan’s rooftop ice rink, a 4,200-square-foot winter wonderland, featured real ice, fire pits, and themed cocktails, attracting thousands of guests each year. The decision to close the rink has left fans disappointed, as it provided a unique blend of festive activities, including themed nights like “Monday’s Date Skate” and “Throwback Thursdays.”
The auction includes not only the rink itself but also essential components needed for its operation. The listing reveals that approximately five semi-trailers are required to transport the setup currently stored in a Las Vegas warehouse. Items for sale include rink walls, a temporary plumbing system for antifreeze, furniture, skates, chairs, benches, and even decorative plastic reindeer.
Notably, the auction stipulates that the “system cannot be sold/utilized within Clark County, NV,” a strategic move to prevent rival casinos from establishing their own ice rinks. The Fontainebleau Las Vegas stands as the only competitor to The Cosmopolitan in offering similar seasonal attractions, with its own 7,500-square-foot Oasis Ice Rink.
When open, The Cosmopolitan’s ice rink offered breathtaking views of the Las Vegas Strip, accompanied by the sounds of Christmas music, creating a magical atmosphere for skaters. Guests could unwind in Adirondack chairs around cozy fire pits while sipping on seasonal cocktails featuring flavors like pumpkin, rum, and chocolate.
With the closure of this beloved venue, holiday revelers in Las Vegas will now have to adjust their plans, as the Fontainebleau’s ice rink remains the sole option for winter fun in Clark County.
As the auction date approaches, fans of The Cosmopolitan are left lamenting the loss of a festive staple. The last-minute decision has sparked conversations across social media, with many sharing their memories of skating under the stars.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
