Categories: Things To Do

A former Toronto airport hangar is transforming into a free skating rink

Image via YZD

It’s back! Hangar Skate is returning to YZD (the former Downsview Airport lands) for its fourth year, and this time around, it’s bigger than ever. Running from Dec. 19, 2025, to Feb. 16, 2026, the rink will span a whopping 6,000 sq. ft. Plus, there’s a lineup of other winter festivities to get excited about.

Here’s everything you need to know.

According to YZD, Hangar Skate will have fire performances, musicians, snow-play zones, and creative arts workshops, all free to enjoy.

“Hangar Skate is one of those experiences people talk about and say, ‘I’ve got to go to that,’” says Alana Mercury, director of programming and placemaking at Northcrest Developments. “Hangar Skate is pure YZD. Creative, unexpected, and set against the distinct charm of a former airport Hangar. It turns Winter into something unforgettable.”

The theme this year? Fire & Ice. YZD explains that the rink will become “an enchanted forest alive with LED performances and icy soundscapes.”

Of course, there will be local eats and drinks available, too.

All of the activations are set against the backdrop of the decommissioned airplane Hangar, and if you’ve never been, it’s pretty cool to see.

YZD highlights some of the events you can look forward to, which include:

2026 Friday Nights – Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m.: “Every Friday night, skaters can glide under the lights to curated sets from local DJs curated by The Remix Project, transforming the rink into a lively dance floor on ice.”
2026 Saturday Afternoons – Noon to 5 p.m.: “Saturday afternoons are perfect for families. At the rink, visitors can participate in a drop-in learn-to-skate lesson from 1 to 4 p.m.”
2026 Sunday Afternoons – Noon to 5 p.m.: “Move into your week smoothly by exercising your body and mind. Learn to skate returns from 1 to 4 p.m.”
Dynamic Duos Fire & Ice – Saturday, Feb. 14, Noon to 5 p.m.: “Enjoy dazzling fire and ice performances on the rink, then head indoors to create a personalized card for your loved one.”
Family Day – Monday, Feb. 16, Noon to 5 p.m.: “Celebrate Family Day at Hangar Skate with free family activities for everyone. DJ MeTime will perform an electrifying mix of music to get you dancing in your skates.”

Free fun is the way to go during such an expensive time of year.

See you at Hangar Skate, Toronto.