Tybee Island has added something entirely new to its holiday lineup this year: an ice skating rink on the Tybee Pier Pavilion. It opened Wednesday and will run daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. through December 14. And yes, it’s free.
The rink is synthetic, not real ice, but the setup overlooks the ocean, which is a pretty great trade off. It’s also not huge, so expect about 35 skaters at a time. It’s first come, first serve, so there may be a wait during peak hours. Pier staff are managing everything on site, and if you don’t have your own skates, they have free rentals available.
If you’d rather watch than skate, the pier’s picnic tables make it easy to hang out, enjoy the scenery, and relax. It’s meant to be a lowkey, family friendly activity, but there are a few rules: minors must be accompanied by an adult, and skaters will need to take turns so everyone gets a chance.
Organizers are also collecting canned goods and pet supplies to support local partners helping families in need during the holidays. Donations can be dropped off right on the pier.
Since this is the first time Tybee has attempted something like this, they’re asking visitors to be patient and keep expectations realistic. The goal is simply to bring a little extra holiday spirit to the beach — and based on early turnout, it’s already a hit.
Whether you stop by to skate or just to check it out, the rink will be open through December 14. It’s a quick, fun holiday outing and a unique addition to Tybee’s winter season.
