From first-time skaters to seasoned pros, Hangar Skate invites everyone to enjoy free lessons, indoor art workshops, and a sneak peek at one of the 2026 Winter Stations, all at the only rink of its kind in the city
TORONTO, December 3, 2025 — For the love of Winter, and the joy of community, Northcrest Developments is bringing Hangar Skate back to YZD, the former Downsview Airport lands. Running December 19, 2025 to February 16, 2026, this much-loved seasonal tradition continues Northcrest’s mission to offer free, high-quality experiences that bring people together, inspire creativity, and transform one of Toronto’s most unexpected spaces into a place for everyone.
Now in its fourth year, Hangar Skate has become a neighbourhood favourite, a place where people of all ages can skate, create, and connect in Toronto. This year, the experience is bigger and better than ever, with just over 6,000 sq. ft. of ice to skate on, fire performances, musicians, snow-play zones, and creative arts workshops, all set against the extraordinary backdrop of a decommissioned airplane Hangar – and all for free. (Fun fact: The skating rink is equivalent to the size of a junior Olympic swimming pool, which is upwards of 5,000 sq. Ft.!)
“Hangar Skate is one of those experiences people talk about and say, ‘I’ve got to go to that,’” says Alana Mercury, Director, 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.”
FIRE AND ICE THEME
Hangar Skate plays at the edge of opposites—fire and ice—where heat meets frost, movement meets stillness, and play sparks connection. The rink becomes an enchanted forest alive with LED performances, icy soundscapes, and hands-on workshops, while the local eats, classic winter drinks and arcade games add a pulse of playful energy. Together, these elements create a space that feels both magical and electric, inviting families, teens, and young adults to gather, skate, and spark joy.
“We imagine YZD becoming one of Toronto’s preeminent locations for Winter fun,” says Mitchell Marcus, Executive Director, Site Activation and Programming at Northcrest Developments. “At this year’s Hangar Skate, every visitor can find a Winter moment designed for them, whether that’s families skating in the afternoon, teens at our Friday DJ nights, or couples on date-night skates under the lights, all offered for free.”
SNEAK PEEK: WINTER STATIONS AT YZD
This season, skaters will also get an early look at one of the 2026 Winter Stations, the city’s beloved international design competition that turns public spaces into outdoor galleries each year. Northcrest Developments is a proud sponsor of Winter Stations, and this season, YZD will premiere one of the winning installations right on site before it travels to its main exhibition at the Toronto Beaches.
This year’s Winter Stations theme, Mirage, invites artists and designers from around the world to explore the intersection of digital and physical, creating public art inspired by optical illusions, reflections, and wonder. The installation’s exclusive debut at YZD gives visitors a chance to see it up close before it brightens Toronto’s Beaches later this season. It’s just one of the many ways YZD is becoming the place to be this Winter, where art, community, and creativity come together in unexpected ways.
ICE THAT’S GUARANTEED & A RINK BIGGER THAN EVER
Even when Toronto’s Winter weather takes a warmer turn, the magic at Hangar Skate doesn’t melt away. The rink is built on a fully refrigerated system, where chilled brine circulates through piping on top of the asphalt, keeping the ice temperature steady around –4 °C. This technology ensures a smooth, consistent skating surface even when daytime temperatures rise well above freezing, maintaining ideal ice conditions and extending the skating season. Whether under bright Winter sun or twinkling night lights, the rink remains ready to glide, keeping the fun alive all Winter long. This year features a bigger rink than ever before, an impressive 6,000 sq. ft, of ice, expanding the skating surface to welcome even more visitors.
HOLIDAY PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
Holiday Session: December 19, 2025 – January 4, 2026 (Closed December 25)
Families can enjoy daily skating, glowing performances, and festive surprises including:
GLOW & GLIDE – Opening Night
Friday, December 19, 5PM–9PM
Hangar Skate launches with a high-energy kickoff featuring LED drummers, a Remix Project DJ, a roaming glowing animation from the drummers, a Snowflake Princess, and freeze-dance moments on the rink, setting the tone for a season that fuses art, rhythm, and play.
A WINTER’S TALE – Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 24, 12 PM-5PM
Step into the magic of the season with classic holiday and winter films playing inside the YZD Experience Centre. Throughout the afternoon, enjoy surprise visits from roaming dancing Nutcrackers as they bring festive cheer to every corner of the Plaza.
A VERY 80S NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION – New Year’s Day
Wednesday, December 31, 12 PM – 5PM
Hangar Skate is ringing in 2026 a bit early with an afternoon celebration that features the iconic DJ Me Time, glowsticks, and freeze-dance moments on the rink, setting the tone for a season that fuses art, rhythm and play. For those that won’t make it til’ midnight, Hangar Skate will have two opportunities to kick off 2026. Countdown celebrations will happen at 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
WINTER SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Winter Session: January 9 – February 16, 2026
2026 FRIDAY NIGHTS – Fridays 5PM–9PM
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. As a leading community partner, The Remix Project continues to shape Toronto’s cultural landscape through transformative youth development programs, empowering young creators, and supporting the city’s next generation of talent. After the skate, stop by the Community Hall & Experience Centre where board and arcade games rule. For those looking to up their knowledge, a board game expert will be onsite providing free instructions.
2026 SATURDAY AFTERNOONS – 12PM–5PM
Saturday afternoons are perfect for families. At the rink, visitors can participate in a drop-in learn-to-skate lesson from 1pm-4pm. Inside the Experience Centre, visitors can come in for free art workshops by Studio Mooi.
2026 SUNDAY AFTERNOONS – 12PM–5PM
Move into your week smoothly by exercising your body and mind. Learn to skate returns from 1pm-4pm. In Experience Centre, visitors can take part in free art classes with Big River Bindery featuring book-binding and paper-art workshops, along with a Take One / Leave One Library, a cozy corner where guests can swap and share their favourite reads.
ENCHANTED FOREST – Specialty Day
Sunday, January 25, 12 PM – 5PM
Channel your inner hero, witch, or woodland creature and skate the story! Come dressed as your favourite fantasy book character for a chance to win fun prizes.
DYNAMIC DUO’S: FIRE & ICE – Specialty Day
Saturday, February 14, 12 PM – 5PM
Enjoy dazzling fire and ice performances on the rink, then head indoors to create a personalized card for your loved one. Guests are encouraged to dress in their best fire-and-ice–inspired looks, with prizes for the most creative duos.
FAMILY DAY
Monday, February 16, 12PM – 5PM
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. Don’t forget to stop by the Community Hall & Experience Centre where board and arcade games rule. For those looking to up their knowledge, a board game expert will be onsite providing free instructions.
EVENT DETAILS
Location: YZD Plaza & Experience Centre, 34 Hanover Rd, Toronto, ON M3K 0E2
Skate Rentals Available for a Fee, Free for children under 12: Available sizes – Child (6–13), Youth (1–5.5), Adult (5W–13M)
Helmets: Required for ages 12 and under
Helmet Rentals Available for a Fee, free for children under 12: Available sizes Youth S–L, Adult S–L available
Skate Sharpening: $5 per pair (for personal skates)
Admission: Free – advance booking required at yzd.ca/see-and-do/winter-at-yzd
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