High above the roofs of Paris, an ice skating rink has opened on the first platform of the Eiffel Tower, in a height of 1040 ft. It covers a total of 2,150 ft² and invites people to do their figure eights and pirouettes daily from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm, until the 31st of January 2012. Mulled wine, tea and hot chocolate as well as delicious Christmas cakes are offered at the ice bar beside the rink. The attraction was originally meant to support Paris’ application for the Olympic Games in 2012.

The synthetic ice skating rink on the observation deck of the John Hancock Center in Chicago takes you even higher – the rink, which covers 900 ft², has been constructed on the 94th floor of the building and overlooks the city’s lakefront skyline and the bustling Lake Shore Drive. A glass pane keeps skaters from plunging into the deep. The ice rink will be open daily from 9 am to 11 pm from the 1st of January, until the 8th of April 2012. Skating 25 minutes will cost around 5 dollars.

For those who have no head for heights the ice rink in front of the London Eye might be a good alternative. It is especially worthwhile to go there in the evening when it gets dark and the Ferris wheel is colorfully illuminated. The “Eyeskate” is open to the public daily from 10 am to 9 pm, until the 6th of January 2012.