Four Seasons Austin's Winter Programme Has a Reservation Detail Beyond the Rink

Four Seasons Hotel Austin announced its fifth Ice Rodeo season on October 27, running from November 20, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Beyond skating, the winter programme has a booking detail worth catching: festive afternoon tea requires at least 24 hours' notice, while the returning Hidden Flask speakeasy operates Thursday through Saturday by reservation.

How does the skating visit work?

The hotel builds its 3,360-square-foot outdoor rink above the swimming pool, using chillers to maintain real ice beside Lady Bird Lake. It opens to the public daily from 4pm to 9pm. Online tickets include an hour of skating and access to the wider Ice Rodeo festivities.

You therefore do not need to book an overnight stay simply to skate. For visitors planning dinner elsewhere in Austin, an hour on the ice can be its own outing. Leave room in the schedule for arrival and changing into skates rather than treating the ticketed hour as your entire time at the hotel.

Rinkside dining cabins accommodate up to six people and have their own reservation route. The hotel will donate all proceeds from skating tickets and cabin rentals on November 22 to Dell Children's Foundation. Check the ticket calendar for current prices and available sessions before committing to a date.

Where can you go after the ice?

Hidden Flask turns a specialty suite into a seasonal cocktail venue. The hotel's winter page lists Thursday to Saturday service from 5pm to 9pm. For a less structured stop, The Deck at Live Oak serves cocktails and light bites daily from 5pm to 9pm, with seating allocated on arrival.

That creates two different evening plans: reserve the suite experience when it is central to your night, or allow some flexibility if you want to try The Deck. Neither should be assumed to come automatically with a skating ticket or a room reservation.

Which daytime dates should families check?

Holiday A-Tea-X runs daily from 1pm to 3pm at Live Oak, with the advance reservation requirement noted above. The winter calendar also lists Teddy Bear Brunch on November 29 and December 13, plus a gingerbread display celebrating the hotel's 40th anniversary.

For a short family stay, choose the dated event first, then fit skating and meals around it. Ask the booking team about children's arrangements and the cancellation terms for each separate activity, especially if your group is coordinating several reservations on the same day.

Image: Ice Rodeo's festive cabin setting, courtesy of Four Seasons. Sources: the October 27 announcement and official winter calendar.