One of the latest issues of Frommer’s newsletter features an article titled “Skate Around the Rink in Rinks Around the World.” The best outdoor skating rinks in Europe as identified by the author include those near the Tower of London and Warwick Castle in the U.K., as well as the Kongens Nytorv rink in Copenhagen. That’s a great start, and what’s more, there are many other delightful skating sites throughout Europe. Here are a few more outdoor rinks of which I’ve heard mention or discovered while researching this topic:

FRANCE

Paris: the City of Light boasts three rinks, arguably the most famous of which is the one installed in front of l'Hôtel de Ville. It’s open most nights until 10, and will be set up until March 9. If my high school French hasn’t failed me, it looks like use of the rink is free and skate rental 5 euros. Other rinks are by the François Mitterrand Library on the corner of rue des Grands Moulins et rue Olivier Messiaen, and near the Montparnasse train station.

Other Parisian winter fun includes the R?ve de neige, to be organized Dec. 22 through Jan. 6 at the Stade de France. Sledge runs, ski and snowboarding slopes, an ice rink, children’s adventure park, and purple Milka cows are just some of the enticements. Admission is 12 euros for adults, 9 euros for ages 4-12, and free for children under the age of 3.

GERMANY

Berlin: Potsdamer Platz is the venue for Winter World, which is not only an ice rink but also a place where you can go sliding, shop at a Christmas market, or enjoy the Christmas lights. It remains open through Jan. 6.

Frankfurt: from now through Jan. 27, you can skate in front of one of the city’s landmarks, the Steigenberger Frankfurter Hof Hotel, Am Kaiserplatz. The rink is open until 10 most nights. Five euros gets you use the rink and an additional 4 euros the rental of a pair of skates.

Heidelberg: through Jan. 7 you can take a turn on the ice rink at Karlsplatz, and enjoy a view of the castle ruins to boot. Adults pay 2.50 euros and kids 2 euros for 90 minutes of skating bliss; skate rental will set you back an additional 2.60 euros.

Munich: “Münchner Eiszauber am Stachus” on Karlsplatz, is open now through Jan. 20, and charges from 3.50 to 6 euros, depending on the time of day and day of the week. Four euros will secure you rental of a pair of skates.

Stuttgart: the “Wintertraum” rink has been open since October, and stands by the Schlossplatz. Adults pay 5.50 euros, kids 3 euros, and skate rental is 3.50 euros.

ITALY

Naples: online information in English is sketchy, but it does appear that an Ice Park will materialize on Spalti del Maschio Angioino from Dec. 15.

Rome: The Parco della Musica on viale Pietro de Coubertin 30, hosts a Christmas holiday extravaganza and is also the place to head for fun on ice. The rink stays open until Feb. 3.

UNITED KINGDOM

London: in addition to the aforementioned rink near the Tower of London, the city hosts a slew of other skating venues. For more information and locations, check out London’s View magazine article “Ice Skating London.”

Glasgow: through Jan. 6, check out the Winterfest and skating at St. George’s Square. It’s 8.50 pounds for a 45-minute session.

Edinburgh: the city’s Winter Wonderland in East Princes Street Gardens offers public skating through Jan. 6; the 9 pound admission cost includes skate rental.

RUSSIA

St. Petersburg: If you want to experience a real winter, go to Russia. According to a Dec. 4 article in the St. Petersburg Times, Europe’s biggest rink has just opened on the city’s Palace Square.

Moscow: in addition to the rink in the Park of Culture, more famously known as Gorky Park, Red Square is hosting a rink for the second year in a row. An article in Jan. 21, 2007, edition of New York Times paints the scene.