instagram

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

A Downtown Tradition: Pershing Square's Holiday Ice Rink Adds More Events


Long-time readers of this site know how much we look forward to the downtown ice skating rink in Pershing Square. It's where I proposed to Maria many years ago, and where the Blogger Kids now enjoy learning to skate as well. Now in its 21st year, the rink once known as "Downtown on Ice" now goes by the "Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square" moniker -- but it otherwise looks exactly like it did all those years ago.


The organizers note that at 7,200 square feet, it is the city’s largest outdoor rink. Here are a few events coming to the Holiday Ice Rink this year:
Every Wednesday throughout the ice rink season will be dedicated to Wicked and named Wicked Wednesdays. Ice rink lights will be predominantly green and every third song played will be from Wicked cast album during the 7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm (if applicable) sessions.

Special Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square events include DJ Spotlight every Thursday with DJ Howly (except Thanksgiving); Learn to Curl (November 17, December 15 and January 12); and Silent Skate Party (November 28 and December 19).

Two Pershing Square events will also take place during this season – Winter Tramp/Gay Proud (December 1) and Winter Holiday Festival (December 8-9).


When we visited on Sunday morning, the crowd was light -- perfect time to hit the ice. I usually prefer going at night, however, as there's something magical about skating under the illuminated skyscrapers, and with twinkling Christmas lights all around.


The Blogger Kids not only look forward to the skating, but they thrill at the free bottles of beverages from rink sponsor Bai.


Each session is an hour. Here are the current times:
Thursday, November 15 – Saturday, December 15
11:30AM – 9:30PM Monday through Thursday
11:30AM – 11:00PM Friday
10:00AM – 11:00PM Saturday
10:00AM – 9:30PM Sunday

Sunday, December 16 – Sunday, December 30
10:00AM – 11:00PM Daily

Monday, December 24
10:00AM – 8:00PM

Tuesday, December 25
11:30AM – 9:30PM

Monday, December 31
10:00AM – 11:00PM

Tuesday, January 1
10:00AM – 11:00PM

Wednesday, January 2 – Monday, January 21
11:30AM – 9:30PM Monday through Thursday
11:30AM – 11:00PM Friday
10:00AM – 11:00PM Saturday
10:00AM – 9:30PM Sunday
General admission is $9, while skate rental is $5. There are also little penguin skate helpers, for the kids, at another $6.


While in Pershing Square, take a photo next to the large tree...


... or under the unusual murals, like The Beatles wishing you a Happy Christmas.


And then, of course, to stay in the festive mood, cross the street and visit the Biltmore Hotel, which is also decked out for the holidays. Ho ho ho!


No comments: