While the Midwest and East Coast will soon deal with below-freezing temperatures and snow piles, us here in Arizona will enjoy below-100 temperatures and "piles" of sunshine.
Still, it doesn't mean we can't take part in a few of those winter traditions, like ice skating! This holiday season, there are a number of ice skating rinks popping up around the Valley.
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Scroll down to see where you can lace up those skates:
Christmas at the Princess (Nov. 22 - Jan. 1, 2017)
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has a 6,000-square-foot ice rink that the public and guests can skate around on during its "Christmas at the Princess" festival. The cost is $25 per person, which includes skating and rental. Parking is $35 per vehicle. They also have a four-story-tall tree with more than 70,000 lights that dance to 16 songs.
IF YOU GO:
7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale AZ 85255
Admission: $25 per person ($20 skate fee, $5 skate rental), parking is $35 - $55 per vehicle
www.Scottsdaleprincess.com
Skate Westgate (Nov. 22 - Jan. 8, 2017)
Westgate Entertainment District's ice skating rink opens on Nov 22. It is located at Fountain Park near their holiday tree. Skating is $10 - $13 per person, which includes the rental and two hours of skating. If you go in the evening, there is a nightly snowfall at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m, as well as pictures with Santa!
IF YOU GO:
6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale AZ 85305
Admission: $10 - $13 (2-hour session, includes rental)
http://www.westgateaz.com/skate/
Merry Main Street
Mesa's Merry Main Street (Nov. 25 - Jan. 1, 2017)
Due to popular demand, Mesa's Merry Main Street is back this year along with its 4,000-square-foot ice rink. Skating is $10 per person. Besides skating, there is also various photo spots, including the four-story-tall Christmas tree.
IF YOU GO:
20 E. Main Street, Mesa AZ 85201
Admission: $10 (1-hour skate, includes rental)
http://merrymainst.com/icerink/
Ice skating at Desert Ridge (Nov. 25-27)
Desert Ridge will have ice skating during the Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 25-27. It is open to children 5 and older. There is no charge to skate, but you do need to have socks on. The rink is located in front of the movie theater.
IF YOU GO:
21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Phoenix AZ 85050
Admission: Free
Hours: Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
www.shopdesertridge.com
Winter Wonderland at Schnepf Farms (Dec. 1 - Jan. 15, 2017)
During Schnepf Farms Winter Wonderland Festival, kids can go ice skating or take a ride on a lighted train. The rink is open throughout the week and weekend except Thursdays (weather permitting). I recommend calling Schnepf Farms to see if the rink is open before driving over.
IF YOU GO:
Schnepf Farms, 24610 S. Rittenhouse Road, Queen Creek AZ
Time: rink open 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. (closed on Thursdays)
Admission: $12 per person (includes skate rental. You can also bring your own)
www.schnepffarms.com
Tempe Marketplace
Ice skating at Tempe Marketplace (Nov. 25-27)
Take a break from shopping at Tempe Marketplace and go ice skating. The shopping center will have an ice rink over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's free and open to kids at least five years old. Make sure to bring socks!
IF YOU GO:
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe AZ 85281
Admission: Free
Hours: Friday - Saturday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Downtown Phoenix's CitySkate (Nov. 26 - Jan. 8, 2017)
Take in downtown Phoenix's beautiful urban views while ice skating around CityScape. Nestled in CityScape is its ice rink and Christmas tree. If you get hungry, there are a number of restaurants within walking distance to satisfy any cravings.
IF YOU GO:
One East Washington Street, Phoenix AZ 85004
Admission: $10 - $25
http://www.phxicerink.com/
