Whether you're looking for an activity to keep the out-of-towners entertained over the holidays or looking for a way to get into the winter spirit without the snow, several ice rinks have popped up around the Valley!
Grab the camera, hat and jacket, and hit the ice at these Valley ice rinks.
CITYSKATE ICE RINK (NOV. 23, 2018 - JAN. 6, 2019)
CityScape's ice rink in downtown Phoenix will open for the season on Nov. 23, 2018, and will remain open through Jan. 6, 2019.
A new 30-foot copper "Unity Tree" will fill the center of the rink. The cone-shaped tree will have different LED lights that guests will be able to change and control using consoles at the base of the tree, according to a news release. The tree will be topped with a Phoenix, the mythical bird.
The Nov. 23 tree lighting will happen at 6 p.m. Ice skating will start at noon and Santa will arrive at 3:30 p.m.
The rink will be open every day. Hours vary from weekdays to weekends. You can check the schedule to see that day's times. More information.
Admission:
- $15 - general admission
- $30 - Fast Pass
- $10 - seniors, military and children under eight
- $10 - students (Sundays only). ID required.
WESTGATE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT (NOV. 3 - JAN. 13)
Westgate's 3,500-square-foot ice rink opened on Nov. 3, 2018, and runs through Jan. 13, 2019.
It is located at Fountain Park.
This year, skaters can purchase their tickets online and reserve a time slot. However, the rink will also be open on a first-come, first served basis.
Westgate will light host its tree-lighting ceremony and light its 36-foot Christmas tree on Tuesday, Nov. 20. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Santa will make a visit from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Visit www.westgateaz.com/skate/ to view the skate schedule and hours.
Admission:
- $15 - general admission, included skate rental
- $12 - general admission (bring your own skates); toddlers and military members (with ID)
- $99 - season pass
Parking note: On event days at State Farm Stadium and Gila River Arena, Westgate will have a $10 parking fee three to four hours before the event starts. You can get a voucher for $10 off a skate rental that same day. Free parking starts 30 minutes after the event begins.
MESA'S WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK (NOV. 23 - JAN. 4, 2019)
The City of Mesa's ice rink will open on Nov. 23, 2018, and run through Jan. 4, 2019, part of its Merry Main Street celebration.
There will be an opening ceremony on Nov. 24 at 4 p.m. with AZ ICE. The rink will open to the public at 6 p.m.
Normal hours will be 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. during the week and noon to 10 p.m. on weekend. Visit http://merrymainst.com/icerink/ for a list of holidays with special hours.
Admission:
- $10 - general admission. Tickets can be bought online or at the rink.
- No discount for bringing your own skates. Admission includes skate rental and an hour of skate time.
ICE SKATING AT TEMPE MARKETPLACE (NOV. 23-25)
Tempe marketplace will have free ice skating from Nov. 23-25, 2018. The synthetic rink will be open to those five and older.
It will be set up near Dave and Buster's. Skates will be provided. Make sure to have socks.
The hours will be Friday and Saturday, Nov. 23 and 24, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The shopper center will light its 60-foot tree on Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. near the District stage following by its first snowfall of the season. Visit https://tempemarketplace.com/holiday/ for more information.
DESERT ICE SKATING RINK (SCOTTSDALE FAIRMONT PRINCESS, NOV. 20 - DEC. 31)
The Scottsdale Fairmont Princess will open its 6,000-square-foot ice rink on Nov. 20, part of its annual Christmas festival.
The cost is $20 per person and skate rentals are $5. That is in addition to the $55 self-park fee, which includes activity wristbands for up to six people. The wristband provides access to the Princess Express, S'mores Land, Polar Glide Ice Slide, Christmas Carousel, Nativity Garden and Enchanted Plaza Experience.
For those who walk-up or take an Uber or Lyft to the resort, wristbands are $25. More information.
AZ ICE (year-round skating)
AZ ICE has three locations around the Valley -- Arcadia, Gilbert and Peoria -- and public skating sessions throughout the year.
Times and hours vary at each location. So, you will want to check each location's website to view their schedule.
Skate rentals are $3.50. Admission varies between $5-$9.50 per person. Discounts are available for seniors and military members.
ICE DEN (year-round skating)
ICE DEN has two locations in the Valley -- Chandler and Scottsdale.
Both locations will host a "Turkey Skate" events after Thanksgiving. The schedules and times vary at each locations. Make sure to check the website for each.
The deal is the same, however. You will be able to skate for two hours for $8. Skate rental is included in the price. Chandler schedule. Scottsdale schedule.
