This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Politics & Government

Kick Off the Holiday Season Saturday at Falls River Square

Annual Ice Rink Opening Celebration to include free skating and train rides, visits with Santa and tree lighting ceremony.

Want to kick off the holiday season with mirth and merriment? Head on down to the Ice Rink at on Saturday for free skating and train rides, a unique holiday shopping event and the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony.

Jennifer Syx, Cuyahoga Falls deputy director of development, said the day’s many free activities will go on no matter the weather – including ice skating for the seventh consecutive year.

The schedule for the city’s 7th Annual Ice Rink Opening Celebration is as follows:

Find out what's happening in Cuyahoga Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Noon to 9 p.m. – Free admission to the rink; bring your own skates or rent a pair at the Pavilion for $3.
  • Noon to 5 p.m. – A unique holiday shopping event in the Pavilion.
  • 12:30 p.m. – Cuyahoga Falls Community Chorus will perform in the Pavilion.
  • 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. – Free train rides on the Falls River Square Express.
  • 1 to 4 p.m. – Kids of all ages can visit with Santa inside the Pavilion (cameras are welcome).
  • 5:30 pm – Community Tree Lighting Ceremony.
  • Costumed characters will be spreading holiday cheer throughout the afternoon, as well as carolers caroling and music playing.

Syx said it’s Mayor Don L. Robart who can be thanked for the creation of the city’s popular outdoor ice skating rink, which attracts 12,000 to 15,000 visitors per season.

“The mayor wanted something for residents to do year-round. In the summer, we have Rockin’ on the River, major festivals and more,” Syx said. “So in 2004, the city created the rink – an oval about 110- by 65-feet – right in the middle of the festival site, next to the Pavilion and the clock tower. It’s a nice amenity to have, right along the river. Parking is always free and the site is always well lit.”

Find out what's happening in Cuyahoga Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Robart said the ice rink at Falls River Square is recognized throughout the region as a family-friendly destination location.

"Attendance grows each year as the rink increases in popularity," Robart said. "We are delighted to continue this fabulous tradition for our residents."

Ice skating will take place on Saturday, even if it isn’t a freezing-cold day.

“The good news is that we have a chiller system. Under the ice are hundreds and hundreds of coils that are part of an underground refrigeration system that keeps the ice frozen,” Syx explained. “It could be 50 degrees out and we’d still have ice.”

A new addition to the annual rink-opening celebration is a holiday shopping feature.

Syx said dozens of vendors will be set up in the Pavilion throughout the afternoon selling unique gift items ranging from handmade candles, jewelry, accessories, kids crafts and books, art, pottery, Christmas ornaments, candies, chocolates and more.

The rink’s season runs from this Saturday through the end of the day Feb. 20. Normal hours are 3 to 9 p.m. weekdays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays. During winter break – Dec. 19 through Jan. 2 – the rink will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday.

The Snack Shack at the ice rink will be open daily during rink hours, selling hot beverages and snacks.

Admission is free for city residents who present their CF1 card and $3 for non-residents. Skate rentals are available for $3. Both group rates and party packages are available. For details click this link or call the Community Development Department at 330-971-8135.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Cuyahoga Falls