Cleveland Public Square Ice Skating Rink Opens, Free Ice Skating During Winterfest on Saturday

CLEVELAND, OH — This week could be considered the official kickoff of the holiday season in downtown Cleveland. The festivities begin with the opening of the Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink on Public Square at 10 a.m. Monday morning.

On hand for the opening of the skating rink will be Ice Skating Champion Caitlyn Nemastil and the Cleveland Indians Mascot, Slider. There will also be a live music performance during the opening.

Later in the week, on Nov. 26, the Cleveland Foundation will be sponsoring a day of free ice skating. Hours for the free skating event will be from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday. Free skate rentals will be offered along with a free 45-minute session on the ice, weather permitting. Tickets are required and will be distributed at Public Square on Nov. 26 on a first-come, first-served basis; no more than 150 tickets will be distributed per time slot.

The Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink will remain open for the season until Feb. 28, 2017, with skating available for $10 per skater, which includes skate rental. Additionally, Holiday Friends and Family 10-packs will be available for sale on-site.

Saturday's free skating event coincides with the return of Winterfest to Cleveland Public Square. Downtown events will include free horse-and-carriage rides, the tree-lighting ceremony at Public Square and a fireworks show. Click here to view the full event guide.

Photo: Cleveland Foundation