Winter Riverfest Returns To Cleveland Park

CLEVELAND — Winter RiverFest will again transform part of the Flats for the holiday season.

The festival starts Nov. 26 and will bring an ice skating rink, appearances from Santa, festive decor, a beer garden, firepits, a retail shop and igloo dining to the park nestled along the Cuyahoga River in the Flats.

“The holiday season is a special time in Cleveland Metroparks and we are thrilled to bring back Winter RiverFest along the Cuyahoga River,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “With ice skating, festive dining and more, Winter RiverFest provides an opportunity for families to create new holiday traditions along our scenic waterfront.”

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This is the second year for RiverFest. This year, organizers will bring an ice skating rink to Rivergate Park. Skating reservations and skate rentals are available in advance online. Reservations are available for 90-minute slots. Tickets are $12 for people 6 and up and 5 for people 3 to 5. Ice skate rentals are $3. Walk-ups will be accepted by availability.

Like last year, there will be a beer garden, fire pits, and igloo-protected dining at Merwin's Wharf. Santa will also now appear on select weekends.

Rentable igloos accommodate up to eight people and can be reserved online or by visiting the Merwin's Wharf website. Igloo rentals have a two-hour minimum, for $50, plus a food and drink minimum.

Winter RiverFest will run Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday noon to 9:30 p.m. from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2.