12/19/2019
The Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza will be extending operating hours for further enjoyment during winter break. Starting on Monday, December 23, hours will be extended to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for enjoyment during Noblesville Schools’ winter break. The rink will have special holiday hours on Dec. 24 and 31 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
“The outdoor recreational activity has welcomed over 2,000 skaters this season and we continue to look at ways to make the ice skating experience even better – including the addition of the Christmas Cottage with Santa from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday afternoons,” Parks Director Brandon Bennett said.
All ages are welcome to participate and rental ice skates range from kid to adult sizes. Again this year, IU Health Saxony has partnered with the parks department to provide skating aids for children needing extra support while on the ice. Celtic Pretzel is onsite during rink hours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with their popular menu items for purchase including specialty pretzels with dipping sauces, along with hot chocolate and coffee.
Admission rates are $12 for those ages 13 and older and $10 for those ages 12 and younger. Guests may bring their own skates if they prefer, but skate rental is included in the admission fee. Admission rates of $10 are available for groups of 6 or more and those patrons participating on themed nights.
“Instead of offering sessions, our Ice Plaza allows skaters to enjoy the ice for as long as they want. Admission is all day long so after skating for a bit, patrons can take a break to visit any of our fantastic nearby restaurants and stores and return to skate some more without having to pay again,” Bennett said.
The Ice Plaza will hold a Miller Night theme night on Friday, Dec. 20, where skaters are encouraged to show off their Noblesville spirit and wear Miller gear to receive $10 rink admission between 5 to 9 p.m. Miller Night is sponsored by Bailey and Wood Financial Group, who is donating a $1 to the Noblesville School Education Foundation for every skater that evening.
For the second year, area Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) are involved at the Ice Plaza, where $1 per skater will be donated back to the PTO and the $12 admission rate is discounted to $11. PTO Nights scheduled for the remainder of the season are: Promise Road Elementary (Dec. 19), Hazel Dell Elementary (Dec. 23), Noble Crossing Elementary (Dec. 30) and Legacy Christian School (Jan. 2).
“PTO Nights are a win-win for both of us, as families and friends enjoy a night together at the rink while generating revenue for the PTOs,” Bennett said.
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas has returned to the Christmas Cottage at Federal Hill Commons and will continue to visit with families this weekend. The Christmas Cottage is the city-run Santa House, which has been moved from the amphitheater stage to next to the Ice Plaza this year. Children are invited to visit Santa to tell him what they’d like for Christmas every weekend throughout December. Santa also will make a special appearance on Monday, Dec. 23 before he returns to the North Pole to begin his trip on Christmas Eve.
“The Christmas Cottage offers families a unique private visit with Santa and, as always, Santa is free to visit and parents are welcome to bring a camera to capture memories,” Bennett said.
Remaining Christmas Cottage Santa Hours are 5 to 8 p.m. December 20, 21 and 23 and 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 22.
