One of Indy's newest frosty fun traditions, the Ice Rink at Holliday Park presented by Merchants Bank of Indiana, returned for its second year this Friday, Nov. 24 and is open to the public through Thursday, Feb. 29. The Ice Rink is located in the heart of Holliday Park (6363 Spring Mill Rd.) The outdoor rink offers skaters a captivating snow globe-like experience with the beautifully lit park's historic Ruins in the background.

The second season has been extended by an additional month with longer hours for skating and offers new and expanded programming, including:

• Learn to Skate USA® Lessons: In partnership with the Winter Club of Indianapolis, these lessons sharpen focus and provide greater balance on and off the ice. Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
• Coffee Club: An adults-only Coffee Club with lessons designed to bring beginners up on the basics or refresh skaters of all skill levels at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays. In partnership with the Winter Club of Indianapolis, lessons include 30 minutes of group instruction and 30 minutes of practice.
• Field Trips: Experienced environmental educators have designed three dynamic educational opportunities found only at Holliday Park - The Science of Snow, Winter Wonder and Learn to Skate.
• Homeschool Skate Sessions: Nature can be the greatest teacher for your homeschool children. Purchase tickets during the open session at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays to take advantage of a great social opportunity for homeschooled students.
• OrthoIndy Skate Safely Program: A free, instructional program on how to skate and play sports safely followed by an hour of skate time, sponsored by OrthoIndy. Every Thursday from December 7-21 from 6-7:30 p.m.
• Our Hockey House: A free 8-week learn-to-play hockey program from 6-7:30 p.m. every Thursday in January and February, sponsored by OrthoIndy.

The Skate It Forward program provides outreach to under-resourced communities through sponsorships that allow the Ice Rink to make it affordable and easy for everyone to get on the ice by giving away free tickets to organizations. The first season of the program saw over two thousand tickets donated. More information on Skate It Forward sponsorship and other sponsorship opportunities are available here.

"We're excited to bring another year of thrills and chills to Marion County residents with the second season of the Ice Rink at Holliday Park this season," said Adam Barnes, executive director of the Holliday Park Foundation. "We've cultivated new partnerships that provide new opportunities in nature across all ages in our community. We're proud to enhance and showcase the holistic and unique Holliday Park experience and are happy to extend this tradition within the neighborhood and the Indy Parks system this holiday season."

The Ice Rink at Holliday Park's operating hours will be 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. and 7 - 8:30 p.m. on Friday, 1 - 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Beginning Dec. 22, the rink will be open 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. through Jan. 5 (closed on Christmas Day) at the peak of the holiday season before returning to regular operating hours.

Food and drink are available at concessions during rink hours, which will include local beer and wine available for 21+ guests. Guests can also utilize the indoor warming area and restrooms inside the Nature Center.

Tickets are on sale now for $14 online and at the door and all tickets include a skate rental. Season passes are available for $150 and children ages four and under are free. The Ice Rink is also available for private events and can be rented here.

Proceeds from the Ice Rink at Holliday Park will go to the Holliday Park Foundation Endowment to allow the park to continue to grow, evolve and serve the community. The Ice Rink is named after the late Dr. Michael Turner, who had the original idea and vision of adding a new winter experience for Indianapolis.

To learn more, check the schedule, and buy tickets for the Ice Rink at Holliday Park presented by Merchants Bank of Indiana, visit https://www.hollidaypark.org/rink/ or follow on Facebook and Instagram.