Frozen water isn’t the first thing you think of when you think of the desert, but the Valley has several locations for people who want to get into the holiday by doing a little outdoor ice-skating.
Yes, outdoor ice-skating. No matter where you live in the valley, there’s skating not too far away.
Phoenix: CitySkate
There’s ice right in the middle of Central Avenue, along with a giant Christmas tree and occasional visits from Santa for photos. It’s the sixth year in a row for skating, but some of the details have changed; be sure to visit the website for more information about skating sessions.
The skating continues through Jan. 8.
Admission: $15 general, $25 for express passes, $10 for ages 4-8, military and seniors. Age 3 and younger free. Fee includes skate rental.
602-772-3900, phxicerink.com.
Mesa: Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
A 4,000-square-foot ice-skating rink will be open as part of Mesa’s Merry Main Street celebration through Jan. 1. There’s also a four-story Christmas tree, Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest, a sELFie village for photos and Holiday Happenings indoors and out at the Mesa Arts Center.
Admission: $10 for a one-hour session. No personal skates; fee includes skate rental.
Merrymainst.com
Glendale: Skate Westgate
Westgate is expanding skating throughout the holidays for the first time this season. Santa will make visits, and you can visit a life-size snow globe. There are also nightly snow shows and a 33-foot Christmas tree. Skating continues through Jan. 8.
Admission: $13 general, $10 military, seniors and students with ID, as well as children age 4-6. Children under 4 free.
Westgateaz.com
Scottsdale: Desert Ice Skating Rink
Real ice makes up the 6,000 square-foot rink at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. There’s also nightly snowfall (!), a four-story Christmas tree and plenty of holiday decorations, including Lagoon Lights, with more than 3 million lights. You can also make reservations for rink-side fire pits, complete with blankets and s’mores. Recognized by the Vancouver Sun as one of the Top 10 Holiday Ice Rinks in the World. Skating continues through Jan. 1.
Admission: $20. Skate rental is $5, parking $35.
480-585-4848, scottsdaleprincess.com
