The holiday festivities at Westgate Entertainment District have become a time-honored tradition for many West Valley families and this year, holiday revelers can add outdoor ice skating on a real ice rink to their list of fun activities to usher in the season.
For the very first time at Westgate, kids and adults can partake in the timeless holiday tradition of ice skating with the debut of “Skate Westgate”, a real ice rink that will run for seven weeks from Nov. 22 through Jan. 8. There will be daily deals, themes and promotions posted on Westgate’s website from participating Westgate restaurants and retailers.
Just like in New York City’s Central Park, there are few things as charming as seeing horse-drawn carriages stroll along the streets as hooves clip clop and bells jingle. Back again this year is the ever-popular, horse-drawn carriage rides that are brought to Westgate and free to all guests. Adding even more magic to the holidays, snowfall happens twice nightly and Santa Claus is on-hand to listen to Christmas wishes.
Guests are invited to help break the ice at Skate Westgate on Tuesday, Nov. 22 for the opening of the ice rink after a professional skating performance, Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the 33-foot holiday tree. Close to 4,000 people turned out for this special event last year. Skate Westgate is located along Westgate Boulevard in front of Yard House.
In keeping with the holiday spirit, parking is free at all five of Westgate’s surrounding lots.
Skate Westgate Icebreaker & Holiday Tree Lighting
Tuesday, Nov. 22
6:30pm – midnight
It’s the official kick-off to the holiday season! Start the evening with a professional skating performance followed by the lighting of Westgate’s 33-foot holiday tree and Santa’s official arrival. At 7pm it will magically snow for the first time and Skate Westgate will open. Santa will be available for photos from 7:00pm – 9:00pm. The ice rink will be open until midnight. The event is free and open to the public. Skating fees apply.
Skate Westgate
Open daily
November 23 through December 18
Sunday – Thursday: 5:00pm – 11:00pm
Friday – Saturday: 5:00pm – midnight
December 19 through January 8
Monday – Sunday: 3:00pm – midnight
Pricing (includes skate rental and two-hour skate session)
General admission (ages 7 and older): $13 single admission
Military & students (with proper ID): $10 single admission
Seniors (62 and older with proper ID): $10 single admission
Children (ages 4 – 6): $10 single admission
Children (under 4): Free with purchase of adult General Admission ticket
Group rate = $8 single admission (group of 15 or more)
Socks and gloves: $4 each
For private ice rentals, contact Maria at 623-521-2074.
Daily Deals at Skate Westgate
Nov. 28 – Jan. 6
Wintertime experiences at Westgate come with sweet savings and merry family fun. Enjoy daily deals from Westgate restaurants and retailers. Details can be found at WestgateAZ.com/Skate.
FREE Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides
Nov. 25 – Dec. 24
Fridays and Saturdays
5:00pm – 9:00pm
Pick-up and drop-off destination at WaterDance Plaza
Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides around Westgate Entertainment District throughout the holiday season. This year there will be three that will allow you to hop in, take a spin and be whisked around Westgate.
FREE Westgate Nightly Snowfall
Nov. 22 – Dec. 31 (excludes Thanksgiving Day)
7:00pm and 8:00pm (twice nightly)
Location: Fountain Park
FREE Visits with Santa Claus
Nov. 22 – Dec. 24 (except for Thanksgiving Day)
Location: Fountain Park
Fridays and Saturdays: Noon – 8:00pm
Sundays: Noon – 6:00pm
Select weekdays from 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Christmas Eve: Noon – 5:00pm
Every child who visits Santa receives a free gift (no purchase necessary, while supplies last) and free downloadable photos. Print packages are available for purchase (prices vary). For Santa’s full schedule, visit http://www.westgateaz.com/santa.
FREE Chabad West Valley Menorah Lighting
Dec. 28
5:00pm at Fountain Park
Light the night! Celebrate Hanukkah with a Grand Menorah lighting complete with activities, raffle prizes, games for children and live entertainment. Traditional light bites and latkes will be served. The event is free and open to all.
For more information about Skate Westgate and holiday happenings, visit www.westgateaz.com/skate and www.westgateaz.com/holiday.
