The City of Noblesville has created a new holiday experience at Federal Hill Commons named “Holidays at the Hill,” that will run Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, 2021. This year, in addition to the ice skating rink, visitors can enjoy a Walking Light Tour, carriage rides, holiday market, and visit Santa in the Christmas Cottage.
Jensen
“Families are always looking for new ways to celebrate the holidays outdoors with friends and families,” Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen said. “Holidays at the Hill is a one-stop location with activities for children and adults to enjoy time together and create lasting memories.”
Families can reserve a unique, private 20-minute carriage ride through Noblesville for $50. Sponsored by Bailey and Wood Financial Group, carriage rides can seat up to six adults and three to five children on adults’ laps. Each ride includes only one group and must be reserved in advance online at noblesvilleparks.org/317/Holiday-Carriage-Rides.
Santa Claus will make his first visit to the Christmas Cottage on Thursday, Dec. 3. The Christmas Cottage is the city-run Santa House, which will be located in the event lawn near the Rotary Shelter. Children are invited to visit Santa to tell him what they’d like for Christmas every weekend throughout December.
The temporary ice rink, with real ice, will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 and will close for the season on Jan. 3, 2021. The 56-foot by 100-foot ice rink, will be located at the Market Plaza at Federal Hill Commons.
From Nov. 21 through Dec. 20, Ice Plaza hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Starting on Dec. 21, hours will be extended to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday for enjoyment during Noblesville Schools’ winter break. The rink will be open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every Sunday. The rink will have special holiday hours on Nov. 27 (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.), and Dec. 24 and 31 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
All ages are welcome to participate and rental ice skates range from kid to adult sizes. Admission rates are $13 for those ages 13 and older and $11 for those ages 12 and younger. A 10-skate pass is available for $110 and a five-skate pass is $60. Guests may bring their own skates if they prefer, but skate rental is included in the admission fee. Skating aids will be available for $3.
“For the past three years the Ice Plaza has become a new holiday tradition in Downtown Noblesville and each year we’ve looked at ways to improve the experience for our residents and guests,” said Parks Director Brandon Bennett. “Holidays at the Hill is a unique offering we are happy to present to the community to activate our park and truly make it a year-round amenity.”
The expanded Holidays at the Hill event will include new lighting installations in the event lawn, a warming shelter, and Celtic Pretzel food truck, in addition to the Ice Plaza and Santa Cottage. Other new activities include:
- A free Walking Light Tour will include 10 displays and photo opportunities.
- Federal Hill Commons will host live music, dance and choir performances on Nov. 28 and 29 and Dec. 4-6.
- The city will host a Winter Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 with more than 25 Noblesville restaurants and holiday artisan vendors participating.
- An ice carving demonstration will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 28.
- Indy Beer Taps will sell alcohol during the weekends.
Holidays at the Hill would not be possible without the support of the following businesses and organizations: First Merchants Bank, Gaylor Electric, Indiana American Water, Mini Storage Depot, Moonshot Toys, Old Town Companies, Burtner Electric, IU Health Saxony, Ceres Co-Op, Context Design, CSI Signs, Horizon Bank, Midwest Paving, Peterson Architecture, Pediatric Dentistry of Noblesville, Stony Creek Early Learning Center, Cardon & Associates, McGavic Outdoor Power, and Wings, etc.
The City of Noblesville follows CDC guidelines and the Governor’s Back on Track plan. City officials will continue monitoring for any changes that could impact this event. Social distancing guidelines will remain in place. If the statewide mask mandate is still in effect per Governor Holcomb, masks are required (for ages 8 and older) in outside public spaces when it is not possible to socially distance. Masks are strongly recommended for ages 2 to 7.
For additional information about Holidays at the Hill, visit noblesvilleparks.org.