Special end-of-year hours kick off two more months of skating
The Carmel Christkindlmarkt ends today, but the winter season of fun will continue with two more months of ice skating at the Ice at Carter Green, sponsored by Allied Solutions, and featuring special events and new ways to escape the elements while enjoying the ice.
“We know the next few months are the coldest days of the year, but we also know the benefits of getting out of the house and enjoying time with family and friends while burning some energy on the ice rink,” said Nancy Heck, Director of Community Relations and Economic Development for the City of Carmel. “We are also excited to have additional furnished and heated igloos available for socializing or escaping the cold and our new winter pavilion will be open and available for additional seating.”
Beginning on Sunday, Dec. 26, ice-skating will take place from noon to 9 p.m. daily for the week leading up to New Year’s Day. These special extended hours are convenient for families whose school-aged kids are on their holiday break or home from college. This week will also feature special food and beverage trucks, including Rose & Lois Coffee and Bier Brewery.
Photo provided by City of Carmel
From Jan. 1 through Feb. 27, ice skating hours will be from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, and from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The rink will be closed but available for private rentals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays – except for special occasions such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and President’s Day when it will be open for public skating from noon to 7 p.m.
Skate sessions last 90 minutes unless noted on the skate session calendar. The cost per session on all days is $10 for youth and adults age 11 and over, and $8 for children 10 and under. You can bring your own skates or you can rent skates for $4 per person.
The fourth season of ice skating in Carmel will also feature two big events, including the 2022 Festival of Ice, Jan. 8 and 9, featuring professional ice-carving demonstrations, a Big Block carving competition, fast-paced carve-offs on stage, a Carmel Fire Department chili cook-off and skating to a live DJ.
On the weekend of Feb. 11 and 12, the Carmel Winter Games takes center stage on the ice with non-skating competitions featuring “human hungry hippo,” human curling and ice trike relays. On Friday night, come and cheer on the “Hometown Heroes” competition between Carmel’s Police and Fire departments. On Saturday, teams consisting of family, friends or co-workers will square off for a day of slippery fun.
There will also be two special Sensory Skate Days on Tuesday, Jan. 25 and on Tuesday, Feb. 22, with each taking place from 5 to 7 p.m. These sensory-friendly events are especially designed for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder or any type of special need. Free admission and no need to sign up.
Click here to find out more about the 2022 Ice at Carter Green season.