Events: Arizona - Phoenix - Scottsdale

Skate Westgate, the West Valley’s only real outdoor ice skating rink, is back for its second year along with an expansive holiday lineup of free festivities including horse-drawn carriage rides, nightly snowfall, a tree lighting, photos with Santa and a Menorah lighting. Thousands of holiday revelers will usher in the winter season while partaking in the timeless tradition of outdoor ice skating during Skate Westgate’s seven week run from Nov. 21 through Jan. 7. 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. Westgate is the only destination in the Valley where guests can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides every Friday and Saturday. Adding even more magic to the holidays, snowfall happens twice nightly and Santa Claus is on-hand daily to listen to Christmas wishes. Guests are invited to help break the ice at Skate Westgate on Tuesday, Nov. 21 for the opening of the ice rink after a professional skating performance, Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the towering 36-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 seven of Westgate’s surrounding lots.

Skate Westgate Icebreaker & Holiday Tree Lighting Tuesday, Nov. 21 6:30pm – 10:45pm

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 towering 36-foot holiday tree and Santa’s official arrival. At 7pm it will magically snow for the first time and Skate Westgate will open for guests to hit the ice. Santa will be available for photos from 7:00pm – 9:00pm and the ice rink will stay open until 10:45pm. The event is free and open to the public. Skating fees apply.

Skate Westgate Open daily (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) November 21 through January 7 NOV 21: 7:00pm – 10:45pm NOV 22: 11:00am – 10:45pm MONDAY – THURSDAY (NOV 27 – DEC 21): 3:30pm – 9:15pm MONDAY – THURSDAY (DEC 26 – JAN 4): 11:00am– 10:45pm FRIDAY – SATURDAY: 11:00am – 10:45pm SUNDAY: 11:00am – 9:15pm CHRISTMAS EVE: 11:00am – 7:45pm NEW YEAR’S EVE: 11:00am – 10:45pm PRICING Tickets can be purchased near the rink in Fountain Park. Reservations are not required and skating sessions are on a first-come, first-served basis. Cash and credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) accepted.

ADULTS/CHILDREN: $15, includes skate rental / $11, bring your own skates TODDLERS: $11, includes double-blade ice skate rental (sizes 8T - 12T only) MILITARY: $11 (with proper ID) SEASON PASS: $99, includes admission + skate rental PRIVATE LESSONS, PARTIES OR GROUP EVENTS: Call (623) 385-7500

FREE Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides Nov. 24 – Dec. 23 Fridays and Saturdays 5:00pm – 9:00pm Pick-up and drop-off destination at WaterDance Plaza. On Arizona Coyotes home game nights, pick-up and drop-off will be in front of AMC Theatres.   Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides around Westgate Entertainment District throughout the holiday season. To satisfy demand, there will be four carriages that will allow you to hop in, take a spin and be whisked around Westgate.

FREE Westgate Nightly Snowfall Nov. 21 - Dec. 31 (excludes Thanksgiving and Christmas Days) 7:00pm and 8:00pm (twice nightly) Enjoy snowfalls every hour from 11am-8pm on Christmas Eve. Location: Fountain Park

FREE Visits with Santa Claus Nov. 21 -  Dec. 24 (excludes Thanksgiving Day) Location: Fountain Park Fridays and Saturdays: Noon - 8:00pm Sundays: Noon – 6:00pm Select weekdays from 4:00pm – 8:00pm Christmas Eve:11:00am– 5:00pm Every child who visits Santa receives a free gift (no purchase necessary, while supplies last) and one free digital download per family. Print packages are available for purchase (prices vary). For Santa’s full schedule, visit http://www.westgateaz.com/santa.