Smooth skating
Winterfest has something for all the family, including a chance to meet Santa
Each year, Winterfest is held at Civic Plaza to let people know the holidays are underway. The event, from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24, will feature a large synthetic ice rink called the Ice Qube. Everyone can skate for free and can bring their own ice skates or rent skates for just $3. The rink will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays, but will be open for skating Wednesdays through Sundays through Dec. 30.
“It is the first day of the city’s synthetic ice rink,” said Damian Lopez-Gaston, director of event services for SMGmanaged Albuquerque Convention
Center. “Parents go there with their kids and the kids get to skate around. The rink is owned by the city and then we manage it over here at the convention center because it’s privately owned by SMG. It is the start of the skating season and the skating rink will be up until the end of the year from there on forward.”
A Winterfest market will showcase 25 vendors on Saturday.
“The Saturday after Thanksgiving is Small Business Saturday,” Lopez-Gaston said. “There’s just a lot of local craft vendors and folks selling things that also make nice Christmas presents or stocking stuffers.”
Santa Claus will be on hand to hear children’s wish lists and take photos with them.
“They can totally take pictures. It is really nice. There’s a long line and it is one of the first opportunities for kids to talk to Santa during the evening, “LopezGaston said.
The weather might be a little cool, but eventgoers can warm up with some traditional New Mexico comfort food, like green chile stew and tamales.