Santa Rosa Metro Chamber’s Zero Energy Synthetic Skating Rink Returns This Holiday Season
The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber announced it will once again bring a synthetic ice rink to downtown Santa Rosa as part of the annual fun-filled, family-friendly Winter Lights program this holiday season.
The Santa Rosa Metro Chamber announced it will once again bring a synthetic ice rink to downtown Santa Rosa as part of the annual fun-filled, family-friendly Winter Lights program this holiday season.
The rink opens on Saturday, Nov 30 on Old Courthouse Square in Downtown Santa Rosa. Tickets will cost $11 and include a 45-minute session and skate rental, though skaters are welcome to bring their own sharp skates if they’d prefer. Rental skates are available in children’s sizes up to 9 and adults up to men’s 9.
The festivities officially kick off Friday, Nov. 29 with the annual Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration. This is a free, family-friendly event for the whole community featuring performances on ice, kid’s activities, live entertainment, holiday treats and drinks, as well as photos with Santa.
"We are thrilled to embrace the holiday season and bring this exciting outdoor recreational opportunity to the community once again," said Janelle Meyers, VP of Marketing & Communications for the chamber and Visit Santa Rosa. Turning Downtown into a festive destination benefits Santa Rosa residents as well as our local shop and restaurant owners. This is a perfect way to provide festive entertainment and help make our downtown vibrant.”
Visitors are encouraged to shop and dine locally in conjunction with their skating visit. With over 50 places to dine and drink, dozens of shops and boutiques as well as local artist and maker markets taking place on Old Courthouse Square, there is much to explore and enjoy in the area this season.
The rink, manufactured by a Swiss company called Glice, is made from heat-pressed polymers rather than ice, so water and electricity are not required for operation. The materials used in the rink are 100% recyclable. With the use of zero-energy, Glice is an amazing eco-friendly skating experience that is both fun and sustainable.
Tickets are online now and will be available first-come, first-served for sessions through Dec 31. For rink days and hours of operation, ticket purchases, and more information about the annual Winter Lights Tree Lighting Celebration, along with dining and shopping recommendations visit www.downtownsantarosa.org/winterlights.
The Rink is being funded through the efforts of the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber in conjunction with the local business community. Redwood Credit Union has generously stepped up as the Winter Lights presenting sponsor. Other members of the local business community that are supporting the installation through sponsorship include Kaiser Permanente, Keysight, Dax Entertainment, Diversified Stage & Sounds, WOW Smiles, Avelo Airlines, Exchange Bank, Sutter Health, Renewal By Anderson, Amaturo Sonoma Media Group, Wine Country Radio, Recology Sonoma-Marin, The Press Democrat, Abby’s Pawn & Coin, La Rosa Tequileria & Grille, Chandi Hospitality Group, and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors.
“The Winter Lights program brings the community together to share in the spirit of the holiday season—from the tree-lighting event to the family fun of skating, shows, and hot cocoa. RCU is happy to sponsor this event each year and bring warmth and good cheer to downtown Santa Rosa,” says Brett Martinez, President and CEO of Redwood Credit Union.
