Holidays On Ice coming to Market Square

Communications Director

Kristin Farley
[email protected]
(865) 215-2589

400 Main St., Room 691
Knoxville, TN 37902

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Holidays On Ice coming to Market Square

Posted: 11/02/2005
Ice skating returns to Market Square this holiday season with the opening of an outdoor rink on Nov. 25 during the City of Knoxville's Celebration of Lights festival.

The rink will remain open through Jan. 1. From November 25 through Dec. 18, hours are Monday through Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. When school breaks for the holidays on Dec. 19, hours will be extended to 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Admission will be $5 for adults, $3 for children with skate rentals included.

Downtown supporters Larsen Jay and Scott Schimmel are producing "Knoxville's Holidays on Ice!" for the Central Business Improvement District in cooperation with the City of Knoxville.

Mayor Bill Haslam said the outdoor ice rink is a unique draw for downtown Knoxville, and will be an activity for families to enjoy. Downtown is also decorated with hundreds of lighted trees, wreaths and banners during the holiday season.

"Downtown is everyone's neighborhood - particularly during the holiday season," Mayor Haslam said. "Not only are there special Christmas in the City celebrations, but many museums, galleries, shops and other attractions have special events. With the addition of 'Knoxville's Holidays on Ice!' downtown will be the place to be."

Jay, president of DoubleJay Creative, has been working since last spring on the project, determining logistics and securing sponsors for the attraction.

"It's exciting to bring back ice skating to Market Square after an absence of more than 10 years," Jay said. "We hope this tradition will help to foster the holiday spirit in a downtown that keeps getting better all the time."Michele Hummel, director of operations for the CBID, said, "Adding 'Holidays on Ice' to the Christmas in the City line-up is sure to bring families from across the region to downtown Knoxville to enjoy a day of holiday cheer. This is just another example of why downtown Knoxville is the best place to live, work and especially play."

Other Christmas in the City events this year include:

Pilot's RiverLights Festival, 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 18. Dozens of decorated boats parade down the Tennessee River. Activities on Volunteer Landing include marshmallow roasting, cookie decorating, and soup competition.Celebration of Lights, 6 p.m., Nov. 25. Entertainment, food, arts and crafts take to Market Square, where Mayor Haslam and Santa Claus will host a countdown to light up the City.Fowler's/WIVK Santa Claus Parade, 7 p.m., Dec. 2. The parade begins at the Civic Coliseum, heads down Church Avenue, and Gay Street before ending at Summit Hill Drive. Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee, 6 p.m., Dec. 9. This special evening at Chilhowee Park features entertainment, refreshments and carriage rides through the park decorated with lighted trees, including those that float across the lake.

A complete listing of events in November and December can be found at www.knoxvilletn.gov/christmas or in Christmas in the City brochures found at many local businesses and organizations. Or contact the City's Office of Special Events at 865-215-4248.