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Local Voices

The Newport Skating Center Breaks The Ice For The 2013-2014 Skating Season

WHAT: Newport Skating Center

Winter fun is in the air and on the ice at Newport’s only outdoor waterfront skating rink! Nestled among downtown’s festively lit shops and restaurants, the Newport Skating Center is a charming destination for winter activity enthusiasts with everything you need to make memories that will last forever: skate rentals, free parking, and a variety of nightly specials and concessions. When it gets too cold, take a turn in the warming room and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the City By The Sea. Whether you’re planning some family fun or a date night out on the town, find out why everything’s twice as nice on the ice!

Important dates:

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Friday, December 6, 5:00 p.m.

Annual Tree Lighting & Grand Opening

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The Newport Skating Center is ready to light downtown Newport with seasonal cheer at our annual Tree Lighting on Friday, December 6th. The celebration includes a skating performance from Island Skating Academy, free hot chocolate and cookies, Santa’s grand entrance on the Zamboni, and favorite songs sung by carolers. After the tree is lit, it’s back to the ice – lace up for the official start to the winter skating season from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. with admission.

December 6, 2013 – January 26, 2014

Amica Insurance Coat Drive

The rink's popular coat drive returns to help Newport families in need. Last year, the Skating Center collected more than 600 coats for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Those who donate a new or gently used coat will receive 2-for-1 admission that can be used anytime this season. Help others get warm and cozy this winter! Visit Amica’s Facebook page from December 6 through January 4 to vote on which non-profit will receive the coats this year.

December 12, 2013, 6:00 p.m.

Amica Family Fun Night – Holiday Edition! Featuring Skate With Santa!

Amica Insurance, proud sponsor of the Newport Skating Center, is offering a special holiday edition of our weekly Amica Family Fun Night!  Join us as we greet Santa for the first "Skate With Santa" of the season, and visit Amica's holiday-themed photo booth. Enjoy outdoor skating, take pictures with Santa, participate in fun giveaways and sip on complimentary hot cocoa! 

December 19, 6:00 p.m.

Last Chance Skate with Santa!

This is your last chance to join Santa on the ice! Skate with the big man himself between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on December 19th. Santa will be visiting with all the kids after he skates, so bring your camera to capture the perfect holiday photo under the stars! 

Winter Season

Learn to Skate

It’s time to glove up and glide! This year the Island Skating Academy, directed by professional skater Meghan Lamarre, is offering skating lessons at Newport Skating Center to beginner and advanced students. Be sure to check outhttp://www.islandskatingacademy.com/index.php to learn more about Meghan and her skating programs.

WHERE: Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf, at the corner of Commercial Wharf and America’s Cup Avenue, in downtown Newport, Rhode Island.

WHEN: Standard Skating Hours:*

Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm

Friday 5pm-9pm, 9:00pm-11pm (adult skate)

Saturday 10am-9pm

Sunday 12pm-5pm

Newport County School Vacation and Holiday Skating Hours:*

Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm

Friday 10am-9pm, 9pm-11pm (adult skate)

Sunday 12pm-9pm

*All skating is weather permitting. Please visit online at www.skatenewport.com for ice condition updates. 

ADMISSION: General three-hour skate passes are just $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $5 for children between 3-11 years of age. Children under 3 are free with an adult.

Passes for Adult Skate hours on Fridays are $5 each. Season passes, Frequent Skater savings cards, gift cards and group rates are also available. Nightly specials return this year including Free Skate Nights on Mondays and Wednesdays, courtesy of Cox Communications*. On Tuesdays, admission is 2-for-1 with a Stop & Shop card.  On Thursdays, Amica Family Fun Night features discounted admission and free hot cocoa. For more details on admissions, weekly specials or special events, please visit skatenewport.com.

**Free skating is not available on holidays or during school vacation.

INFORMATION: For more information, including real-time weather updates, session times, rates, special events, discounts, and rink closings, please visit online at www.skatenewport.com.

In addition to the Newport Skating Center, the Newport Yachting Center is home to Newport Waterfront Events, an entertainment destination venue featuring live music, comedy, and festivals all season long from May to October. Visit us at newportwaterfrontevents.com or like us on Facebook at facebook.com/waterfrontevents for the latest news, announcements, contests, and exclusive discounts and offers.

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