Buffalo Waterfront announces full 'Ice at Canalside' schedule

Ice rink to open for Thanksgiving & Christmas day

Buffalo Waterfront Press Release & Photos

With two weeks to go before Opening Day, Buffalo Waterfront released the full winter schedule for the Ice at Canalside, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. This year will feature fun celebrations and programming with weekly “Festive Fridays” and “Special Event Saturdays.” Favorites such as the ice bumper cars, curling, ice bikes and the ice train all return for the season, as the largest rink in New York opens for its 12th year.

Starting today (Nov. 6) through Thursday, Nov. 20, Buffalo Waterfront is also offering a 20% discount on all group skates, curling sessions and igloo reservations booked in advance online.

“With all of the different activities available and ample public skating hours, the Ice at Canalside offers an experience like no other in the region,” said Lauren Ford, general manager, Buffalo Waterfront. “Families really enjoyed our special events and theme nights last year, so we’re excited to bring those back, along with some new holiday hours.”

Opening weekend

•Friday, Nov. 21 – opening night, with a festive site lighting, plus a fireworks display and the ice train’s sophomore season debut

•Saturday, Nov. 22 – Hallmark Channel “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story” movie celebration, with Hallmark giveaways, a “Love Story” hot cocoa special, and a photo op with the Buffalo Bills sleigh

•Sunday, Nov. 23 – A celebration of the musical “Wicked,” showing at Shea’s Performing Arts Center

Ice at Canalside photos courtesy of Buffalo Waterfront

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Weekly programming

•“Festive Fridays”

Nov. 28 – Bandits celebration

Dec. 5 – “Nutcracker Night”

Dec. 12 – “Holiday Pops & Ugly Sweater Contest”

Dec. 19 – “Glow Night”

Dec. 26 – live DJ

Jan. 2 – “Harry Potter Night”

Jan. 9 – “Skate ‘Em All Pokémon Night”

Jan. 16 – silent disco

Jan. 23 – “KPop Demon Hunters Night”

Jan. 30 – “Star Wars Night”

Feb. 6 – “Olympics Night”

Feb. 13 – “Swiftie Night”

Feb. 20 – silent disco

•“Special Event Saturdays”

Nov. 29 – “Bandits Banner Raising Night”

Dec. 6 – “Bills Mafia Skate”

Dec. 13 – “Brews on Ice”

Dec. 20 – “Jingle Bell Rock the Ice”

Dec. 27 – live DJ

Jan. 3 – “New Year New You Fitness Challenge on Ice”

Jan. 10 – “Mascot Night”

Jan. 17 – “Sabres Night”

Jan. 24 – “Asian Cultural Night”

Jan. 31 – “Ice Fest” (2-7 p.m.) 

Feb. 7 – live DJ

Feb. 14 – “Love is Love,” live DJ, Pride giveaways 

Feb. 21 – “Bisons Night,” with a mascot race in the bumper cars

Ice at Canalside photos courtesy of Buffalo Waterfront

••••••••

Ice at Canalside hours of operation (beginning Nov. 21)

Monday: Closed for ice maintenance and leagues. Private parties welcome.

Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wednesday: 4-8 p.m.

Thursday: 4-8 p.m.

Friday: 1-10 p.m.

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Special holiday hours

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Winter break, Dec. 22-Jan. 2: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

*Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

*Christmas Day, Dec. 25: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Presidents’ Day, Feb. 16: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

February Break, Feb. 17-19: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Please note, hours may vary depending on weather.

Admission, rentals & fees

Ages 5 and under: Free

Children and military: $5

Ages 13 and Up: $8

*Highmark members receive $1 off admission

Skate rentals: $6 (sizes youth 9 – adult 12)

Bumper cars: $8 for eight minutes

Curling: $15 per person/four-person minimum

Ice Express Train: $3 per ride, $6 all-day pass

Reservations are now open for all events, skating passes, igloos, curling and more at www.BuffaloWaterfront.com.

Buffalo’s waterfront is a growing regional destination and entertainment district encompassing Canalside and Outer Harbor. The area hosts large events and daily activities of all types and strives to provide public access to the land and waterways on the Lake Erie shoreline. Operated by the Buffalo Waterfront Management Group, part of Rich Entertainment Group – a subsidiary of Rich Products – the Buffalo waterfront is the go-to place for locals and out-of-towners of all ages to learn, play and relax. For more information, visit www.buffalowaterfront.com.

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