In just a few short days, the city sidewalks of CityScape will be decked in holiday style when the downtown Phoenix entertainment hub makes its annual transformation to a winter wonderland.
Thanksgiving weekend marks the beginning of the holiday festivities at CityScape, including their Alternative Black Friday featuring a Vintage Market with unique local shopping on November 29, and CitySkate, the glittering ice skating rink and light display set in the middle of Central Avenue from November 30 through January 14.
In past years, nearly 100,000 people have enjoyed the sights, sounds and skating at this traditional downtown holiday event.
According to Jeff Moloznik, vice president of development for RED, CityScape’s real estate development company, downtown is a natural fit for events like this that showcase what a “creative, diverse, and entrepreneurial community Phoenix really is.”
With the sounds of ice skaters swirling around a frozen rink, shoppers finding that (sugar) plum gift that’s been dancing in their heads, and with the holidays’ greatest hits filling the air in downtown, CityScape will be buzzing like lights on the tree over the next six weeks.
Ready to bring on the downtown holiday cheer? Here’s what you need to know:
Alternative Black Friday – Vintage Market
Skip the typical Black Friday craziness and find unique gifts at Vintage Market, a Paris-style flea market made up of Phoenix’s best local purveyors of vintage and antique goods.
Shop over 20 local vendors including Meat Market Vintage, Antique Sugar, Grow-Op and Annie Boomer Vintage for clothing, home decor, jewelry and lots more. Also score some sweet Black Friday deals at CityScape shops like Urban Outfitters, Lawless Denim & Co., Charming Charlie and Jos A. Bank.
Make your shopping experience a little merrier with mimosas, local beer and wine from Chloe’s Corner and live music and DJ’s or take a spin on the ice with half-price skating during a sneak-peek of CitySkate.
When: Friday, November 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Patriots Square at CityScape
CitySkate
Take in the sights and sounds of the season while cruising around the ice. CitySkate’s official opening is set for Saturday, November 30, beginning at 3 p.m. with crafts for kids, a visit from Santa, and live music from the ASU Gospel Choir and The Phoenix Symphony.
At 6 p.m. that night, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton and his family will be on hand for the official City of Phoenix tree lighting, followed by a figure skating performance and the official opening of the CitySkate rink..
Along with daily skating, the next six weeks are filled with activities to keep kids and adults in the holiday spirit. Look for a Monday through Friday Lunch and Skate special, Adult Skate every Saturday night with DJ’s and games and a special Disney on Ice performance on January 8.
And if you’re not quite ready to leave the festivities, Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Phoenix is offering a “Stay & Skate” package that includes a special room rate from $129 per night, two tickets to CitySkate, and 20 percent off all spa services at Repose Salon & Spa.
NRG Energy is the presenting sponsor for CitySkate and a portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Republic Media’s Season for Sharing campaign.
Ice Rink Dates and Hours
Nov. 30 through Jan. 14
Monday – Friday: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Christmas Eve: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Christmas Day: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Admission includes skate rental and unlimited skating all day
Kids and Adults – $12 each
Military – $6 each
Seniors – $10 each
Kids under 3 – $6 each
Students (with ID) – $10 each
Groups of 10 or more – $10 each
Tickets available at the rink or online through Ticketmaster
For more information about the CityScape Phoenix, visit www.cityscapephoenix.com.
Images provided by CityScape
