Winter Carnival Returns To Glenview Ice Center

GLENVIEW, IL — Just in time for the winter break from school, the Winter Carnival returns to the Glenview Ice Center. The 17th annual event includes a wide range of scheduled activities for the whole family as well as extended public skating hours between Dec. 22 and Jan. 7.

The fun starts with a free Holiday Figure Skating Exhibition featuring more than 200 young athletes from the ice center's skating school will showcase their skills, complete with music, costumes and synchronized performances, from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22.

“We take pride in offering an opportunity for families to come out together over the holidays and enjoy our facility,” Program Manager Brian Montgomery said. “In addition to the new faces we see every year, we have many returning families who appreciate the diversity in our programming and the ways in which we provide opportunities to keep their kids active and busy during the holiday break.”

During the Winter Carnival's extended daily public skating sessions, families are invited to come out and freestyle around the ring. Special appearances are planned from Santa, Batman, mascots from the Chicago Blackhawks and Wolves and various cartoon characters.

Younger children looking to try skating for the first time can sign up for $15 introductory lessons taught by the professional skating staff at the ice center, according to an announcement from the Glenview Park District. There's also figure skating clinics, and hockey competitions and friendly matches for more experienced skaters.

Kids between the age of 5 and 14 can enjoy a packed day of fun, including skating, crafts and broomball during "Freezin’ Fridays" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 29 and Jan. 5. Advance registration is required and there's a $50 fee, which includes lunch.

Then, there's the annual charity hockey game, when staff and coaches of the Glenview Ice Center will square off as the Glenview police and fire departments on Dec. 28 at 7 p.m. Last year's event raised nearly $1,000, as all the money from tickets goes to benefit the Northfield Township Food Pantry. Those who don their youth or high school jersey will be eligible for discounted admission.

And finally, families are invited to ring in 2018 at the New Year’s Freeze Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 31 from 5-7 p.m. The family-friendly event will include skating, games, crafts, a balloon artist, and a balloon drop and Kiddie Toast at “Midnight” (7 p.m.). Admission is $8 per person.

For more information, call 847-724-5670.

» via the Glenview Ice Center

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