Winter Skating Returns, Plus 17 MA Events This Weekend

MASSACHUSETTS — It isn't so much a question of what there is to do in the Boston area and beyond, but rather, what should locals do?

Welcome to Patch's latest weekly roundup of highlight-worthy events across the city and surrounding areas. We've compiled them into one, easy-to-follow list, for your weekend planning.

This weekend, the holiday season gets in full swing with two chances to get out on the ice.

The Rink at MarketStreet in Lynnfield will open for the season on Saturday for the 11th year with a grand opening party from noon to 3 p.m. featuring a live DJ, festive snacks, a hot cocoa bar, live ice carvings and winter games.

Tickets are available here with kids under 3 admitted free.

"We are thrilled to welcome back our community to the annual opening party for The Rink," said Charlotte Woods, General Manager of MarketStreet. "This event is one of our most anticipated events of the year and it's the perfect way to usher in the holiday season and welcome everyone to enjoy a festive outing during their holiday shopping trips."

In Foxborough, Winter Skate at Patriot Place returned with a grand opening celebration on Thursday, with chances to skate continuing now through late February.

That celebration continues through the weekend, starting on Friday with live DJ entertainment, exclusive coupons for restaurants at Patriot Place and a chance to win tickets to the New England Patriots game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

On Saturday, guests can enjoy rink-side grilling and taste-testing with Axel & Byrne, featuring an exclusive new menu item.

“We’re thrilled to have Winter Skate back at Patriot Place with a brand-new concept and location to go along with a fresh sheet of ice this winter,” said Brian Earley, Vice President and General Manager of Patriot Place.

“With a scenic skating trail and professionally maintained surface, the reimagined Winter Skate will have a new look but the same timeless tradition of outdoor ice skating with family and friends.”

Here's what else to add to the agenda for this weekend:

Friday

• Winter Skate at Patriot Place (through February) — Foxboro
• Celebrity Series of Boston presents Be Ready When the Luck Comes: An Evening Conversation with Ina Garten at Symphony Hall — Boston
• Ratboys and Palehound at The Sinclair — Cambridge
• Leon Thomas at Brighton Music Hall — Boston
• Sammy Rae & The Friends at Roadrunner (Friday and Saturday) — Boston
• Nick Swardson at Chevalier Theatre — Medford
• The Disco Biscuits at Palladium — Worcester
• Snowport (through February) — Boston's Seaport
• Liam Cullagh at Laugh Boston (Friday and Saturday) — Boston

Saturday

• The Rink at MarketStreet Opening — Lynnfield
• Tokyo Police Club at Paradise Rock Club — Boston
• Abdullah Ibrahim Trio Featuring Cleave Guyton and Noah Jackson at Berklee Performance Center — Boston
• Michael Ian Black at Off Cabot (Saturday and Sunday) — Beverly

Sunday

• "Classical with a Twist - Songs for Peace and Liberty" at The Allen Center — Newton
• Chat Pile at The Sinclair — Cambridge
• Norma Jean at Brighton Music Hall — Boston
• Senses Fail and Saves the Day at House of Blues — Boston