Skate in the Park returns Friday with Acacia Park Holiday Celebration

The City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department, in partnership with Downtown Partnership, will kick off the 15th season of Skate in the Park on Friday, Nov. 13, at Acacia Park, 115 E. Platte Ave. The outdoor ice rink opens at 4 p.m., followed by the free Acacia Park Holiday Celebration at 6 p.m. featuring live music, remarks from Mayor Yemi Mobolade, a visit from Santa and an exhibition by U.S. Figure Skating athletes.

The annual celebration brings residents and visitors together to welcome the holiday season in downtown Colorado Springs. Festivities begin with a performance by the Soli Deo Gloria Choir, followed by remarks from City and Downtown Partnership leaders. National team figure skaters Naomi Williams and Lachlan Lewer will headline an exhibition on the ice ahead of the evening's public skating session, which runs from 7 to 9 p.m. with music from DJ Macadoe. The Acacia Park Holiday Celebration is free to attend. Regular admission applies to public skating sessions.

"Skate in the Park has become a holiday tradition that families and friends look forward to every year," said Skyler Rorabaugh, director of the City's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. "Our southwest parks maintenance and operations division expends hundreds of hours into preparing the rink, and it's rewarding to see that work come to life as people gather, celebrate and make memories together. We're excited to welcome everyone back for another season."

"Skate in the Park is one of those experiences that makes Downtown special during the holidays," said Chelsea Gondeck, CEO of the Downtown Partnership. "It brings people together in the heart of our city and creates an opportunity to make a whole day of it - whether that's skating with family, grabbing a bite to eat, or exploring the local shops and businesses just steps away. We're excited to welcome everyone back and celebrate another season in Downtown."

Skate in the Park will remain open through Jan. 31, 2027, offering outdoor skating in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs. Admission is $15 per person and includes skate rental. Active-duty military members and first responders receive a $2 discount, and children ages 4 and younger skate free with a paid adult. Tickets are available onsite only.

The holiday festivities will also feature lighted trees throughout Acacia Park, supported in part by Adventures Out West and its $5,000 commitment to the park's Sponsor a Tree initiative. The contribution includes $1,000 to sponsor a tree, helping bring additional holiday lighting and decorations to the downtown park.

Beyond this year's celebration, Adventures Out West hopes to build the initiative into an annual community investment. The company is encouraging other local businesses and community leaders to contribute, with a long-term goal of raising $30,000 to $40,000 annually to support seasonal activities and enhancements that keep Acacia Park an active, welcoming gathering place.

"Acacia Park is the heart of our Colorado Springs community, and we are proud to help light it up this season while laying a foundation for its future," said Greg Wellens, owner of Adventures Out West. "As an organization rooted in outdoor adventure, supporting the spaces that bring people together aligns perfectly with our mission. We hope our $5,000 seed donation inspires other community leaders and sportsmen to join us in hitting our annual fundraising goal for the park."

The 2026-27 Skate in the Park season is made possible with support from presenting sponsor Timberline Landscaping; gold sponsors Tallgrass and TFiber; silver sponsors First Onsite and R Buck; bronze sponsors Adventures Out West, Fine Arts Center, The Independence Center, LGI Homes, Pikes Peak Library District and Raising Cane's; and media sponsor The Gazette.

For the complete skating schedule, special events, weather-related closures and additional information, visit DowntownCS.com/skate.