Winterfest ice skating rink to open earlier this season

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Sorry ... couldn't resist.

I know, it's not even Halloween yet, but this is really more of a winter event anyway.

The Raleigh Winterfest Ice Skating Rink will reopen for the season this year a little earlier than usual. The rink, sponsored by Ipreo and operated by Polar Ice House, will open on Friday, Nov. 22, and remain open until Friday, Feb. 1. The rink is located on City Plaza at the 400 block of Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh.

The early opening means that the rink will be open on Nov. 23, the day of the city's long-running and very popular Christmas Parade. The parade route ends steps away from the rink. 

A tree lighting also is planned on Dec. 7. It will feature Santa Claus, a Ferris wheel, carousel, horse drawn carriages, a new beer and wine garden and more. The more includes a couple of screenings of "Elf." Love that movie!