Ice skating returns to Railroad Park for holidays

Birmingham is not normally thought of as a winter wonderland, but Railroad Park downtown will celebrate the holiday season by offering a third season of outdoor ice skating beginning Friday, Nov. 23, and continuing seven days each week — except for Christmas Day — through Jan. 6.

Skating will take place on a temporary rink measuring 50 feet by 80 feet on the brick surface of the park’s 17th Street Plaza.

The rink will be open Sundays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The ice rink at Railroad Park offers a unique experience, according to Camille Spratling, executive director of the Railroad Park Foundation. “Particularly in the evening, the lights in the rink area create a truly magical space,” she said.

And attendees do not necessarily have to skate, according to Spratling.

“We are expanding the viewing platform this year to welcome more spectators,” she said. “As always, it is free to visit Railroad Park, and we encourage everyone to come enjoy the atmosphere.”

The Boxcar Café will serve coffee and hot tea at the park, as well as such hearty menu items as chili, shrimp and grits, and macaroni and cheese.

Admission is $12 for adults; $10 for children ages 12 and under; and $9 per person for groups of 20 or more.

Tickets are valid for the entire day, and prices include skate rental, tax and unlimited ice time. Season passes are also available.

Railroad Park is also planning numerous discount ticket days at the rink, including UAB Day on Nov. 27, 99 Neighborhoods Day on Nov. 29 and Military Appreciation Day on Dec. 7.

Tickets are available at the rink or at railroadpark.org/iceskating.

Viva Health is the presenting sponsor for the park's ice-skating season, which is called "Brrrmingham."