Skating in a winter wonderland

The Frontier Ice Arena has transformed into a winter wonderland for its third annual 12 Skates of Christmas.

Starting Monday, Dec. 19, the ice arena will host open skates from noon until 6:15 p.m. every day until Jan. 1.

“The feeling here, it changes this time of year, it’s just beautiful,” said Charmaine Wagner, marketing director and figure skating coach at the rink. “It’s the time of year where it’s just about families and the community.”

The ice arena will be lit by holiday lights and Christmas trees will fill the lobby. There will even be a big tree in the middle of the rink, too.

Skaters can take a break to warm their hands at the fireplace or get a cup of cocoa at Santa’s Cafe.

Kids are invited to do a new craft each day from noon to 3 p.m. Little ones can make wreaths from paper plates or ornaments with popsicle sticks.

On the ice, skaters can have fun with a whole variety of activities, such as bowling, Christmas trivia, beanbag toss and hoola hoop contests.

“It’s pretty festive,” said Lina Hughes, a rink employee. “It probably takes a couple of weeks to set everything up. I’m excited.”

During the 12 Skates of Christmas, it will cost $7 per person to skate and $2 for skate rentals. Families of five people or more get free rentals and kids younger than 5 skate for free. Everyone will get a wristband so they can leave and comeback throughout the day.

Wagner warned families should come prepared to skate on ice. In the past, she said some people have come to skate with shorts on. Wagner suggests gloves, jackets and even ski pants for little kids. The ice arena rents helmets is people want to use them.

This is the only time of year community members can skate for six hours straight at the ice arena, if they want to.

“Only the diehards do that,” Wagner said.

Her favorite part of the whole event, she said, was watching the kids come in.

“You watch them walk in here and their eyes are just filled with excitement,” she said. “I love it.”