Winter Magic Returns to University Circle

Posted November 03, 2015 in Press Releases

November 3, 2015 (Cleveland, OH) – As the weather turns cool and the snow begins to fall, University Circle transforms into the ultimate holiday and winter destination. University Circle Inc. (UCI) is excited to announce the return of Wade Oval Winter, a series of winter programs featuring the opening of The Rink at Wade Oval on Friday, November 27, and Holiday CircleFest on Sunday, December 6. These popular wintertime attractions draw tens of thousands of visitors to University Circle. The Rink and Holiday CircleFest are proudly sponsored by PNC Bank.

“University Circle has created an incredible holiday celebration in CircleFest and the events at the Rink at Wade Oval,” said Paul Clark, PNC regional president. “Residents and visitors alike will experience the Circle and all of its world-class institutions in new ways as they get in the spirit of the season.”

The Rink at Wade Oval is a picturesque outdoor ice skating rink set among twinkling snowflake lights, cozy outdoor fire pits, and holiday greenery. In addition to general open skate hours, UCI has several exciting activities planned this season, such as Skate with Santa, music nights, and free learn-to-skate lessons. The Rink will be open from Friday, November 27 through Sunday, March 6, 2016. It will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission to The Rink is $2 and skate rentals are $3.

The 22nd Annual Holiday CircleFest is a Cleveland tradition, and a great kick-off to the holiday season. From 1:00-5:30 p.m., University Circle’s museums, schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations open their doors free of charge for an unforgettable day of activities, make-and-take crafts, music and dance performances, and shopping. UCI will provide a free shuttle bus to take visitors to the participating locations. Outdoor festivities on Wade Oval include ice carving demonstrations, food trucks, and special hours at The Rink from 1:00-7:00 p.m. The event concludes with The Cleveland Museum of Art’s dramatic Winter Lights Lantern Procession at 5:30 p.m.

“University Circle celebrates Cleveland’s four seasons,” said Chris Ronayne, president of UCI. “With the opening of The Rink at Wade Oval, UCI kicks off a season of outdoor winter fun in the Circle. With Holiday CircleFest, our institutions open their doors for a great start to the holidays. Come experience all that University Circle offers this holiday and throughout the winter.”

For more information on The Rink at Wade Oval, including its hours of operation, and Holiday CircleFest, visit www.universitycircle.org.