RiverRink Winterfest Opens Nov. 27 on Columbus Blvd

The Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest opens its winter season along Columbus Blvd. on Friday, Nov. 27.

Admission to the Winterfest grounds is free for all visitors. Ice skating costs $5, while skate rentals are $12. The event runs through Feb. 28, 2027, and includes programming for New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day.

Visitors can book ice skating sessions, Rinkside Lounge reservations, and holiday cabin rentals in advance. Returning food vendors include Chickie's & Pete's, Philly Tacos, and Skelly's Amusements. New this season, attendees can eat Brazilian BBQ, use a dedicated s'mores station, and warm up at an expanded free fire pit area.

The seasonal bar will expand into the skate house and arcade. This change allows guests to drink while playing retro arcade games. The waterfront also hosts a free holiday tree lighting on Sunday, Nov. 29. Local artists perform starting at 5 p.m., and the tree lights up at 6:55 p.m.

Erika Joy Erb, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation, said the team is proud to host a homegrown holiday experience. She noted that staff select the tree annually and the in-house team handles unloading, mounting, lighting, and maintenance. The Winterfest has earned a nomination for USA TODAY's 10BEST Readers' Choice Award for Best Ice Skating Rink.