BUFFALO – With two weeks to go before Opening Day, Buffalo Waterfront released the full winter schedule for the Ice at Canalside, presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. This year will feature fun celebrations and programming with weekly Festive Fridays and Special Event Saturdays. Favorites like the ice bumper cars, curling, ice bikes and the ice train all return for the season, as the largest rink in New York State opens for its 12th year.
Starting today (Nov. 6) through Thursday, Nov. 20, Buffalo Waterfront is also offering a 20% discount on all group skates, curling sessions and igloo reservations booked in advance online.
“With all of the different activities available and ample public skating hours, the Ice at Canalside offers an experience like no other in the region,” says Lauren Ford, general manager, Buffalo Waterfront. “Families really enjoyed our special events and theme nights last year, so we’re excited to bring those back, along with some new holiday hours.”
Opening Weekend:
- Friday, Nov. 21 – Opening Night, with a festive site lighting, plus a fireworks display and the ice train’s sophomore season debut
- Saturday, Nov. 22 – Hallmark Channel “Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story” movie celebration, with Hallmark giveaways, a “Love Story” hot cocoa special and a photo op with the Buffalo Bills sleigh
- Sunday, Nov. 23 – A celebration of the musical Wicked, showing at Shea’s Performing Arts Center
Festive Fridays:
- Nov 28 – Bandits Celebration
- Dec 5 – Nutcracker Night
- Dec 12 – Holiday Pops & Ugly Sweater Contest
- Dec 19 – Glow Night
- Dec 26 – Live DJ
- Jan 2 – Harry Potter Night
- Jan 9 – Skate ‘Em All Pokemon Night
- Jan 16 – Silent Disco
- Jan 23 – KPop Demon Hunters Night
- Jan 30 – Star Wars Night
- Feb 6 – Olympics Night
- Feb 13 – Swiftie Night
- Feb 20 – Silent Disco
Special Event Saturdays
- Nov 29 – Bandits Banner Raising Night
- Dec 6 – Bills Mafia Skate
- Dec 13 – Brews on Ice
- Dec 20 – Jingle Bell Rock the Ice
- Dec 27 – Live DJ
- Jan 3 – New Year New You Fitness Challenge on Ice
- Jan 10 – Mascot Night
- Jan 17 – Sabres Night
- Jan 24 – Asian Cultural Night
- Jan 31 – Ice Fest (2pm – 7pm)
- Feb 7 – Live DJ
- Feb 14 – Love is Love – Live DJ, Pride giveaways
- Feb 21 – Bisons Night, with a Mascot race in the bumper cars
Ice at Canalside Hours of Operation, beginning Nov. 21:
- Monday: Closed for ice maintenance and leagues. Private parties welcome.
- Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday: 1p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Special Holiday Hours:
- Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Winter Break, Dec. 22 – Jan. 2: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- *Christmas Eve, December 24: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- *Christmas Day, December 25: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Jan. 19: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Presidents’ Day, Feb. 16: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- February Break, Feb. 17 – Feb. 19: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Please note, hours may vary depending on weather.
Admission:
- Ages 5 & under: Free
- Children & Military: $5
- Ages 13 & Up: $8
- *Highmark members receive $1 off admission
- Skate rentals: $6 (Sizes Youth 9 – Adult 12)
- Bumper cars: $8 for eight minutes
- Curling: $15 per person/four-person minimum
- Ice Express Train: $3/ride, $6 all-day pass
Reservations are now open for all events, skating passes, igloos, curling and more at BuffaloWaterfront.com.
