Santa to Visit Mercer County Ice Skating Center

Editor's Note: The following is a news release issued by the Mercer County administration.

Santa Claus will make a rare pre-Christmas visit to Mercer County Park’s Public Ice Skating Center on Saturday, Dec. 17, where children can have a chance to skate alongside Santa and then join him for holiday treats and photographs in the lobby.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. when Santa arrives and the family skate session starts. Youngsters are invited to join Santa on the ice until 6:15 p.m. St. Nick will then retreat to the sitting area for another hour. Parents are invited to bring along a camera to get photos of their children skating with Santa or on his lap afterward when Santa will be accepting Christmas wishes from children.                                                     

“This fun, family event offers a chance to slow down and enjoy each other’s company during a busy holiday season. I encourage skaters and non-skaters alike to stop by, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and visit with Santa,” County Executive Brian M. Hughes said.

The skating center, located at Mercer County Park in West Windsor, is open to the public seven days a week during the operating season, which runs November to March. Skate rentals will be free for this event, and entrance fees are charged only to those who choose to skate.

The skating center offers general public skating sessions, family night sessions, birthday parties and ice time for hockey. Group lessons are offered, as are private lessons given by County skating professionals. The Skating Center has group rates, skate rentals, private party rentals on Wednesday and Sunday evenings, a snack bar and a skate sharpening service.

 Ticket prices are: Adults, $7; Junior (11 and under), $5; and Seniors (62 and older), $5. Skates can be rented for $2 per pair. Skate rentals are free for the Skate with Santa event.

Regular hours are: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fridays 7:30-10 p.m.; Saturdays 1-3:30 p.m., 5-7 p.m. and 8-10 p.m.; Sundays 1-3:30 p.m.

Senior Skate (62 and older) is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 a.m. Frequent skater passes also are available.

To obtain a complete skating schedule, a list of special events or directions, go to www.mercercounty.org and click on Parks Commission listing, or call the Skating Center information line at (609) 371-1669 for all public skating times, birthday information, prices and lesson information.  The Skating Center phone number is (609) 371-1766.