Celebration of Lights and Song around the World and Grand Opening of The Rink at Parade Plaza

Downtown New London’s Parade Plaza – Corner of Bank and State Streets (Across from Union Train Station)

Downtown New London’s multicultural holiday festival.  Come celebrate New London's diverse community and traditions for the holiday season with music and dance performances from around the world. Festival kicks off with Children's Reindeer Procession leading Santa to the Parade Plaza at 3pm. To particpate, families need to arrive at 2:45pm at the Fire Dept. on Bank Street.  The Grand Opening of the Rink at Parade Plaza will also take place during this celebration.  A ribbon cutting ceremony and figure skating performance will take place as soon as Santa arrives at approximately 3:15pm.  Public skate starting at 3:30pm with multi-cultural entertainment, visits with Santa and Sugar Plum Fairy, tree lighting, storytelling and caroling.  Eastern CT Ballet’s ballerinas pose in storefront windows.  Check out Windows of the World – a storefront decorating contest.  For more information go to www.newlondonwaterfrontdistrict.org  or call 860-444-2489.

MORE ABOUT THE RINK AT PARADE PLAZA

The Rink at Parade Plaza will include everything from theme nights such as “Heat Up the Ice” Latin dance Night to Top 40 Hits and Disco Nights.  There will be free community open skate times courtesy of a variety of sponsors.  The skating rink will be open seven days a week until it closes for the season on February 29, 2012.  Shops and restaurants in The District will be extending their hours and offering specials throughout the season for skaters.

Currently scheduled hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 1:00 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Rental skates and sharpening are available. Skating lessons are available at the ice rink throughout the season.

For more information about The Rink at Parade Plaza, visit www.newlondonwaterfrontdistrict.org or call 860-444-2489.