To seasoned ice skaters in Market Square, the difference is clear.

Holidays on Ice, presented by Home Federal Bank, begins Friday, Nov. 25, with a new rink that features transparent glass dasher boards.

“We wanted the rink to feel more integrated into the square,” says Judith Foltz, Director of Special Events. “Our inspiration is the skating rink in Rockefeller Center.”

In previous years, the rink’s boards were wooden and served as billboards to thank sponsors and post advertising. Clear boards create the visual impression that skaters are circling and twirling in the middle of Market Square.

With open-air skating under swaths of string lights, music playing and the scent of hot cocoa and popcorn in the air, the scene on the square is reminiscent of New York City’s Christmas-time destination mixed with the nostalgic charm of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

The rink will be open Friday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Jan. 8. Admission (which includes skate rental and unlimited skating time) is $10 for adults, $7 for children 12 and under.

Ice rink mascot Peppermint Panda will make regular appearances for photo ops around the square and in front of a special mural painted by Cody Swaggerty. Tag your photos with #knoxpeppermint and #christmasinthecity when you post them on social media.

The rink will close during inclement weather. Visit KnoxvillesHolidaysOnIce.com for weather updates and additional information.

Nov. 25 thru Dec. 18
Mondays-Thursdays: 4-9 p.m.
Fridays-Saturdays: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sundays: 1-9 p.m.

Extended Hours, Dec. 19 thru Jan. 8 (except holidays; see below)
Mondays-Thursdays; Sundays: 1-9 p.m.
Fridays-Saturdays: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Special Holiday Hours
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Christmas Day: Closed
Dec. 26: 1-9 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
New Year’s Day: 1-9 p.m.

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