Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square Returns for 21st Anniversary Season

The Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square returns to downtown Los Angeles opening Thursday, November 15, 2018 through Sunday, January 21, 2018.

For 21 years, open seasonally, the Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square has brought winter fun to sunny Los Angeles. At 7,200 square feet, it is the city's largest outdoor rink, offering visitors professional-quality real ice for skating and entertainment, and welcoming more than 54,000 skaters and 450,000 spectators annually. The rink fosters community while embracing winter fitness and fun.

The beloved recreational landmark will kick-off its 21st anniversary season with a festive series of free community and special events, starting with the annual Icebreaker Opening Celebration on November 15 at 11:00am. This year's event features a number sung by the cast members of Wicked with skaters especially choreographed to the soundtrack, impressive skate performances, special guests and more. After the literal "icebreaking" ceremony, where a large ice sculpture is shattered, the Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square's first skaters will be underserved children from the Los Angeles communities.

Every Wednesday throughout the ice rink season will be dedicated to Wicked and named Wicked Wednesdays. Ice rink lights will be predominantly green and every third song played will be from Wicked cast album during the 7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm (if applicable) sessions.

Wicked, L.A.'s most popular musical, returns to Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a limited engagement November 28, 2018 and through January 27, 2019. Declared "The Best Musical of the Decade" by Entertainment Weekly and "A Cultural Phenomenon" by Variety, Wicked is the recipient of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.

Special Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square events include DJ Spotlight every Thursdaywith DJ Howly (except Thanksgiving); Learn to Curl (November 17, December 15 and January 12); and Silent Skate Party (November 28 and December 19).

Two Pershing Square events will also take place during this season - Winter Tramp/Gay Proud (December 1) and Winter Holiday Festival (December 8-9).

"Whether you are a Los Angeles resident or simply visiting for the holiday season, the Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square is an absolute must when it comes to embracing winter in Los Angeles," says Willy Bietak, president of Willy Bietak Productions. "This season especially, skaters and spectators can expect a ton of memorable events to share with their families and friends."

Located at 532 South Olive Street, the landmark destination is easily accessible by car, bus or Metro (Pershing Square stop). General admission to the rink is $14 with skate rental (figure and hockey skates) included and special group rates offered Mondaythrough Thursday. Tickets can be bought at the ice rink ticket window or in advance online at https://www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com/.

A partnership with Metro and Metrolink allows riders to receive a $1 skating session discount.

This year's sponsors and media partners will include BAI, Eventbrite, Wicked, LA Weekly, Metro, Metrolink, 88.5, and Yelp. Additionally, a portion of all proceeds will benefit the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks.

In addition to providing hundreds of thousands of visitors and Los Angeles locals with a fun-filled outdoor ice-skating experience each year, the iconic venue also hosts these community events:

• Icebreaker: Opening Celebration -- Thursday, November 15 at 11:00AM. Each year, the Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square celebrates the start of its season with a literal "icebreaking" ceremony, where a large ice sculpture is shattered. The epic christening includes a performance from the Broadway musical Wicked,impressive skate performances, special guests and more.
• DJ Spotlights -- Thursdays beginning November 15 from 7:00PM to 9:30PM(excluding Thanksgiving). Visitors can showcase their skating and dance skills as they swirl about the rink to a litany of popular songs selected by DJ Howly
• Learn to Curl -- Saturdays November 17, December 15, and January 12 from 8:30-9:30AM. Visitors are encouraged to channel their inner Winter Olympian at this beginners' curling pop-up hosted by the Hollywood Curling Club. Advanced registration is required and visitors can sign up on the Special Events page on the rink's website.
• Silent Skate Party-- On Wednesdays, November 28 and December 19 at 7:00PM to 8:00PM and 8:30PM to 9:30PM The popular and unique Silent Skate Party is a silent disco on ice. The skaters are provided with headphones, and can choose three different kinds of music as accompaniment, as onlookers watch skaters dancing in silence.

Events happening in Pershing Square

• Winter Tramp | Saturday, December 1

Event Happening in the Square

• Winter Holiday Festival | Saturday, December 8, 11:00AM - 7:00PM & Sunday, December 9, 11:00AM - 7:00PM

Event Happening in the Square -- A free, fun event for children and their guardians with 80 tons of snow, pictures with Santa, make and take crafts, and children's entertainment. Food and holiday treats are available to purchase.

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