As the holidays approach, winter magic transforms Veterans Memorial Park into a fun-filled destination for all to enjoy, complete with a 4,000 square foot ice skating rink! Scroll down to learn about theme nights at the rink, how to reserve your time on the ice, and fire pit, party tent, and full rink rentals. 

Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Market

The magic kicks off with the Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Market on Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday, the Sierra Vista Community Band will perform at 5 p.m. and the Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. Santa will arrive after the ceremony to meet local children and take their letters, while the holiday market, children’s activities, and ice skating will remain open throughout. 

On Saturday, King Crawdaddy and the Mudbugs will perform traditional Jazz with exciting holiday music at 1 p.m., followed by Sky Islands Sax Quartet at 2 p.m. Later, between 5 and 8 p.m., the park entrances and exits will close for the Sky Islands Regional Partnership’s annual Christmas Light Parade, with a route encircling the park. Once the parade ends, Santa will visit once again as shopping, children’s activities, and ice skating continue until 9 p.m. 

While there, don't forget to get your limited edition Old World Santas ornaments, to include the two latest ones released for the 2024 holiday season!

New Year's Eve Party in the Park

Do a champagne or cider toast while watching the ball drop on the biggest screen in town at the Veterans Memorial Park Centennial Pavilion! Enjoy a cash bar or non-alcoholic beverages, finger foods, party favors, games, and up to five hours of ice skating. A heated party tent will be available, but dress warm or bring your own blanket for activities outside the tent. This family-friendly celebration is open to adults and families. 
Tuesday, December 31 | 7 pm – Midnight | Veterans Memorial Park
$40 per adult skater, $15 per youth
$25 per adult non-skater 

Ice Skating Rink

This holiday favorite will open in conjunction with the Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Market on December 6, 2024, and be available to the public until January 4, 2025. The cost to skate is $10 per person, per 1-hour block, and includes skate rental. There are also complimentary skater aids for kids and other first-time skaters available on a first-come, first-served basis. Skaters can purchase a wristband at the rink or make reservations online or by calling either (520) 417-6980 or (520) 515-4999. Check out the calendar below for a detailed schedule—including new theme nights at the rink! It's bonus fun for no added cost.

• You can bring your own skates (no discount if you do).
• Socks are required.
• Children's skates are adjustable and fit over athletic shoes.
• Arrive 15 minutes early for check-ins and skate fitting. 

Host a Party!

Let us help you host the perfect winter gathering! The City is now offering fire pit, party tent, and private full rink rentals! To reserve your rental, call the Sports Division at (520) 515-4999 or reserve it online.

Fire Pit Rental

$20 per hour
Available during open skate hours

Includes:

• Propane Fire Pit, 3 Available
• 6 Adirondak Chairs

*Most days last skate session includes a bonus 30 minutes.

Party Tent Rental

$150 for two hours | 10 skate rentals included, $8 per additional skater
Available during open skate hours

Includes:

• 20'x20' Dedicated Party Tent
• Complimentary Skate Pass for Birthday Child or Person of Honor
• Tables & Chairs to Accommodate 32 People
• Decorated Party Space & Table Coverings
• 2 hours of ice skating

Private Full Rink Rental

$250 per hour | 25 skate rentals included, $8 per additional skater
Only available outside open skate hours

Includes:

• Exclusive Use of Ice Rink & Event Space
• Party Tent
• Tables & Chairs to Accommodate 32 people
• Decorated Party Space & Table Coverings

Theme Nights at the Rink

All theme nights accept Sky & Ice start at 5 p.m. Sky & Ice will begin at 7 p.m. for optimal star viewing.

Friday, Dec. 13 | Team Spirit
Pop on your favorite team sweatshirt, jersey, or swag and rep your alma mater or preferred sports team!

Saturday, Dec. 14 | Gold Party
It's time to shine! Grab something gold and show it off at the Ice Rink. We'll help you sparkle with gold beads while supplies last.

Friday, Dec. 20 | Cosplay & Costume
Did someone say Anime, SpongeBob, or Princesses? Yes! Pop on your best cosplay or favorite costume and join us for a special costume night at the Ice Rink.

Saturday, December 21 | Glow Night
Lock in your skate time and grab your complimentary glow sticks. This theme night coincides with the Glow Ride, which will be setting off and ending in Veterans Memorial Park. Join in on the glow fun!

Friday, December 27 | Decades Night
Starting at 5 p.m., we kick off Decades Night with rocking music hits from the 1950s. Every hour we jump a decade! Ready to skate to your favorite 1980s hair bands? Then don't miss the 8 p.m. hour!

Saturday, December 28 | Sky & Ice
Come on out to skate and check out the night sky. The Huachuca Astronomy Club will be on site from 7 to 10 p.m. to give participants a view of the cosmos! This program was scheduled near the new moon, meaning that there will be great visuals of Jupiter, Saturn, and the stars.

Friday, January 3 | Futuristic & Fantasy Night
Time to time travel! Jump forward in time and sport some futuristic duds or dive into your favorite fantasy adventure! We hope to see your fairy wings, robot costumes, and space-themed outfits out on the ice!

Saturday, January 4 | Jock Jams Night
Time to "Jump Around" and "Pump Up The Jams" at the Ice Rink! We want to see you "Tootsie Roll", rock your best "Cotton Eye Joe" on ice skates, and see if you can "Push It Real Good." Join us for all your favorite Jock Jam music hits as we bring back the 90s because "This Is How We Do It" in Sierra Vista!