It’s a safe bet Santa will be there when MGM Springfield opens its Holiday Winter Wonderland on Nov. 24.
It all begins at 5:30 p.m. when special guests including Santa – yes, he will be there – along with the New England Patriots cheerleaders and mascots from the Patriots, Red Sox and Springfield Thunderbirds join MGM Springfield president and COO Chris Kelley and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno to get the party going in the Plaza.
After a performance by the Springfield Symphony Chorus, there will be a short speaking program followed by the official tree lighting – standing 38 feet tall and brightly decorated in all LED lights – and rink opening with “real” ice to skate on.
Amanda Croteau, director of entertainment for MGM Springfield, noted the casino is “incredibly excited” to once again host their Winter Wonderland during the holidays in the heart of downtown.
“The community’s response each year is overwhelming. Watching families enjoy the city’s only outdoor ice-skating rink as holiday music plays throughout the Plaza is heartwarming. We are so proud to hear from so many that coming to experience the tree lighting, skating rink and festive atmosphere has become a family tradition they look forward to each year. The holiday spirit is alive and well at MGM Springfield and we cannot wait to officially kick off this year’s festivities,” she said.
Beth Ward, spokesperson for MGM Springfield, noted after flipping the switch to light the tree that Santa will mingle among the crowd for picture taking and listening to the wish lists of all good little boys and girls.
Ward also noted it takes three weeks to set up the Plaza for the ice rink, starting with moving the sheds in place and installing the wood decking that the rink sits on – all before the rinks arrives, the large ice chiller is dropped off and ice is made in about a week’s time.
Craig Mcmaster of Wilbraham with his child Finnegan at MGM Springfield’s annual tree lighting ceremony for the opening of its Holiday Winter Wonderland on Armory Square in 2021. (Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican)
To keep everything jolly, there will also be a music show outside at the ice rink every hour on the hour daily from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The short show features coordinated lighting with the music and snow falling from above.
Those who work up an appetite while skating can get hot chocolate or “festive adult beverages” in the outdoor Lion’s Den winter cabin next to the skating rink, and food trucks from Jeannie’s Weenies and Wake the Dead Donuts will be in attendance.
This year, the rink’s season has extended an extra two weeks and will remain open until Jan. 14, 2024. Opening day rink hours are 6-10 p.m., then Wednesday and Thursday from 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 1-10 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. Holiday hours are noon to 10 p.m. on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Admission to the rink is $16 for adults, and $12 for children 12 and under as well as veterans, active-duty military and first responders with ID. Skate rentals are $7. Tickets are not available online and purchase is by credit or debit cards only, no cash will be accepted.
All skaters must sign a waiver to skate at their own risk and need to be at least 5 years old and 42 inches tall, and children must be supervised at all times by an adult.
For more information, visit the MGM Springfield website.
