Get those skates ready! A winter wonderland is set to open on the Delaware River Waterfront in a few weeks. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest opens for the season along Columbus Blvd. on Friday, Nov. 27, bringing ice skating, cozy cabins, festive food and drinks, games and rides. The best part? Admission to Winterfest is free. Ice skating admission is $5 with $12 for skate rentals. Visitors can already book ice skating sessions, Rinkside Lounge reservations and holiday cabin rentals. Don’t forget to come hungry as favorites Chickie’s Pete’s, Philly Tacos and Skelly’s Amusements are returning for the season. New this winter, visitors can dig into Brazilian BBQ, make sweet memories at a dedicated s’mores station and warm up around an expanded free fire pit area. Winterfest’s seasonal bar is also expanding into the skate house and arcade, meaning you can enjoy a refreshing drink while playing retro arcade games. And the holiday magic doesn’t stop there. The waterfront’s free holiday tree lighting will take place Sunday, Nov. 29. The party starts at 5 p.m., with performances from local artists then the tree lights up at 6:55 p.m. “From our staff selecting the tree each year to the work of our in-house team to unload, mount, light and maintain the tree throughout the season, we’re proud to host a homegrown holiday experience, and look forward to welcoming the city back for another memorable season at the RiverRink,” Vice President of Marketing Communications at the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation Erika Joy Erb said in a news release. Winterfest is also getting some national attention, earning a nomination for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Award for Best Ice Skating Rink. You can experience Winterfest through Feb. 28, 2027, including New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day. ...read more read less