Downtown Graham’s Ice Skating Rink
IMPORTANT NOTICE for all VISA/Mastercard Payments: Effective October 10, 2023, a convenience fee of 2.2% will be charged to all VISA/Mastercard transactions (VISA/Mastercard accepted). Cash and checks are accepted without this fee and can be made in person at the Graham Recreation Center (311 College Street, Graham, NC 27253). Checks payable to the “City of Graham” can be mailed to: City of Graham, ATTN: Recreation & Parks, PO Drawer 357, Graham, NC 27253
Inclement Weather Update for 12/14/2025: Due to today’s cold weather advisory and extremely cold wind chills, Downtown Graham’s Ice Skating Rink on synthetic ice will be CLOSED today to ensure the safety of our staff and skaters. We appreciate your understanding and wish everyone a safe, warm, and happy holiday season!
About the Ice Rink Event
Special Ice Rink Events
Alamance Arts: Experience Christmas
Employment
About the Ice Rink
About the Ice Rink Event
Downtown Graham’s Ice Skating Rink on Synthetic Ice
Hours & special rink activities/events are tentative based on inclement weather and/or staffing shortages.
Dates: November 21 – December 14, 2025 (3 weeks – closed for Thanksgiving 11/27) (weather & staff permitting)
Session Times: 45-minute sessions begin on the hour (see Operational Hours)
Ages: 3 & up (figure skate sizes: 9T – 10, hockey skate sizes: 9T – 13)
Public Session Cost*: no cost for skating or skate rentals, reservations are only needed on Thursdays
*Thursdays are “Skate with the Characters” nights – these evenings require reservations & there is a cost.
Location: Downtown at Alamance Arts • 213 South Main Street, Graham, NC 27253
Join Graham Recreation & Parks at Downtown Graham’s Ice Skating Rink for this 3-week event held annually in November and December! This event features an outdoor synthetic ice skating rink and multiple special events. Real ice skates are used on synthetic ice. Skate rentals are free. Wearing thick socks is recommended. A maximum of 40 participants are on the ice during regular sessions.
Only our staff members are allowed on the synthetic ice without skates. We do have a few Skate Helpers that children can use to build their balance and confidence while they learn to skate. The Skate Helpers are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
All parents/guardians and/or participants will be required to sign the “City of Graham Waiver, Release of Liability, Permission & Authorization Form” upon arrival before skating.
Operational Hours
45-minute sessions begin on the hour (allows time for ice rink preparations between each session) • Hours & special rink activities/events are tentative based on inclement weather and/or staffing shortages.
| Days | Times |
| Sundays – public sessions | 2:00pm – 7:45pm |
| Mondays | CLOSED |
| Tuesdays | CLOSED |
| Wednesdays – public sessions | 5:00pm – 7:45pm |
| Thursdays Reservations Required & Cost | 5:00pm – 7:45pm • Skate with the Characters (Cost: $5 per skater) |
| Fridays – public sessions | 5:00pm – 7:45pm |
| Saturdays – public sessions | 2:00pm – 7:45pm |
Special Ice Rink Events (see “Special Ice Rink Events” tab on this page for details)
- Skate with the Characters Nights – Thursday Nights (cost & reservations required)
- Friday Theme Nights
- Jolly Jams Karaoke Night (Saturdays beginning at 5:00pm)
- Coffee/Warm Seasonal Beverage Truck/Vendors (available on select scheduled evenings)
- Campfire & S’mores Night (tentative activity)
- Downtown Graham Christmas Parade – 1st Saturday in December
- City of Graham Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
- Alamance Arts: Experience Christmas – a shopping experience with a unique selection of original and handcrafted gifts by local, regional, and international artists
Parking
Available at Alamance Arts & City Hall
Where to Park Downtown
Link Transit Public Transportation
Consider using Link Transit Public Transportation this holiday season to the Ice Rink and downtown shopping opportunities through the Orange Route! Enjoy the trip, and connect with your destination! Learn more about Link Transit, the routes, and schedules at https://linktransit.org/. View Live Bus Map
Link Transit Hours of Operation*: (every 90 minutes)Monday – Friday • 5:30am – 9:30pmSaturday • 9:30am – 6:30pm
*No service on Sundays or holidays
*No service on Sundays or holidays
Inclement Weather Updates
Any changes in the schedule and/or cancellations will be posted on the Graham Recreation & Parks Facebook page.
Stay Up To Date
Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on special events and any inclement weather updates, as well as closings due to staffing shortages. Questions about the Ice Rink? Please call Brandy McCandless, Marketing Supervisor, at (336) 513-5510.
#GrahamIceRink
Special Ice Rink Events
Special Ice Rink Events
Skate with the Characters (Reservations Required, Space Is Limited)
Every Thursday
Cost: $5 per skater, skate rentals are included (no refunds, unless the session is canceled due to inclement weather)
Date: Thursday, December 4 – Skate with the Grinch (by Studio One) – FULL
Date: Thursday, December 11 – Skate with the Princesses: Rapunzel & Tiana (by Princess Parties of North Carolina) – FULL
Session 1: 5:00pm – 5:45pm
Session 2: 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Session 3: 7:00pm – 7:45pm
All parents/guardians and/or participants will be required to sign the “City of Graham Waiver, Release of Liability, Permission & Authorization Form” upon arrival before skating (included with online registration). Reservations for sessions will be taken online beginning 11/17/2025 at 8:00am. Online reservations close at 12:00noon the day of the event or when full. Space is limited to 30 skaters per session. (weather & staff permitting)
Reserve Your Skate with the Characters Session
Friday Theme Nights
Friday, November 21 – Theme: Glow Night
Friday, November 28 – Theme: Flannel & Frost
Friday, December 5 – Theme: Festive Headwear
Friday, December 12 – Theme: Ugly Christmas Sweater
Beginning at 5:00pm (weather & staff permitting)
Jolly Jams Karaoke Night
Every Saturday
Beginning at 5:00pm (weather & staff permitting)
Grab your skates and warm up those vocal cords for the coolest karaoke of the season! We invite you to a magical night of holiday karaoke under the stars at the ice skating rink, where singing in the cold never sounded so bold!
Coffee/Warm Seasonal Beverage Truck/Vendors
Days: available on select scheduled evenings
Friday, November 21 • 5:00pm – 8:00pm – Bowers Brews
Thursday, December 4 • 5:00pm – 8:00pm – Belles Brew
Thursday, December 11• 5:00pm – 8:00pm – Quench 305
Campfire & S’mores Nights with the City of Graham Fire Department’s Explorers
Days: TBD
Time: TBD
S’mores Cost: TBD
The City of Graham Fire Department’s Explorers will stop by for a special lesson in fire safety…and selling s’mores to create by the campfire! (volunteers/weather/wind permitting)
Downtown Graham Christmas Parade
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Begins at 10:00am
More Information
City of Graham Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
Sunday, December 7, 2025
Visit the webpage for details!
Alamance Arts: Experience Christmas
A shopping experience with a unique selection of original and handcrafted gifts by local and regional artists. Additional Information
Alamance Arts: Experience Christmas
Alamance Arts: Experience Christmas
Alamance Arts is excited to once again host the holiday shopping experience, your one-stop destination for unique gifts to suit every style and budget!
Renowned as a local holiday shopping favorite, Alamance Arts transforms into a Winter Wonderland this season, featuring the work of more than 80 talented artists from across North Carolina. Celebrate the season by supporting local creators, small businesses, and this vibrant community arts organization. There’s no better place to find something special for everyone on your list!
Alamance Arts Holiday Shopping Hours: Begins Saturday, November 8, 2025
November Hours*:
Monday – CLOSED
Tuesday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Friday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday – CLOSED
*CLOSED November 11, 27, 28
December Hours*:
Monday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Friday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday – CLOSED
Special Holiday Activities at Alamance Arts
Alamance Jazz Band performing at the Ice Skating Rink
Date: TBD • Time: TBD
Employment
Employment
Ice Rink Attendant
Job Type: Part-Time/Seasonal
Dates: November 21 – December 14, 2025 (3 weeks – closed for Thanksgiving 11/27)
Ages: 16 & up
The City of Graham Recreation & Parks Department is currently hiring part-time/seasonal Ice Rink Attendants for Downtown Graham’s Ice Skating Rink.
Come join our team and experience the benefits of:
• spreading holiday cheer
• gaining leadership & customer service skills
• having fun in the outdoors
• extra money for holiday shopping
• AND spend the season in the field of recreation & parks (the best job ever!)
If you want to create awesome memories for our community…this is the position for you! (No ice skating experience is necessary!)
Each individual who works with us is important to our recreation & parks team and matters in the success of the department. Learn more about this position (& other job openings), its responsibilities, the required qualifications, and how to apply online at the “Employment Application” link below.
About the Ice Rink
Downtown Graham’s Ice Skating Rink on Synthetic Ice
The Surface
EZ Glide 350® is made from a proprietary polymer compound and is the only product available today that is specifically designed by ice skaters and engineers for a wide variety of successful applications. Durable enough to be used for commercial ventures such as hockey training facilities, public skating, and traveling ice shows. It is completely UV stable and can be utilized indoors and out during any season. The use of EZ Glide 350 synthetic ice will enhance skating performance, allowing a skater to perform and perfect any skill or maneuver executed on refrigerated ice by hockey or figure skaters.
The Enhancer
EZ Glide Enhancer is a specially formulated proprietary material. EZ Glide Enhancer does not contain silicone. It is an environmentally friendly product that is safe, non-toxic, and EPA approved. It is totally water-soluble and non-staining, even in its concentrated form.
The Skates
There are 100 pairs of real ice skates in the skate hut that are professionally sharpened annually. When handing skates to participants, they should be given the boot first and reminded that the blades are sharp.
Figure skate sizes: 9T – 10
Hockey skate sizes: 9T – 13
The Skate Helpers (6)
Added to the rink in 2020, the Skate Helper assists the child to get their balance and confidence, and they feel safe learning to ice skate. In addition, you can stack two together for an adult to use.
Partners
