We’re marking our calendars for the busy season, and the City of Westfield will offer plenty for the community to do in the coming weeks. They are gearing up for another holiday season, featuring all of the traditions families and community members have come to expect, but with a few added bonuses.
The Westfield Ice Ribbon season kicked off on November 23 at Grand Junction Plaza. It’s the second year of offering an ice-skating opportunity for the entire family. Tickets are available now for a 90-minute skate session and include skate rental. The synthetic ice rink is open from mid-November through January 4.
“It’s a good entry-level skating experience,” said Kayla Arnold, director of communications for the City of Westfield. “We don’t have to worry about the weather and keeping it frozen. If you fall, you’re not going to get wet. Last year we had some great feedback from parents of little ones and they loved that the kids didn’t find it too scary.”
The Ice Ribbon is located at the north end of Grand Junction Plaza at 225 North Union Street. Tickets are required and purchased before arrival at theiceatgrandjunction.com. They are $12 for ages 11 and older, and $10 for children under 10.
Visitors can try the new experience throughout the holiday season, but there will only be one day when they can gather to see the official tree lighting in the City of Westfield. From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on December 7, the annual Westfield In Lights tree lighting ceremony will celebrate the holiday season with tradition, community and a ton of fun. The community event is held at Grand Junction Station and presented by the Downtown Westfield Association.
“Westfield in Lights is one of our premier community events,” said Mayor Scott Willis. “I may be biased as I love the holidays, but seeing so many families make this an annual tradition is incredible.”
In addition to the official tree lighting ceremony, families can enjoy a variety of other activities for an entire afternoon of entertainment.
“We have face painting, carnival games, food vendors, retail merchants and live entertainment,” Arnold said. “We’ll have live llamas and visits from Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The Ice Ribbon will also be open during that time.”
Mrs. Claus will make an appearance at Something Splendid, located at 217 Mill Street, for those who’d like to stop by for some cookies and a photo. No reservations are required.
The tree lighting ceremony will begin at 5:50 p.m. on the main stage, where Mayor Willis and special guests will light the tree at 6 p.m. It’s a busy event, and the City of Westfield wants to make parking and navigating the area as easy as possible.
There will be a free shuttle service picking up and dropping off guests who park at Christ United Methodist Church at 318 North Union Street, and Westfield Intermediate School at 17710 Shamrock Boulevard, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Parking is also available in the lot at the southwest corner of Poplar and Park streets.
If you’re coming out to skate, visit with your favorite holiday characters or see the official tree lighting, don’t forget to bring your letter to Santa.
“We have direct service to the North Pole and mailboxes will be at Grand Junction Park, Westfield City Services, the Westfield Fire Department headquarters, and the Westfield Washington Public Library,” Arnold said. “Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a quick response.” Those mailboxes are open now through December 15.
