Cleveland Metroparks today announced Winter RiverFest presented by Troy-Bilt will transform Rivergate Park and Merwin's Wharf for the holiday season beginning Nov. 26. New this year, guests will enjoy a refrigerated ice skating rink and appearances by Santa. In addition, there will be festive decor, a beer garden and firepits, retail shop and an igloo dining experience along the Cuyahoga River in The Flats.
“The holiday season is a special time in Cleveland Metroparks and we are thrilled to bring back Winter RiverFest along the Cuyahoga River,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “With ice skating, festive dining and more, Winter RiverFest provides an opportunity for families to create new holiday traditions along our scenic waterfront.”
For the first time, the event will bring a seasonal ice skating rink to Rivergate Park providing guests with a new recreational opportunity along the Cuyahoga River. The rink, which features real ice instead of synthetic, can be experienced in temperatures up to 80 degrees. Skating reservations and skate rentals are available in
advance online in 90-minute time slots. Skating reservations are $12 (ages 6 and up) and $5 for ages 3 to 5. Ice skate rentals are $3. Walk-ups will be accepted based on availability. Private ice rink rentals are also available by visiting
clevelandmetroparks.com/WinterRiverFest.
Guests visiting Winter RiverFest in its second year can also enjoy a beer garden, firepits and more. Visits with Santa will also occur on select weekends during the event with additional appearances during holiday hours.
Winter RiverFest also marks the return of the igloo village at Merwin’s Wharf along the Cuyahoga River featuring a special winter menu focused on shareable items. Igloo rentals accommodate up to eight guests and can be reserved
online or by visiting
merwinswharf.com. Igloo rentals start at a two-hour minimum for $50, plus a food and drink minimum. Indoor dining at Merwin’s Wharf will also be available on a first come, first served basis throughout the event.
Guests can get a jump on holiday shopping at the Cleveland Metroparks Winter RiverFest Shop during festival hours. Browse a selection of Cleveland Metroparks branded apparel, outdoor gear, personal care items, kids’ merchandise and more. Cleveland Metroparks
online shop is also available throughout the winter season.
“We want the time people spend outside or in their yards to be the best part of their day,” said Troy-Bilt’s Brand Manager, Barbara Roueche. “We are proud to partner with Cleveland Metroparks to bring forward a fun and interactive opportunity, like Winter RiverFest, for families to take the time to enjoy a beautiful space in Northeast Ohio.”
Winter RiverFest will run Monday-Thursday 4-7:30 p.m., Friday 2-9:30 p.m. and Saturday- Sunday noon-9:30 p.m. from Nov. 26 through Jan. 2. Special holiday hours can be found at
clevelandmetroparks.com/WinterRiverFest.
Winter RiverFest is presented by Troy-Bilt, and supported by community partners, MetroHealth, Citizens, Molson Coors and Dollar Bank.
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