Ice skating returns to the Port Jefferson waterfront on Friday, November 27, the day after Thanksgiving. The Rinx at Harborfront Park runs the outdoor rink beside the harbor from November through March, and the village has slotted opening day between its business district tree lighting on November 25 and the Santa parade on November 29.

Public skating: when and how much

The public session schedule runs in 90-minute blocks most of the day.

  • Monday through Thursday: noon, 2, 4 and 6:30 p.m.
  • Friday: noon, 2 and 4 p.m., plus a night session from 8 to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m., 1, 2:45 and 4:30 p.m., plus 8 to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m., 1, 2:45 and 4:30 p.m.

A 6:15 p.m. slot on Fridays and Saturdays is held for private parties.

Weekday admission is $14 for adults, $12 for children 11 and under and $6 for seniors. On weekends and school vacation days, it is $16 for adults, $13 for children and $7 for seniors. The Friday and Saturday night sessions are $17. Skate rental is $8. The Rinx notes that there are no refunds, that double-blade skates are not allowed on the ice, and that schedules and rates can change.

Lessons for young skaters

The first Learn to Skate series at the harbor runs from November 27 through January 15, with no classes from December 24 to January 1. It costs $159 for six weeks, with one half-hour group class a week, and includes a Learn to Skate USA membership, evaluations and badges. Snowplow Sam classes are for ages 3 and a half to 5, Basic classes are for ages 6 to 17, and Pre-Hockey classes are open to children who can already skate on their own. Class skate rental is $7, and the instructors recommend helmets and gloves or mittens. Registration opens through an online Rinx account, usually two to three weeks before a series starts.

The rest of the village's Thanksgiving week

The Village of Port Jefferson's fall calendar lists three events around opening day:

  • Wednesday, November 25, 7 to 10 p.m.: the business improvement district's tree lighting at the corner of Broadway and Main Street.
  • Friday, November 27: skating on the harbor begins at the Village Center.
  • Sunday, November 29, 1 to 3 p.m.: the Santa parade along Main Street, followed by a visit with Santa at the Village Center.

Before you go

The rink sits at Harborfront Park next to the Port Jefferson Village Center. The Rinx's Port Jefferson line is 631-403-4357. Check the public skating page on the day, since an outdoor rink's sessions can shift with the weather.

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