New features at The Rink presented by UNC Health this year when it opens at Red Hat Amphitheater

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Downtown Raleigh is transforming into a winter wonderland as the Raleigh Christmas Parade approaches.

The Rink will return to Red Hat Amphitheater this weekend! It will be the third consecutive year for the event.

"It's become very magical," explained Kerry Painter with the Raleigh Convention Performing Arts Complex. "I mean, now it's 30,000 skaters come through here and it's become the new family tradition."

This year, private igloos that can fit up to six people have been added to the seasonal fun. The Igloos offer food and beverage packages featuring seasonal treats and special merchandise.

"We're so excited," Painter added. "We have a little igloo village this year that you can rent. It is a package for your skate time. It's for six. So it'll have food, beverages, souvenirs, cups, hats, and really fancy couches and chairs. And you can hang out here in your own private igloo with service."

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The holiday ice-skating experience presented by UNC Health will offer extended operating hours until from November 18 until January 15.

Pricing for THE RINK is $15 for skater admission, including skate rental, and $6 for spectator admission. Tickets are still available for purchase online and at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts' box office.

ABC11 will once again be the official media sponsor of the event.

"There are so many great holiday events in Raleigh, and ABC11 is excited to, once again, see our community out at THE RINK! Cooler weather and ice skating sound good right about now," said ABC11 President and General Manager, Rob Elmore.

Painter said The Rink was created to bring the community together and has partnered with several nonprofits to give back throughout the season including:

• Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina (Nov. 19, Dec. 21, Jan. 13) Accepting non-perishable food donations.
• Helping Hand Missions (Nov. 25, Dec. 23, Jan. 7) Accepting new and gently used coat donations.
• Triangle Spokes Group (Nov. 26) Accepting new bike donations and monetary donations.
• Wake Up and Read (Dec. 9, Jan. 14) Accepting book donations and hosting a story time on site.

Guests are encouraged to bring donatable items; specific requests can be found online.