Our guide to Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest

You know the winter blues that start to sink in when it gets too cold to actually emerge from the comfort of your bed? Well, kick them to the curb, because this is major. Opening Friday, Nov. 28 is the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, held at 101. S. Columbus Blvd., the outdoor winter wonderland comes fully equipped with ice rink, fire pits, indoor seating area, games, food and drink and so much more.

Open seven days a week — with free admission — until Sunday, March 1, the space boasts a number of features throughout its duration as well as opening weekend and holiday events.

The Vibe
The view of Winterfest is not one to be missed. Surrounding the regulation-sized ice rink is a winter garden and forest — featuring recycled shipping containers, holiday greenery, woodchips, rocking chairs, picnic tables, lights and fire pits — designed by David Fierabend of Groundswell Design Group.

A heated, indoor Lodge, housing pool tables, sofas, fire places, tables and food stand, overlooks the rink.

Aside from the cozy atmosphere in The Lodge, a few huge screens have been set up, set to project Philly sports games, so you don't have to sacrifice game day viewing for an afternoon of ice skating.

Back outdoors, a number of fire pits surrounding the huge tree will keep you warm during those cold nights and light shows — those take place every night on the hour and half hour starting at sundown.

Features
Here's where we get into the good stuff. Yeah, Winterfest is pretty to look at, but it's all about what we can do there, right?

Take a lap (or 20) around the Blue Cross RiverRink, which will offer public skating lessons, skate rentals and skate sharpening. Admission to the rink is $3 — however if you're an Independence Blue Cross cardholder or employee, you'll get in free — and skate rental is $10.

Get your grub on, courtesy of Garces Events. Menu offerings in The Lodge include Winter Squash Soup, Three Bean and Beef Chili, a selection of burgers and fries. The Lodge bar will serve up local craft beers, spiked warm drinks and wine.

Outdoors, by the fire pits, the Fireside Café will supply s'mores kits, cupcakes and more hot beverages.

In the ice rink area, a Distrito Cantina truck will warm up skaters with tacos, quesadillas, hot dogs, churros and caramel apples.

Throughout the season, Philly Beer Week will host a series of tap takeovers at the venue's bar.

Back to the Delaware River Waterfront for a pop-up location is Art Star. Filling a 40' shipping container in The Lodge with goodies from their Northern Liberties shop, visitors will be able to shop from a selection of handmade goodies.

For the gamers, arcade games will be set up in a separate part of The Lodge for some post-skating entertainment.

Of course, all the food, drink, shopping and games are on a pay as you go basis.

Events
In addition to all of the amazing everyday goings on at the rink, here are some can't-miss happenings.

Opening at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Nov. 30, the fest's premiere weekend offers no shortage of exclusive activities.

Frozen doesn't only apply to the ice. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, skate and get pictures with Elsa and Anna from Disney's "Frozen." Other complimentary festivities throughout the day include a flower crown workshop (you can still be ethereal in the winter), ice sculptors, holiday pumpkin carving, a balloon artist, face painter and giveaways.

Come Saturday, Nov. 29 for more ice sculpting, circus artist, balloon maker, face painter and a holiday performance from Mummertime. When the sun goes down, the first of four fireside performances in The Lodge will take place with local songwriter Milton at 8 p.m.

Things calm down a bit on Sunday, Nov. 30 — but not much. The day still brings more free festivities with circus artists, balloon makers, face painters and Mummertime will make another appearance.

Switch up the game a little bit and tell Santa your Christmas wishes on the ice during Friday, Dec. 5's tree lighting ceremony. At 6:30 p.m. the 43' real tree will light up the night set to the sounds and sights of Olde Towne Carolers, Philadelphia Youth Ballet, Vanessa Howard, Philadelphia Symmetry Synchronized Skating, Philadelphia Handbell Ensemble, String Theory School of the Performing Arts, In the Mix Acapella and Sister Cities Girlchoir.

Santa will be back for more skating sessions on Saturdays and Sundays in December from noon to 4 p.m.

Ring in the New Year on the waterfront on Wednesday, Dec. 31. With two New Year's Eve parties at the RiverRink, both families and late-night partiers will have a chance to indulge in snacks, beverages, ice-skating and a view of SugarHouse's fireworks. The early gathering is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the later event runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Hours
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest and concession stand will be open from 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Sunday from Nov. 28 through Dec. 19.

The Lodge opens at 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 11 a.m. on Satrday and Sunday from Nov. 28 through Dec. 19, closing at 10:30 p.m. on weeknights and 1 a.m. on weekends.

From Dec. 20 through Jan. 4, swing by for extended hours, 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Sunday.

After the holidays, Jan. 5 through March 1, Winterfest will be open from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The concession stand will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday during this time period. Also note, it'll be closed Monday through Thursday.