Empire State Plaza Rink Opening on December 1 with the First Free Skate Rental Saturday of the Season presented by Hannaford Supermarkets on December 2

NYS Tree Lighting & Fireworks Festival at the Empire State Plaza, Presented by Highmark Blue Shield on December 3

Harlem Tree Lighting Celebration at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building Plaza in Harlem on December 7

New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the official opening of the Winter at the Plaza season, including the opening of the ice rink at the Empire State Plaza in Albany and the annual tree lighting at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building in Harlem.

“Winter at the Plaza is an exciting season full of time-honored traditions. The Office of General Services is delighted to bring back the fun-filled events and activities that generations of community members and visitors have enjoyed,” Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy, said. “It’s a joy to officially kick off the holiday season with New York State’s annual Tree Lightings at The Empire State Plaza in Albany and the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building Plaza in Harlem. Thank you to the sponsors whose generosity makes it possible for us to celebrate the season together.”  

“Visiting Empire State Plaza in the winter has become a beloved tradition in the Capital Region,” Kevin Quaranto, Region Leader, Highmark Blue Shield, said. “With our partners at the Office of General Services, Highmark Blue Shield is proud to continue our tradition of bringing healthy activities to the Plaza all year long.”

Schedule of Events in Albany and Harlem:

Empire State Plaza Ice Rink Opening Day, Friday, December 1, noon – 8 p.m. The Plaza rink will once again play a significant role in a series of free events and activities planned for the season, which will kick off with the opening day at the Plaza ice rink on Friday, December 1, weather permitting, including Rock-N-Skate music provided from 6 to 8 p.m. by DJ MR CEO. 

First Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday of the Season, December 2, noon-8 p.m. The Empire State Plaza ice rink will feature free skate rentals each Saturday of the 2023-24 season, courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets. 

First Learn to Skate Clinic presented by Highmark Blue Shield and hosted by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, December 2, 9 a.m. -noon. Learn to Skate clinics will run on the first Saturday of each month starting in January 2024. Online pre-registration is required at empirestateplaza.ny.gov.

New York State Holiday Tree Lighting presented by Highmark Blue Shield, Sunday, December 3, noon – 8 p.m. Celebrate the season with outdoor activities the family is sure to love, including an afternoon rock-and-skate featuring Erin Harkes Band, skating demonstrations by the Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, performances by Tuba Christmas, caroling with The Rusty Pipes, ice sculpting demonstrations, and photo opportunities with Santa at Cornerstone at the Plaza. Stewart’s Shop will offer eggnog and holiday-flavored coffee samples while supplies last. Refreshments will also be available for purchase at Cornerstone at the Plaza. The official tree lighting and fireworks ceremony, hosted by the News 10 ABC Morning Team, will start at 5:15 p.m.

Evening Capitol Tours for the Holidays, starting Thursday, December 7, the Office of General Services will offer free Capitol tours from 5-6 pm; reservations are recommended. Tours will be offered throughout December on Thursdays and Fridays, including visits to the War Room to visit the Capitol tree, Kwanzaa Kinara candles, and the NYS Menorah. In celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the “NYS Counties Ornaments” project, visitors can view the ornaments representing their region. 

Harlem Tree Lighting at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building, Harlem, NY, Thursday, December 7, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Celebrate the season with outdoor activities that the family will love. The event, hosted by the entertaining MC Bob Lee, includes train rides, a meet-and-greet with Santa Club, photo opportunities, performances by Harlem School of the Arts Dance Ensemble, Harlem School of the Arts Dorothy Maynor Singers, and the Sharp Radway Trio. Enjoy complimentary hot beverages provided by Starbucks and pop from the Farmer’s Market in the Heights, and giveaways (while supplies last).

Sponsors:

Sponsors of Winter at the Plaza events include Highmark Blue Shield, Hannaford Supermarkets, MVP Health Care, I LOVE NY, Hudson Mohawk Figure Skating Club, CDTA, Stewart’s Shops, PYX 106, 99.5 The River, 98.3 TRY, NY State of Health and News 10 ABC.

The Harlem tree lighting sponsors include Harlem Community Development Corporation, WBLS, Harlem Presents, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, P.C. Richard & Son, NY State of Health, Touro College of Medicine, and Starbucks.

Empire State Plaza Ice Rink Information:

Hours:  Noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, weather permitting. Closed 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 2 – 3 p.m. and 5 – 6 p.m. on weekends and holiday breaks for maintenance.

Cost to skate: Free.

Skate Rentals: $5.00. A photo ID is required to rent skates. Every Saturday is Hannaford Free Skate Rental Saturday.

Amenities: Lockers, skate rentals, and refreshments are available in the glass pavilion adjacent to the rink. Children’s helmets and ice walkers/trainers for beginning skaters are also available free of charge.

For Empire State Plaza rink status updates and additional information on Winter at the Plaza events and activities, including parking, directions, and ground rules, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @PlazaEvents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759.