By Kendall Myers

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It may only be November, but that won’t stop UK students from getting into the holiday spirit. Temperatures are dropping, Thanksgiving break is almost here, and downtown Lexington is preparing for the holiday season.

Christmas lights are strung up on trees, store windows are decorated for the approaching flood of Black Friday shoppers, and the lawn at Triangle Park has transformed into the glistening Unified Trust Company Ice Rink. The Lexington community can come and enjoy ice skating, local shops and restaurants, and a picturesque view of downtown Lexington.

From Nov. 14 through Jan. 18, the rink will be open on Monday to Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 1:30 to 9 p.m.

When Fayette Co. Schools aren’t in session, the rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Skates can be rented for $11, and include ninety minutes on the ice. DoubleH BBQ serves coffee and hot chocolate for chilled skaters. The rink is within walking distance of the UK’s campus and students can take the Lextran bus route 24.

Dennis Hyde, general manager of the ice rink, said that setting up the rink is about a two-week process and there are multiple groups that help with the process.

“Snow doesn’t bother us,” Hyde said. “Our biggest weather risk is rain.”

Destiny Oakley, a business management freshman, said “Listening to Christmas music and gracefully gliding on the ice with her friends really got me into the holiday spirit.”

The rink plays Christmas music for the skaters, and the Christmas tree is going up at the entrance of the park on Nov. 27 during the Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event will also include a holiday market with local vendors and a concert series called Holiday Live! The festivities are from 2 – 7 p.m. Lexington will also host a holiday parade on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. on Main Street.

“What is fun to see is families coming down there,” Hyde said. “It’s a beautiful back drop.”

The ice rink is open until Jan. 18.