Skate into the holiday season at the Rink at Belmar

Even though it's not that nippy, the skate must go on at Belmar today, where the shopping center rink will open for the season with a toy drive for Cops Fighting Cancer. Bring a new toy to donate, and you'll hit the ice for free; without a contribution, skate for the regular admission fee of $4 to $6 (skate rentals are an additional $3). Either way, you'll grind your axels to the tune of live music all day.

See also: - Southwest Airline skating rink security enhancements: Kenny Be's Worst-Case Scenario - The Rink at Belmar

The Rink at Belmar will remain open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from now through through January 8, and weekends through February 24, with lots of special events to make your holidays sing and your figure eights more interesting. Weekly Tuesday Date & Skate Nights begin tomorrow and run from 5 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday; it's a two-for-one deal for both rink-time and a meal at any of several participating Belmar eateries (vouchers available at the rink). And ice sculpture competitions and Skate with Santa sessions for the little ones are scheduled periodically throughout the holiday season.

If that doesn't call to your inner Apolo Ohno, nothing will; serious enthusiasts can even upload a frequent skater punch-card app on their smartphones. To learn everything you'll need to know before lacing up, visit the website or call the hotline at 303-742-1525.

• Family
• Holidays
• Outdoors