Public Invited to Ring In the Season With “Lights On” Celebration, New Illuminated Public Art
November 19, 2021
SALT LAKE CITY – The John W. Gallivan Utah Center (“The Gallivan Center”) will re-open its seasonal ice rink tonight, Friday, November 19, 2021. Starting at 6 p.m., people can lace up their skates at Downtown’s only ice rink, located on the city block bordered by Main Street, State Street, 200 South, and 300 South.
The following Friday, November 26, 2021, from 4-7 p.m. the public is invited to take part in Gallivan’s annual “Lights On” wintertime celebration when at 5:30 p.m. thousands of holiday lights adorning the plaza will be turned on, with a 54-foot tree at the center of it all. This event is coordinated in partnership with Millie’s Princess Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping families affected by childhood cancer. The proceeds earned throughout the night will allow the Foundation’s children to skate free of cost. Notable guests in attendance include some Disney Princesses and the one and only, Santa Claus.
Three, new public art pieces will also call Gallivan home for the winter season. THE BLOCKS is introducing “GLOW,” a glittering sculpture garden consisting of three celestial art pieces from artist Emily Nicolosi that will illuminate the plaza and envelope our community with the spirit of the holidays.
“Last year, for the first time in 26 years, the ice rink did not open for the season because of COVID safety protocols,” explained Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “This winter, we look forward to Gallivan once again providing locals and visitors with an authentic downtown ice-skating experience, which will be made that much more magical by the plaza’s holiday lights and seasonal public art pieces.”
Weather permitting, the ice rink will remain open through the end of February 2022. The price of admission is $10 for adults and $9 for children under the age of 13. The rental of skates is included in the admission cost. Groups of 25 or more are eligible to receive a $1 discount per skater. The ice rink’s hours will be Monday through Thursday from 12-9 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., and Sundays from 12-7 p.m., with special holiday hours December 20 through January 1. Skaters can warm up and refuel at the Gallivan Center’s concession stand where hot chocolate, coffee, and an array of snacks will be available for purchase.
Complete ice rink operation details and information on all Gallivan’s upcoming events are available at https://thegallivancenter.com/.
About the Gallivan Center:
The John W. Gallivan Utah Center is a year-round open space and urban area destination in the heart of Downtown Salt Lake City that serves a variety of uses. The Gallivan Center’s grass amphitheater, public plazas, banquet center, public ice rink, and art installations serve as the hub for concerts, exhibits, workshops, debates and lectures, public gatherings, festivals, and holiday celebrations. Operating for nearly three decades, the Gallivan Center enhances Downtown’s sense of community and vibrancy by fostering diverse and inclusive recreational, educational, artistic, and entertainment experiences for families and individuals of all ages. It is owned and managed by the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City, which has been investing in the City’s neighborhoods and business districts to improve livability, spark economic growth, and foster authentic communities since 1969.