Union Station holiday rink is back in business

Lace up your skates — another skating rink is now officially open in the heart of Toronto, promising to give visitors a special and unique outdoor experience.

Set against the backdrop of Union Station on Front Street, the idea of the holiday skating rink came from the events team who had a vision to create a space for moments of joy during the festive season with a truly Canadian winter activity — skating.

Union Holiday — in partnership with TD — will also be providing free skate rentals thanks to Bauer for those who don’t have a pair.

Officials say you don’t need to be an experienced skater to enjoy the ice.

“Whether you are an avid skater, someone enjoying the free skate rentals lacing up a pair for the first time, or just out for good, old fashioned family fun, we know that this rink will put a smile on your face,” officials said in a release.

The only downside of the free rink is that registrations are required to book a 45 minute skate session.

To ensure the safety of all skaters, the rink will be enforcing COVID-19 protocols that strictly adhere to Ontario Public Health guidelines.

It’s recommended that all patrons be vaccinated and masks are mandatory while on the Union Holiday grounds, including the rink.

In order to help with social distancing on the ice, the rink will be operating at a reduced capacity of 25 people.

Union Holiday opens Monday and runs until Jan. 2.  Some retailers will also be on hand to help with any holiday shopping, including an exclusive Bauer pop-up store.

Visitors are being encouraged to share their memories of the holiday experience using #TDUnionHoliday and tagging @torontounion.

Union and TD will donate $1 to United Way for each social media post with that hashtag.