‘Tis The Season! Ice Skating Returns To Strawberry Banke Today

Weeks of preparation have lead to what's referred to as 'Frozen Friday' in one of Portsmouth's most historic sections.

After stuffing yourself silly on Thanksgiving, it's time to burn off the mashed potatoes, pies, and rolls consumed. For the sixth straight season, Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond will be the destination for local skaters young and old, with historic building of Strawberry Banke as a backdrop. According to Seacoast Online, more than 20,000 people are expected over the season, which started Black Friday AM at 9.

Getting the rink ready is far from an easy task. Lawrence J. Yerdon, president and CEO of Strawbery Banke Museum told Seacoast Online "Each year, it takes a significant amount of carefully orchestrated teamwork to get the seasonal ice skating rink at Labrie Family Skate at Puddle Dock Pond open in time for Thanksgiving weekend.”

Hours range from 9am to 9pm, weather permitting, except for Christmas Day and shortened hours on Christmas Eve. Tickets are $6 for children, $9 for adults during off-peak hours; and $9 for children, $12 for adults during peak hours. Don't have skates?  Rentals are $6 and skate sharpening is $7 if yours needs some sprucing. Also, active duty military and their families and veterans are admitted free.