Media Contact: Jake Knoll, downtowndcbid@berlinrosen.com
DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular Opens at National Building Museum
Presented by Events DC in partnership with the DowntownDC BID and the National Building Museum, this FREE indoor skating experience features a state-of-the-art synthetic ice rink in the iconic Great Hall from December 16, 2024 – January 4, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 16, 2024) – The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), the National Building Museum, and Events DC are thrilled to announce the launch of the DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular—a unique, free indoor skating experience that transforms the National Building Museum’s majestic Great Hall into a winter wonderland.
Running from December 16, 2024, through January 4, 2025, the event offers a holiday activity like no other. Guests can glide across a cutting-edge synthetic ice rink, open Thursday through Monday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, at the National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.
This enchanting activation is part of the DowntownDC BID’s #BeDowntownfortheHolidays2024 campaign and features specialty-themed skating nights including Taylor Swift & Holiday Songs, Beyoncé Night, 90’s Hip Hop, Madonna & Lady Gaga, and more. Highlights include the Washington Capitals “Rock the Rink” theme night on Saturday, December 28, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, inviting hockey fans to celebrate in style and enjoy the special Capitals Hockey Holidays Lounge for the entire season.
Skating is free for all visitors. Skate rentals are available for a $5 fee, size and availability may vary. Special sessions tailored for young children ensure fun for skaters of all ages. Visit www.downtowndc.org for more details.
“A Downtown holiday ice skating rink was at the top of my Christmas list, and I’m so proud families from across our city and region are going to be able to enjoy it this holiday season,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “We know Downtown has world-class restaurants, arts institutions, theaters, and more. But through innovative partnerships and events, we can ensure Downtown DC is also the place to be for families during the holidays and year-round.”
“The DowntownDC Holiday Skate Spectacular is another reason to be downtown this holiday season. We can’t wait to see everyone out on the ice, having fun and enjoying the holiday spirit,” said Gerren Price, President and CEO, DowntownDC BID. “We’re always looking for new ways to bring folks into our neighborhood, and along with the DowntownDC Holiday Market, the Skate Spectacular is making downtown the most festive neighborhood in the city.”
“We’re so excited to welcome everyone to the National Building Museum for a fun and festive skating experience. Along with our partners at the DowntownDC BID and Events DC, we’re bringing even more holiday cheer to downtown D.C. this season,” said Aileen Fuchs, President and Executive Director, National Building Museum. “So grab your skates, find your balance, and join us on the ice!”
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About DowntownDC Business Improvement District
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District was founded in 1997 and is a private nonprofit organization that provides capital improvements, resources, and research that keep the BID area clean, safe, economically and environmentally strong, and accessible. The DowntownDC BID is a catalyst, facilitator, and thought leader in diversifying the economy, promoting public-private partnerships, and enhancing the downtown experience for all. DowntownDC encompasses a 140-block area of approximately 520 properties, from Massachusetts Avenue on the north, including the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at Mount Vernon Square, to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street/Black Lives Matter Plaza on the west.
About the National Building Museum
Since it was created in 1980 through an act of Congress, the National Building Museum has transformed the public’s understanding of the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning, and design. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events, we welcome visitors of all ages to experience stories about the built world and its power to shape our lives, our communities, and our future. The Museum resides in the historic Pension Building, which contains one of the most awe-inspiring spaces in the nation’s capital: a soaring, expansive Great Hall featuring eight colossal Corinthian columns. On the exterior, a 1,200-foot-long terra cotta frieze wraps the building.
About EventsDC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for the District of Columbia, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus, including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC serves as landlord for Nationals Park, manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and the Entertainment and Sports Arena.