If you thought the Market Square open-air ice rink was a popular place last Friday, you were right.
A record 930 people laced up their skates and did laps on the ice - the most for an opening day since the City started managing the Holidays on Ice rink eight years ago.
"The weather was perfect - sunny and crisp, but not too cold," said Judith Foltz, the City's Director of Special Events. "For a lot of families, ice skating on the Friday after Thanksgiving is a tradition. They look forward to the outdoor rink opening.
"Then, on Friday evening, we kicked off Christmas in the City. Downtown was full of holiday revelers. Santa helped light the Krutch Park Extension tree, and we shot off fireworks, roasted marshmallows, and offered children's activities and train rides on Gay Street. It was a terrific day to enjoy downtown."
Holidays on Ice, presented by Home Federal Bank, continues through Sunday, Jan. 7.
Sponsors of Holidays on Ice include the City of Knoxville, Home Federal Bank, Pilot Flying J, Regal Entertainment, AT&T, WBIR Channel 10, B97.5 FM, the Knoxville News Sentinel, Holston Gases, and the Knoxville Ice Bears.
Admission (which includes skate rental and unlimited skating time) is $11 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under. Season passes are $50 for adults, $35 for children 12 and under.
For information on theme nights and hours of operation, visit www.knoxvilletn.gov/icerink.