Photos by Rachel Nemeh and Marianna Hauglie
Hundreds of people gathered in CityScape to celebrate the opening of downtown’s seasonal ice rink and the start of the holiday season on Saturday afternoon.
The crowd listened to carols led by several different groups, including the Arizona Vocal Project and Vchord, and watched figure skating performances by Polar Ice-Peoria and Skating Club of Phoenix.
Attendees of all ages took part in face painting and food. Santa arrived later in a fire truck to meet a long line of excited children.
As skaters spun around the rink, the sun set over downtown and CityScape began to glow with holiday lights. The merriment continued after dark as Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton led the lighting of CityScape’s Christmas tree.
The ice rink will be open through Jan. 5.
