Lawrence Winterfest & Skating Rink at Civic Plaza

About this adventure

Lawrence Winterfest brings seasonal merriment to the historic Fort Benjamin Harrison district at the modern Lawrence Civic Plaza. The centerpiece of the celebration is the outdoor community synthetic ice skating rink, open throughout the holiday season for family gliding and skate lessons. The festival kickoff features the lively Winterfest Parade down Otis Avenue, showcasing decorated floats, marching bands, youth sports teams, and Santa Claus. Families can stroll through the holiday vendor market to shop for handcrafted gifts, enjoy live holiday musical performances from the civic pavilion stage, and take photos with Santa and his merry elves. Warm fire pits are scattered around the plaza where children can toast s'mores and sip steaming cups of peppermint hot cocoa under thousands of twinkling holiday lights. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: Modern civic plaza features wide, zero-threshold concrete walkways and paved plaza surfaces perfect for strollers and wagons. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Heated civic restrooms with clean infant changing tables are located adjacent to the skating pavilion and community center. • Age Suitability: Great for toddlers, active children learning to ice skate, teens, and parents. • Sensory Tips: Open-air layout allows families to spread out comfortably; skate aids (walkers) are available for beginners and nervous skaters.