Royal Oak Holidays is in full swing, bringing free ice skating, Santa visits, horse and wagon rides, a downtown elf hunt and an artisan holiday market to the city on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 21.
This weekend features free skating at the downtown rink, sponsored by Oakland County, from 5 p.m. Friday through 9 p.m. Sunday. “Starting this Friday at 5 p.m. through Sunday at 9, you can skate for free,” said event organizer Stephanie McIntyre, during an appearance on Live in the D. “It’s the only weekend at the rink that you can do that.”
The holiday market spotlights local vendors, including Fiber Magic Alpacas — which also brings live alpacas for on-site encounters — statement jewelry by Dana Ashley, and Detroit-made leather goods from Pingree Detroit. Skaters from the Detroit Skating Club are scheduled to perform.
Giving back is part of the lineup: The Bottomless Toy Chest will collect new toys all weekend for children in hospitals. “All of the toys that we bring in are going to help empower children while they’re going through treatment,” said founder Mickey Guisewite.
To watch the segment, click on the video above.
For schedules and details, visit royaloakholidays.com.