The air is getting colder, and winter is fast approaching. This holiday season, Portsmouth’s Market Square will be the home of Winterfest, a festival with all the winter activities one can imagine. The Market Square Park will be decorated with lights, Christmas trees, and even a skating rink where visitors can glide to their heart’s content.

The festival began Nov. 17 and is scheduled to run through Dec. 31. During that time, visitors to the park can look forward to many events catering to people of all ages. Horse-drawn carriages are available to offer a festive jaunt around the park. While a visit to the Grinch Hut sounds uninviting, festival-goers will find that they can warm up with hot chocolate, coffee and more. Kids who have always wanted to try hockey are in luck, as Winterfest is offering Hockey School once again. All equipment one would need is ready and available at the rink. Beginning Nov. 26, Santa Clause is making a trip down to Portsmouth all the way from the north pole to spread cheer and meet all the boys and girls who have made it on the good list.

Skating is available 4-8 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, noon-8 p.m. on Saturdays and 12-6 p.m. on Sundays. All-day admission to the rink costs only $5. Along with this, Friends of Portsmouth offers the option to donate skate passes to children and families in need thanks to their Boost Our Kids program.

Winterfest is holding its Reindeer Fun Run & Dasher Dash for individuals or teams of three for the second year in a row. Dasher Dash is a 100-meter run for kids ages 10 and younger, while the Reindeer Run is a 5K flat course run that can be enjoyed individually or in a team-based relay style format.

Visit www.friendsofportsmouth.com/winterfest to learn more about times, dates and other events that are offered at Winterfest 2022.