PENDLETON — A jolly man in a bright red suit will again trade his sleigh for a ride in a Zamboni and visit to the Pendleton Ice Rink.

A tradition for Pendleton Parks and Recreation, the annual “Skate with Santa” returns on Thursday, Dec. 21, at Roy Raley Park, 1205 SW Court Ave., in Pendleton. In addition to the opportunity to take photos with Santa on the ice, there will be kids games and activities on the ice.

“This is something we do every year. It’s a feel-good event for the community,” Parks and Rec director Liam Hughes said.

Skate with Santa runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but Hughes said he cautions attendees that although the event runs for three hours, Santa will not be there the whole time. Families hoping to catch candid photos with the big guy should arrive to the event close to the opening, especially if they want to watch Santa arrive.

The Roy Raley Ice Rink does use actual ice, not an artificial surface, and it is cold. Families should make sure to dress warmly, including gloves, for the best experience.

All activities, skating and skate rentals are free, and there will be warm drinks available for purchase at the concession stand. Families are allowed to bring their own food to the skate rink, but glass containers and alcohol are prohibited.

In addition to the free Skate with Santa, Thursday will also mark the start of special holiday break hours at the ice rink. During the Pendleton School District winter break — Dec. 21 to Jan. 1 — the ice rink is open from noon to 8 p.m. every day except Dec. 25. The ice rink is closed on Christmas Day.

On Jan. 2, the rink will return to general hours of operation from 3:30-6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 3:30-8 p.m. on Fridays and noon-8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The season

In general, the rink operates from late November until early February; however, multiple days of warm temperatures may cause temporary closures to rebuild the ice. All unexpected closures are announced on the Pendleton Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

There is one more special event planned for this ice rink season: the Ice Carnival on Jan. 29. As a special event for a no-school day, the Ice Carnival will feature free time to skate, free skate rentals, games and prizes. Staff from Pendleton Parks and recreation will provide supervision and activities for children age 10 and older.

General admission is $3 for those who bring their own ice skates or $5 for skating plus skate rental. Season passes are available for $45, and 10-visit punch cards can be purchased for $35. Skates are available in youth sizes up to men’s 13.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit pendletonparksandrec.com or call 541-276-8100.

Santa will take a break from presents to take turns at Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort on Sunday, Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon. The ski area closes at 1 p.m. that day (lift tickets are discounted by $5 for Christmas Eve.)

Anthony Lakes will be open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 1. Bag of Hammers will play live on Saturday, Dec. 30, from 3-6 p.m.

Daily lift tickets can be purchased online at anthonylakes.com. Tickets are $50 adults, $45 ages 13-18, college and military, $35 for ages 7-12, and free for 6 and younger or 70 and older. After 1 p.m., lift tickets are discounted by $10.

A Sno-Park permit is required and can be purchased at Anthony Lakes, The Trailhead in Baker City, CJ’s Country Store in North Powder, or in La Grande at Mountain Works and Blue Mountain Outfitters. An annual permit is $25, a three-day pass is $9 and a daily permit is $4.

Anthony Lakes is 35 miles from Baker City and 46 miles from La Grande. If traveling on Interstate 84, take exit 285 at North Powder and follow the ski area signs.

Although warm, wet weather has delayed the ice rink at Enterprise City Park in Wallowa County, the rink is up and organizer hope to open it soon.

During operation, the rink is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily for open skating, with the exception of adult hockey on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11 a.m.

Updates on posted on Facebook. Search for Wallowa Valley Community Ice Rink.