Oakland's first-ever outdoor holiday ice rink will open Friday in the city's historic downtown neighborhood, organizers said.
An opening celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Ninth and Washington streets in the city's Old Oakland neighborhood.
Oakland Central, which is sponsoring the celebration, is a marketing initiative of the Downtown Oakland and the Lake Merritt Uptown District associations.
Organizers are aiming to make the rink an annual tradition.
More than 25,000 visitors are anticipated to skate and twirl each year on the rink, which has been named the Old Oakland Holiday Ice Rink, according to Oakland Central.
This evening, Mayor Libby Schaaf and councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney will attend the celebration.
The rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Jan. 6.
