Lock 3 will kick off the winter season on Friday, Nov. 27, with ice skating, a parade, fireworks and more.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a variety of seasonal activities at the downtown park from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. the day after Thanksgiving.

Guests can take a spin around the rink on ice skates or try their hand at ice bikes or ice bumper cars. 

Ice skaters at Lock 3's ice rink in downtown Akron
Lock 3 opens for winter activities, including ice skating, on Friday, Nov. 27. Credit: (Courtesy of the City of Akron)

How much are Lock 3 ice rink activities?

Ice skating admission plus skate rental is $10. It’s $5 for those who bring their own skates. Double-blade buckle skates, which attach to a child’s shoes, are $8. Skate mates for children 8 years and younger, as well as hats, gloves, socks and locker rentals, will also be available at an additional cost.

Ice bikes are $10 for a 15-minute ride. Riders must be at least 5 feet tall and weigh no more than 250 pounds. Ice bumper cars are $12 for a 10-minute ride. Reservations are recommended Friday through Sunday. Children ages 3 to 6 and under 42 inches must ride with an adult.

Downtown residents receive $5 off skating every Wednesday. College students receive $5 off skating every Thursday with a school ID.

Santa's elves work on toys and presents at the North Pole as part of the department store holiday displays from O’Neil’s and Polsky's department stores at Lock 3. The scenes are on view in the former O'Neil's basement adjacent to Lock 3 Park as part of Winterblast.
Santa’s elves work on toys and presents at the North Pole as part of the department store holiday displays from O’Neil’s and Polsky’s department stores at Lock 3. The lights are on view in the former O’Neil’s basement adjacent to Lock 3 Park as part of Winterblast. (Susan Zake / Signal Akron)

When to see Archie the Talking Snowman and Santa in downtown Akron

Starting Nov. 27, attendees can also explore vintage holiday displays from O’Neil’s and Polsky’s department stores and visit with Archie the Talking Snowman, who will roll into town from 4 to 9 p.m. (Check Lock 3’s website for Archie’s full schedule.) Both the displays and Archie are located near the skate rental area.

Those looking to do a little holiday shopping should check out the Akron Bazaar for handmade gifts from local artisans. The market runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 27, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Be sure to stick around for the Welcome Santa Illuminated Parade, which steps off at 6 p.m. from South Main Street. Afterwards, guests can enjoy fireworks, a drone show and the official holiday lighting of Lock 3.

No winter season would be complete without a visit from Santa. The man with the bag will be at Lock 3 Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. each day.

Chapparells Baton and Drum Corps majorette Mya Saulsberry warms up before the start of Akron's annual Illuminated Holiday Parade during the first day of Winterblast at Lock 3 downtown.
Chapparells Baton and Drum Corps majorette Mya Saulsberry warms up before the start of Akron’s annual Illuminated Holiday Parade during the first day of Winterblast at Lock 3 in downtown in 2025. (Michael Francis McElroy / Signal Akron)

Lock 3’s 2026-27 hours for winter activities

After Nov. 27, Lock 3 will be open for winter activities on the following days:

  • Wednesday – Thursday: 3 to 9 p.m.
  • Friday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lock 3 has special hours on the following holidays:

  • Christmas Eve: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Christmas: Closed
  • New Year’s Eve: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • New Year’s Day: Closed
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Presidents Day: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The last day for winter activities at Lock 3 is Feb. 15, 2027.

Culture & Arts Reporter (she/her)
Brittany is an accomplished journalist who’s passionate about the arts, civic engagement and great storytelling. She has more than a decade of experience covering culture and arts, both in Ohio and nationally. She previously served as the associate editor of Columbus Monthly, where she wrote community-focused stories about Central Ohio’s movers and shakers. A lifelong Ohioan, she grew up in Springfield and graduated from Kent State University.