Winter Village returns to Curtis Hixon Park Nov. 20 with an ice rink, shops and River of Lights cruises

TAMPA - Winter Village opens Friday, Nov. 20, at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and runs through Jan. 3, according to the event's website. The village, at 600 N. Ashley Drive along the Tampa Riverwalk, is presented by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Entry to the village is free and open to all ages, the site says. The ice rink charges $17 per skater, or $15 for children under 12, which includes skate rental and 75 minutes on the ice. Skating uses timed, paperless tickets sold online, and tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Shops run by local small businesses and a cafe sell gifts, food and drinks.

River of Lights cruises on the Pirate Water Taxi leave from the village's Stop #12 with departures at 5:15, 6:15, 7:15 and 8:15 p.m., plus an adults' happy hour cruise at 9:15 p.m., according to the Friends of the Riverwalk calendar, which lists cruises beginning Nov. 20.

Source: Winter Village Tampa; Friends of the Riverwalk: River of Lights.