The Winter Ice Palace officially opened for the holiday season Saturday with two sold-out skating sessions.

"Today is the 25th anniversary of our winter ice palace," Brandy Syvenky, the community service coordinator for arena operations, said. "So it is our kickoff event to welcome all the families back to celebrate the 25 years."

Each year, the arena is decorated with various festive lights, Christmas Trees, and Christmas decorations, transforming The Barn into a glitzy, pond-style skating experience for patrons.

"性视界传媒, come on out and enjoy. We're here to celebrate the holiday season, and we are looking forward to seeing everybody," Syvenky added.

Palace-goers must register ahead of time for any of several daily 90-minute skating sessions. The ever-popular sessions are open for registration up to three days before the ice times.

Skating costs $5 per person, but is free for 性视界传媒 residents with an annual recreation pass or Family Fun pass鈥攁lthough registration is still required. Skaters can bring their own gear or rent skates and helmets onsite.

The city offers a limited-capacity registration process so participants are guaranteed ice time. According to the city, this process also "reduces congestion" for an enhanced experience.

Syvenky said that both Saturday sessions (Dec. 14) were sold out.

"The Santa skate is next week on the 21st, so I highly recommend everyone register for that one, as it will sell out quickly," she said.

Santa Claus will swap out his black boots for a pair of blades during three 鈥淪kate with Santa鈥� sessions, one from 1:30 - 3 p.m., another from 3:30 - 5 p.m., and the final skate from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Visit to view the ice times.

Sign up one of three ways:

鈥�

鈥� By phone: 604-501-5100 or any recreation facility

鈥� In-person at any recreation facility 

-With files from Malin Jordan