WASHINGTON — If the cold weather isn’t hint enough that winter is just around the corner, perhaps the ice skaters at the National Mall will offer proof.

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Ice Rink opened for the season Friday and many folks strapped on their skates to ring in the season.

“It’s such a treat, because you feel like you’re in a painting that’s in the gallery — the one with all the colonial-age men going around in their ice skates,” says one skater. “It’s really fun, and my brother and I really enjoy it.”

Voted one of the top ten outdoor skating rinks by CNN, the ice near 7th Street and Constitution Avenue is a holiday tradition for some.

“Something we do every Christmas Eve, we come here to the sculpture garden and go on the ice rink,” says another skater.

It offers something a little special for parents, too. The Pavilion Cafe, which has a panoramic view of the Sculpture Garden, serves sandwiches, pizzas and salads, as well as an assortment of drinks.

Rink Manager John O’Conner points out, “”Everything from coffee and cocoa to sodas, water, wine and beer. Maybe a couple Jamisons, Bailey’s for your coffee.”

For those who don’t know how to skate, no fear. Group and private lessons are available for skaters of all ages and levels. Call (202) 216-9397 for details.

The rink is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, it stays open an additional two hours, closing at 11 p.m.

Admission is good for two hours, costing $8 for adults and $7 for children, students and seniors. It’s $195 for a season pass. Skate rentals for $3 a pair.

For holiday hours and more information, click here.

WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report.

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