It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Hillsboro’s Orenco Station, and ’tis the season for skating and light gazing.

Back for the first time since the pandemic, community members will once again put on their coats and lace up their skates for Winter Village at Jerry Willey Plaza, opening Saturday, Nov. 30.

Started in 2015, Winter Village has drawn thousands of community members each year to enjoy the area’s only outdoor ice rink during the chilly season.

The city canceled the attraction last year due to limited resources and safety concerns, prompted by the resignation of a project lead and the unexpected death of Parks & Rec Director Dave Miletich.

Making its grand return, families, couples and students can once again glide on the rink, illuminated by vibrant violet lights in the heart of Orenco Station.

General admission tickets are $19 for those 11 and older, $16 for ages 4-10 and free for ages 3 and under. Ice skating support rentals cost $5.

Skating sessions are first-come, first-served, with tickets available 15 minutes before each session. No pre-sale or online tickets are available.

Open for public skate Wednesday through Sunday, each session lasts an hour. The first session starts at 10 a.m., and the last begins at 7 p.m., with 30-minute breaks in between for resurfacing and maintenance. Each session can accommodate about 55 people.

On Tuesdays, the rink can be reserved for private rentals, ideal for birthday parties, office celebrations and more. Private rentals accommodate approximately 30 skaters per session and cost $300 for three hours.

To register for a private rental, visit Hillsboro-Oregon.gov/Register.

Holiday tree

Although there will not be a formal tree lighting at Orenco Station this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the holiday magic.

A high-tech “holiday tree” will light up Jerry Willey Plaza during Winter Village, offering four-minute rotating light shows that pay tribute to Washington County’s identity as the Silicon Forest.

Winter Village is planned to wrap up Jan. 12 and will be closed for holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 24; Wednesday, Dec. 25; and Wednesday, Jan. 1.

More information about Winter Village and other upcoming seasonal events is available on the city of Hillsboro’s website.