An outdoor ice-skating rink returns to The Bowl at Ballantyne on Nov. 21, running through Jan. 10, with a holiday food drive benefiting local families.

Ice Skating at The Bowl, located inside TD Amp Ballantyne at 11115 Upper Ave., will double as a food donation site for Ballantyne Families Helping Neighbors in Need (BFHNIN), a nonprofit that provides food assistance to families connected to 12 area public schools. Donation bins will sit beside the skate rental station throughout the season, according to The Charlotte Weekly.

Pantry requests to BFHNIN more than tripled last school year, jumping from 336 to 1,126, according to The Bowl's event page. About one in five students in the schools the nonprofit serves qualifies for free or reduced-price meals.

"The need for food assistance continues to grow and isn't always visible in our community," said Heather McAfee, executive director of BFHNIN. "Donating a meal kit is an easy way to help families experience a more joyful holiday season."

Requested donations include canned chicken, black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced potatoes, mixed vegetables, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, evaporated milk, biscuit mix, bouillon cubes, chili seasoning packets and cream of chicken soup.

Jingle Bowl launch event

The season opens with Jingle Bowl on Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features free selfies with Santa, photo opportunities with Frozen princesses, holiday crafts and a live DJ. Bentley's Flower Truck will sell holiday bouquets, and the first 100 guests get one free.

Tickets and hours

General admission costs $20 per person and $15 for children ages 5 and under, with skate rentals included. Guests who bring their own skates pay $18. Sessions last one hour. Military and first responder discounts are available in person with valid ID.

Regular hours run Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.

Holiday hours:

  • Thanksgiving break (Nov. 25-27): noon to 10 p.m.
  • Winter break (Dec. 20-Jan. 2): noon to 10 p.m., with Saturday hours starting at 11 a.m.
  • Christmas Eve: noon to 6 p.m.
  • Christmas Day: 3 to 10 p.m.

The rink will close during inclement weather. Tickets purchased for weather closures will be rescheduled or refunded.

Deals and partners

Seasonal partners include Novant Health Ballantyne Medical Center, Shear Excellence and Wegmans. Christina Thigpen, senior vice president of marketing and communications at Northwood Office, said the partnership with Novant Health and BFHNIN is returning for another year.

Skaters can flash their tickets for 20% off at Honeysuckle Gelato or a free order of Donut Dots at Postino, dine-in only, one per table.

Tickets are available online at thebowlnc.com or in person during rink hours.