Photo by Mr. T in DC.

You may not want to think about it, but the onset of winter is inevitable. The temperature is falling, the wind is getting brisker and we’re already talking about the ticket lottery for the White House’s Christmas Tree lighting. But the creeping chill isn’t all bad: for instance, the colder temperatures means that the Ice Rink at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden is reopening soon. The first day of operation for the rink (weather permitting, of course) will be November 13. There will even be free hot chocolate on the first couple of days to warm those bones. The ice rink is one of the city’s most photogenic scenes, especially when the snow starts falling or the Zamboni fires up to clean the ice. It’s also quite fun to skate while surrounded by some of the world’s grandest museums and monuments, especially if you want to get all lovey-dovey with a date.

Admission to the rink this season will cost $7 for adults and $6 for those over 50, under 12 or possessing a school ID. Skates can be rented for $3. The rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays.