Photo by philliefan99.

Ah, the onset of winter. When we start talking about the ticket lottery for the National Christmas Tree lighting, you know it’s not far behind. But with winter comes the return of several much-loved traditions, like taking a spin around the Ice Rink at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden.

This year, the first day of operation for the rink is scheduled for Saturday, November 19, weather permitting. Admission this season has gone up a dollar across the board: it’ll cost $8 for adults and $7 for those over 50, under 12 or in possession of a school ID. (Skates can still be rented for $3.) That’s still a small price to pay, though, for the simple enjoyment one gets from sipping a tasty hot chocolate, lacing up and waiting for the Zamboni to finish its work so you can get to gliding.

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; on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, the rink will close at 5 p.m.