It's that time of year again. The holiday season is -- at last! -- here. And since most of you cannot afford to go on a rabid shopping spree, what second-best way to get into the holiday spirit -- other than, you know, giving -- than by hitting the ice at Union Square. Starting today the Union Square Ice Rink is open for business.

Private groups can book functions on Mondays and Tuesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and from 8 to 10 p.m. (Perfect for that Holidays On Ice party you've been dying to throw, Marissa Mayer!) The chuck on change to for a private party is $1,500 for a single session and $2,750 for a double session. (No private parties allowed after December 16.)

For us plebeians, public skate is as follows:

November 12 - January 4
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday
10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Friday–Saturday

Admission:
$8 adults
$4 children 8 and under

Until then, practice your back flips like Surya Bonaly.