If you get all your shopping done by Saturday afternoon (I know, what shopping?) you can stop by St. Paul's Rice Park for the city’s annual ceremonial lighting of the giant holiday tree. And while you're there, check out the annual grand opening of the outdoor skating rink at nearby Landmark Plaza.

The festivities run from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, with the St. Paul Police Band Drum Line, St. Paul Figure Skating Club and the cast of the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts’ “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.”

Mayor Chris Coleman will flip the switch to light the 90-foot tree, which they claim rivals New York City’s centerpiece at Rockefeller Center. The Rice Park tree will remain lit by more than 30,000 energy-efficient LED lights, 24 hours a day through the end of the year.

WinterSkate is a free outdoor refrigerated ice rink adjacent to Landmark Plaza that will stay open through Feb. 1. In addition to a warming house, hot chocolate and snacks, skate rental is available on-site for $2 per person.

The park really does look pretty this time of year.