If you wanted to get out for a skate on this river this Christmas day, you're in luck. 

The Forks announced yesterday the a small portion of the Red River Mutual Trail is now open to the public. 

The trail doesn't usually open until January, but with the recent cold snap The Forks was able to open the skating rink portion. 

“We’re thrilled to be opening part of the Red River Mutual Trail before the holidays for the first time since 2013,” says Paul Jordan, Chief Executive Officer, The Forks in a release. “Thanks to a few cold snaps early in the season, we were able to complete the skating rink in The Forks Historic Port, and we’re optimistic about extending the trail in the coming week.”

The opening of the trail signals the unofficial opening bell for winter in the city. Over the next six weeks, the frozen river will host a number of events, including Iron Man Curling Bonspiel, pop up restaurant Raw:almond and events linked to Festival du Voyageur.

“The Red River Mutual Trail connects neighbourhoods and allows people to explore our city from a totally different perspective,” says Jordan. “Our calendar is packed with outdoor events at The Forks, and the cold of winter doesn’t seem to be slowing us down – in fact it’s just the opposite.”

The 2018 Warming Hut design competition winners will be unveiled on the river in late January. 

For more information in winter programming and events at the river trail, visit theforks.com.