CLEVELAND, Ohio - Holiday Circlefest is turning 25.

The organizers are celebrating by adding a third day of fun.

For the first time in its history, Circlefest will take place Friday through Sunday. This year’s dates are Nov. 30 to Dec. 2.

“It’s been a quarter century of connecting people to the cultural institutions of University Circle, kicking off the holiday season in the district,” says Chris Ronayne, President of University Circle Inc.

“It really does help whet the appetites for things coming at the cultural institutions.”

The fest will start off this year with a polka skate-a-thon on the Rink at Wade Oval, from 5 – 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30. The Chardon Polka Band will perform.

“We decided to make it a multi-day fest to encourage people to explore at different times of the day,” says Ronayne. “There’s nothing like night skating under the lights at Wade Oval. We wanted to add a fun Cleveland angle to it with polka.”

Employees of University Circle institutions and businesses will receive free admission. The Rink will be decorated by new illuminated animal decorations, in homage to when the area was the first home to Cleveland’s Zoo, prior to 1916.

For the second year in a row, Saturday will include an outdoor market. From 1 to 7 p.m., Constantino’s Holiday Market will feature jewelry, home goods, apparel and specialty foods. There will also be food trucks on site. The Rink will be open and there will be free horse-drawn carriage rides and ice carving demonstrations.

Saturday evening will feature two 25th anniversary performances: the Singing Angels at 5:30 p.m. and “Fire Art” by Fire and Light Performing Arts at 6:30.

“We learned last year that people really appreciate the chance to buy local, the market was really busy last year. People are looking for something a little different. … We wanted to celebrate all things Cleveland for our 25th, from the Chardon Polka Band to the Singing Angels,” says Ronayne.

On Sunday, the traditional Circle fest highlight will take place: free entrance to University Circle museums, schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations, with activities, performances and shopping at most.

A free Neighborhood Shuttle will run from 12:30-7:30 p.m. to bring guests from Hough, Glenville and Fairfax to the event. The Market will be open again Sunday from 1 – 7 p.m. and there will also be ice skating, food trucks and carriage rides.

As has become tradition, Circlefest will conclude with The Cleveland Museum of Art’s Winter Lights Lantern Procession at 5:30 p.m., featuring handmade puppets and lanterns.

“Circlefest began to celebrate the University Circle institutions and give people who might not be financially able the chance to visit the institutions. It’s about access and showcasing what’s going on here 364 other days of the year – reminding people what’s in their own backyard.”