The year's end is traditionally a time to spend with friends and family. It's also the start of winter, and nothing feels more seasonal than dashing and gliding on ice.

The Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is providing families with a fun activity to do together with their annual Art Rink event, which takes place into the new year. The event, celebrating its seventh year, takes place amid centennial commemorations of the completion of the Red Brick complex's Building No. 2. There will be an outdoor skating rink that takes up most of the plaza in front of Building No. 1 for everyone to enjoy.

On Christmas Eve, guests will be able to participate in the "Thanks Candles" event from sunset till 8 p.m. Basically, in the Japanese tradition of writing down hopes and wishes, visitors can purchase a candle and write down what they are thankful for or scribble their hopes for the new year. Later in the evening, the candles will be displayed in shapes and patterns that will illuminate the rink, which should make for a romantic skating experience.

Kids who can't skate needn't fret, there will be lessons for children throughout the day.

Art Rink in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse takes place through Feb. 26 at the plaza infront of Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse 1st Building. Open from 11 a.m. till 10 p.m. (till 5 a.m. on New Year's Eve). Admission is ¥500 (skate rental is also ¥500). For more information, please visit www.yokohama-akarenga.jp/artrink2011.