Binghamton Offering Cooler Carousel Rides

The historic carousel in Binghamton's Recreation Park will be open for a few hours this month.

The merry-go-round in the West Side park usually is closed during December. But this year is different.

City officials say this will be the first time the Rec Park carousel will operate during the holiday season.

The decorated carousel is scheduled to be open from 3 to 6 p.m. for the next three Saturdays.

Officials say Santa Claus will be on hand to greet riders, who are advised to dress warmly.

The village of Johnson City has offered December rides on its CFJ Park carousel in recent years. That carousel also will operate for a few hours over the next three Saturdays. It'll be open from 5 to 8 p.m.

As always, rides on both carousels are free of charge.