In December 2005, The Charles Hotel reopened its ice skating rink, The Rink at The Charles Hotel.  To welcome guests for the 2005-2006 season The Charles Hotel coordinated with the Harvard Square Business Association to host the annual Sparklefest.  Sparklefest is a full day of discount shopping and local promotions.  The Charles Hotel, in its first year of involvement, offered free ice skating for the day, along with a performance by National Skating Champions, activities for kids and hosted the official Harvard Square tree lighting ceremony for the people in the community.  The Charles Hotel, with the Harvard Business Square Association, feels strongly that creating these local events gives the Cambridge and Boston people a sense of community.