Where to Ice Skate in San Francisco
Snow may never fall in San Francisco, but that doesn't mean you can't lace up your skates and get out on the ice.
If you're looking to ice skate this holiday season, you don't have to leave the city. Here's everything you need to know about the four ice skating rinks in San Francisco, each with its own special moments of holiday cheer.
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square
The Union Square rink is open through Jan. 15, 2024. Put on some ice skates and enjoy the holiday fun any time from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. A new 60-minute skating session begins every even hour, so you’ll get plenty of time no matter when you show up. Hours will be extended on weekdays from Dec. 18 to 29 to accommodate as much holiday revelry as possible!
A number of special events are planned at the rink this season:
- "Simba Saturdays," presented by Kaiser Permanente and Disney's "The Lion King" (playing at the Orpheum Theater, Nov. 22 - Dec. 30), invite guests to glide across a golden-hued wonderland, transporting every skater to the heart of the Pride Lands. Sway and skate to the iconic tunes from the original Broadway cast recording of this legendary production. Whether skaters are mastering their roar or their rink moves, families of all ages will find magic on the ice. A roaring good time awaits with special giveaways for the first 100 guests at each session. (5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. sessions only.)
- On "Flashback Fridays," skaters are encouraged to don their finest shoulder pads and leg warners and celebrate the '80s. Skate and sing along to classic hits by Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Madonna, Lionel Richie, and more! (Nov. 10, Dec. 8, and Jan. 12 only; 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions.)
- Don’t miss out on the rink's most popular event: "Drag Queens on Ice"! Be a part of the fun, frivolity, and fabulousness on Dec. 7, starting at 6:30 p.m. If you dare, skate with the queens as they mingle and warm-up for their performances, or just grab a spot around the rink to watch the fiercest Bay Area drag queens give it their all
- "Silent Skate" returns for one night only on Thursday, December 14! It’s a silent disco that transports skaters to an on-ice dance party like no other. Lace up your skates, don a cool pair of headphones, and skate the night away with WiLD 94.9's Magic Matt, Star 101.3's Janine Da Feen, and Bay Area DJ Von, spinning your favorite tunes.
- Start the New Year off in your swimsuit, on the ice in the middle of Union Square! The popular "Polar Skate" invites guests to wear their wildest and most inventive beach attire, in hopes of walking away with cool prizes, awarded on theme, originality, and overall appearance. (Jan. 1, 2024; 2:30 p.m.)
Ice skating at the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square costs $20 for adults and $15 for kids 8 and under. These prices include skate rentals, though it’s an extra $6 to rent a skate helper for kids. The ice skating rink is in the heart of Union Square, near Powell and Geary streets.
Thrive City Winter Wonderland
Ready to feel like a champion? Glide into the holiday season at Winter Wonderland Ice Skating in Thrive City! This new seasonal rink in the heart of Mission Bay will let you skate at the Golden State Warriors' front door. Don your best holiday attire and snap a great photo while enjoying holiday treats and activities for the whole family.
Skate sessions are limited and are scheduled around previously announced Chase Center events. All sessions are a maximum of 30 minutes and begin each available day at 11 a.m. Skate rentals available on site.
Yerba Buena Ice Skating
If you want to keep skating after the holidays are over, head to the Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center. This indoor, heated rink is open year-round, including Christmas and New Year’s Day! And as the name suggests, it even features a bowling alley for when you need a break from skating.
This rink is located at 750 Folsom Street in the picturesque Yerba Buena Gardens. The cost to skate here is $14 per person, plus $5 to rent skates.
The Yerba Buena rink adds extra public skate sessions in December and January. Be advised that the rink will be closed Nov. 15-17, 2023.
Tyler is the Sr. Manager of Global Content & Communications at San Francisco Travel. He has lived in San Francisco since 2015 and has been part of the San Francisco Travel team for just as long. He enjoys splashy production numbers and outdoor sporting events equally, which means you can usually find him at one of San Francisco’s many great theaters or at Oracle Park, cheering on the Giants.
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