Though perhaps not a traditional winter wonderland, San Francisco features plenty of spots for ice skaters to get in on some frosty fun.
You read that right: ice skating.
Though it may not be widely known as a mecca for winter sports, San Francisco holds its own with the best of them when it comes to holiday ice skating. If you're looking for some rink time in between the shopping and caroling, these three-holiday rinks will provide the perfect wintertime escape.
1. Union Square Ice Rink
If it wasn't already iconic enough, Union Square, the heart of San Francisco's famed shopping and nightlife district, ups the cool factor with its yearly holiday ice rink. In addition to the public skating opportunities—90-minute sessions that include skate rentals—Union Square Ice Rink features weekend skate lessons and special event nights including Flashback Fridays (11/8, 12/13, 1/10), the Macy's Tree Lighting (11/29), Drag Queens on Ice (12/5), and Polar Bear Skate (1/1).
When: From November 6, 2019, to January 20, 2020
Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults $18, children 8 and under $13 for a 90-minute session including skate rentals
2. Winter Park Ice Rink at Civic Center
After a wildly successful debut year, the Winter Park at Civic Center is returning for an encore performance. Located just outside of San Francisco City Hall, Winter Park is modeled after a world-renowned ice skating rink in Vienna: Austria's City Hall Square. The San Francisco version features a 60 x 100 square-foot rink and a separate skating track set amongst a lighted forest. Special events include a tree lighting ceremony (12/4) and curling lessons every Sunday in December.
When: From November 22, 2019, to January 5, 2020
Hours: Daily from noon to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults $18, children 8 and under $13 for a 75-minute session including skate rentals
3. Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center
If you're looking for a little more space to stretch out, look no future than the Embarcadero Center's Holiday Ice Rink. Touted as the largest rink in the Bay Area, this venerable San Francisco tradition is located in the Embarcadero Plaza and sits just across the street from the historic Ferry Building. The rink is also available for private party bookings throughout the season.
When: From November 22, 2019, to January 5, 2020
Hours: Daily from noon to 10:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults $12, children 7 and under $7 for a 90-minute session. Skate rentals are $5.
