San Francisco Outdoor Ice Skating

When I walked by the ice rink setups a couple of weeks ago, it was almost 70 degrees outside -- an unlikely habitat for holiday ice. I spent a few years in Southern California, trying (and failing) to reconcile myself to egg nog in the desert. So, I'm happy to see that although it's not quite tundra cold, a drop in the mercury and a bit of mist are a much better match for winter skating at both Justin Herman Plaza and Union Square.

The Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center is now open through January 4, as is the Union Square Holiday Ice Rink -- a bit smaller than its Embarcadero sibling, but with the added feature of rink-side seating for coffee drinkers and spectators.

See full details as well as information on other Bay Area outdoor rinks: Outdoor Ice Skating in San Francisco.

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Holiday tree lightings around town started on November 23 with the Pier 39 ceremony. The Macy's, Ghirardelli, Castro and Jack London trees have their day on the 28th.

^{Photo © Ingrid Taylar}