When it's winter and the holidays, San Franciscans' thoughts turn to ice. And ice skating. Luckily we have rinks right here to glide on, including a couple that pop up in the city center just for the holidays.
1. Embarcadero Center Ice Rink
Embarcadero's Holiday Ice Rink. Photo by Hyatt Regency San Francisco.
San Francisco’s biggest outdoor rink in the city is set amidst a wide-open plaza, next to the stately Ferry Building and waterfront. No wonder the Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center is so popular.
At Justin Herman Plaza, adjacent to 4 Embarcadero Center.
Hours: Open Nov. 9 – Jan. 8, 2012. Sunday - Thursday: 10 am-10 pm. Friday & Saturday: 10 am-11:30 pm.
Admission:
Weekdays (Monday through 6 pm on Friday): $9 for adults; $5.50 for seniors and children ages 10 & under.
Weekends (Friday at 6 pm through Sunday night): $9.50 adults; $6 seniors and kids ages 10 & under.
Skate rental $3.50
Info: http://www.embarcaderocenter.com or (415) 837-1931.
2. Union Square Ice Rink
The ice rink at Union Square. Photo by Jerry Jasmine.
An oasis in a shopping desert, this rink gives you the option of skating til you drop in Union Square. While you’re at it, admire the real Macy’s Christmas tree hovering nearby. The Union Square Ice Rink’s Facebook page runs trivia contests and alerts about special promotions.
At Geary & Powell, in Union Square.
Hours: Open Nov. 9 through Jan. 16, 2012. Daily 10 am-11:30 pm. Closes at 9:30 pm on Dec. 31.
Admission:
$10 for adults; $6 for children ages 8 & under.
Skate rental $5.
Info: http://unionsquareicerink.com.
3. Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center
Outdoor rinks too cold for you? Head inside, to Yerba Buena’s heated rink. The ice skating center, perched on the roof of Moscone Convention Center, is open all year. Public skating, lessons, and special programs for adults, hockey players and figure skaters are all here--with added public skating sessions during late December.
On the rooftop at Yerba Buena Gardens, 750 Folsom St.
Hours: Open daily year-round (including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day); hours vary.
Admission: $9 adults; $8 for ages 13-17; $5, $7 for younger ages.
Skate rental $3.
Info: http://skatebowl.com/Ice_Center/Public/index.htm or (415) 820-3521.
4. Downtown Ice, San Jose
More than 8,000 square feet of ice, encircled by palm trees? No, not in Hawaii, but in Silicon Valley. This seasonal outdoor rink in downtown San Jose is open daily, until as late as midnight. Kristi Yamaguchi is a sponsor of the rink, so the ice should be fit for champions.
At 120 S. Market St., San Jose.
Hours: Open daily Nov. 18 - Jan. 29, 2012; hours vary.
Admission (includes skate rental): $15 for people ages 11 and above; $13 for ages 10 and under.
Info: http://www.sjdowntown.com/downtownice.html or (408) 291-0525.
5. Winter Lodge
After twirling on the ice, you can warm your toes at the fireplaces in Winter Lodge. The facility has plenty of open skate sessions and offers skating and hockey lessons, too.
At 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto.
Hours: Open from late September through mid-April. Closed Thanksgiving; Dec. 24 & 25; Dec. 31 at 5 pm; Jan. 1.
Admission: $8; discounted multiple-admission cards are available.
Skate rental $4.
Info: http://winterlodge.com/ or (650) 493-4566.
