Almost all of the outdoor ice rinks in San Francisco and around the Bay Area have a short season, due to what would be considered in colder climes, our mild weather. Our ponds don't freeze and the Zambonis live indoors. In San Francisco, three outdoor rinks are open from November to January each year. Below you'll also find some seasonal rinks in other Bay Area cities, including a permanent Palo Alto rink with a longer skating season.
If you have a favorite outdoor rink in San Francisco or around the Bay Area missing from this list, please use this event submission form to send details for possible inclusion.
1. Embarcadero Center Ice Rink
Photo © Ingrid Taylar
The Embarcadero ice skating rink at Justin Herman Plaza opens in conjunction with the lighting ceremony at Embarcadero Center. In 2008, the ice rink will be open from November 12, 2008 to January 4, 2009.
Location: Justin Herman Plaza - See map
2008 Ice Rink Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10am to 11:30pm
Regular admission (until 6pm) is $8.00 for adults and $4.50 for seniors and for children 10 and under. After 6pm, adult admission is $8.50 and the senior and youth rate is $5.00. Skate rentals are $3.50 and group rates are available.
The rink may close in bad weather or due to a private booking. Check the website for updated closed sessions and days.
2. Union Square Ice Rink
Photo © Ingrid Taylar
In 2008, the Union Square Ice Rink will be open from November 12, 2008 to January 4, 2009. Even if you don't skate, the addition of the rink on the square makes for an interesting visual if you're grabbing an outdoor cup of coffee or a bite to eat at the nearby Emporio Rulli cafe.
Location: Union Square - See map
2008 Ice Rink Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 10pm
- Friday & Saturday: 10am to 11:30pm
Regular admission, from 10am to 6pm (Mon to Fri) is $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 8 and under. From Friday 6pm until closing on Sunday, there's a 50 cent surcharge. Skate rental is $4.00 or $5.00 for hockey skates.
Also at Union Square: Macy's Holiday Tree and Macy's & SF/SPCA Holiday Windows.
3. Reindeer Romp at San Francisco Zoo
The San Francisco Zoo offers outdoor ice skating as part of its seasonal Reindeer Romp -- in 2008, from November 22, 2008 until January 1, 2009 (closed Christmas Day).
Skating is done in the context of a zoo visit, so the general cost is $8 (skating and skate rental) in addition to zoo admission cost. San Francisco residents with proof of residence get discounts at the zoo. And, the zoo offers package deals which incorporate admission plus skating fees at a reduced price. See the Reindeer Romp website for full details.
Location: Sloat & Great Highway - See map
2008 Ice Rink Hours:
- Daily: 11am to 5pm
- Check website for evening skate announcements
4. Winter Lodge Ice Rink (Palo Alto)
Winter Lodge is a permanent outdoor rink, on Middlefield Road, west of 101. The 2008/2008 season runs from September 29, 2008 to April 11, 2009. Winter Lodge offers public skating sessions as well as lessons for both kids and adults.
Winter Lodge offers public skating every day, for at least one session. On Wednesdays and Fridays, you'll find a full day's worth of skating opportunities with three public sessions -- from 8am to 10am, then from 3pm to 5pm, and again from 8pm to 10pm. Check the Winter Lodge season schedule for full details.
Admission is $8.00 with a $3.00 skate rental fee. You can purchase discount admission cards for multiple sessions.
Location: 3009 Middlefield Rd - See map
5. Downtown on Ice (Walnut Creek)
The 2008 Walnut Creek Ice Rink will be open from November 13, 2008 to January 25, 2009. The ice rink is at Civic Center Park, near the intersection of Civic Drive and North Broadway.
Location: 1365 Civic Dr - See map
2008 Ice Rink Hours:
- Mon to Thu: 10am to 10pm
- Fri & Sat: 10am to 11pm
- Sun: 11am to 8pm
Admission is $15 per skater, including skate rental -- or $11 per skater including skate rental (during off-peak hours).
6. Downtown Ice (San Jose)
Downtown Ice in San Jose is open from November 14, 2008 to January 11, 2009. The outdoor ice rink is part of the greater Downtown San Jose for the Holidays festivities which include the Winter Wonderland with amusement rides and gift market, as well as Christmas in the Park holiday decorations and Santa event.
Location: 120 S Market - See map
2008 Ice Rink Hours - Nov 29 to Dec 18:
- Sun: Noon to 10pm
- Mon to Thu: 5pm to 10pm
- Fri: 5pm to Midnight
- Sat: Noon to midnight
Dec 18 to Jan 3:
- Daily: Noon to Midnight
- Christmas: 2pm to Midnight
- New Year's Eve: Noon to 10pm
- New Year's Day: 2pm to Midnight
Check the Downtown Ice website for additional dates and hours