Ice Skating Rinks in San Francisco & Bay Area (Winter 2024-25)
It’s time to strap on those skates and head outdoors (and, in some cases, indoors)
During the winter, there are tons of pop-up ice skating rinks in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area. Here’s our list of the biggest and best rinks. We’ve also included the permanent ice rinks where you can skate year-round.
If we missed any, please leave a comment below to let us know.
– Confirmed & updated as of 10/29/2024.
San Francisco
2024-25 Union Square Ice Rink
– Dates: November 6, 2024 to January 20, 2025
– Where: Union Square, SF
– Cost: $20 for general admission; children 8 and under are $15 (includes skate rental)
A San Francisco holiday tradition in the heart of Union Square, in the shadow of an 83-foot Christmas tree. Fun theme nights include Drag Queens on Ice (Dec. 5), Silent Disco Skate (Dec. 12) and the Polar Bear Skate (Jan. 1). Plus for Opening Day, the first 100 guests skate for free during the 5:30pm and 7pm sessions on November 6, 2024.
– Confirmed 10/31/2024
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2024-25 Yerba Buena Ice Skating (Indoors)
– Dates: Open Year Round
– Where: 750 Folsom St., SF
– Cost: $15 General (Ages 6-54), $9* Toddlers * includes skate rental (5 & under), $13 Senior (55+); $6 skate rental
San Francisco’s only year-round full-service ice skating facility with a large NHL-sized skating rink. Most Mondays they offer a Cheap Skate session which includes free skate rentals from 7:30-9pm. Most Wednesdays, they offer Skater Tots from 10 – 10:45 am which is $20 for an adult and tots including skate rentals.
– Confirmed 10/31/20242024 Thrive City Winter Wonderland
– Dates: Select dates between December 21-22, 24, 26-27, 2024
– Where: Chase Center’s Thrive City
– Cost: FREE w/ RSVP (skate rentals provided w/ $5 suggested donation)
Thrive City’s free ice skating rink will return for the holidays during the month of December beginning on Saturday, December 21. Guests can experience the winter season through a smooth synthetic ice skating experience and take part in holiday activities including a DJ Skate Party, live music, photos with Santa Claus, and more. Additional ice skating dates include December 22, December 24,December 26, and December 27. Times vary based on Chase Center events and game schedules. Complimentary skate rentals provided ($5 donation requested for Warriors Community Foundation). An RSVP is recommended, but a limited amount of walk-ups may be available.
– Confirmed 11/8/2024Thrive City
Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero
– Where: Embarcadero Plaza, SF
– Cost: $12 Adults, $7 Kids ($5 skate rental)
The self-proclaimed “largest outdoor ice rink” in the Bay (though San Mateo may actually be bigger) celebrates three decades of skating in SF.
– Likely not happening in 2024. Last checked 10/31/2024
Civic Center: Winter Park
– Where: Civic Center, San Francisco
– Cost: $18 adults; $13 kids (includes skate rental)
Modeled after the internationally-famed Wiener Eistraum ice-skating rink in Vienna, this ice rink also features a 400-foot skating track that weaves ice skating fun through a lighted tree forest.
– Likely not happening in 2024. Last checked 10/31/2024
East Bay
2024-25 San Ramon: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink
– Dates: November 8, 2024 to January 5, 2025
– Where: City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon
– Cost: $26 general admission (includes skate rentals); $20 child (3-10)
– Skate at the first and only outdoor ice skating rink in the Tri-Valley. Après-ski, warm up by the cozy fire pits. There’s loads of special holiday skate sessions including Glow Night (Dec. 18), Kristi Yamaguchi Skating Clinic (Dec. 23), KPop night (Jan. 2), Taylor Swift day (Jan. 4) and many more.
– Confirmed 10/31/20242024-25 Walnut Creek on Ice
– Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 12, 2025
– Where: Civic Park, 1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
– Cost: $20 general admission (includes skate rentals); children 3 and under are free with a paid adult
Join over 40,000 skaters at one of Walnut Creek’s most popular annual events. Enjoy Family Skate Sessions Tuesdays 5-8:30 pm (Dec. 19 & Jan. 10) and Littles Skate with skating for kiddos 5 and under w/ guardian (Wednesdays 10-11am) which includes a free child ticket for every adult ticket. $20 Slide/Skate Combo Days which includes admission to both ice skating rink and ice slide during your session with skate rental (Mon-Thu during non-holiday weeks).”Let It Glow” Grand Opening Party is at 5 pm on December 15 with Frosty the Snowman, hot cocoa and glowsticks. Typically, there’s additional themed skates during the season.
– Confirmed 11/5/2024
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2024-25 Concord: Ice at The Veranda
– Dates: November 8, 2024 to February 14, 2025
– Where: The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord
– Cost: $20 per person (includes skate rental)
This 3,500 sq. ft. rink offers discounted ticket prices on Veterans Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Day.
– Confirmed 11/5/2024
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24-25 Castro Valley: 3 Crosses Christmas Village Ice Rink
– Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
– Where: 3Crosses Church, 20600 John Drive, Castro Valley
– Cost: Cost for the 24-25 season has not yet been released, but it was $15 (including skate rental) last year.
Visit the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Alameda County with loads of free activities including a bounce house, train rides, Santa pictures, live music, light displays, food trucks, artisans and more.
– Confirmed 11/6/2024
2024-25 Oakland Ice Center (Indoors)
Open year round
– Where: 519 18th Street, Oakland, CA
– Cost: Adult: $15; Youth (12 & under): $14; Senior (65+): $10; plus $7 skate rental
Skate year round at the Oakland Ice Center, operated by the San Jose Sharks, with two indoor rinks featuring one NHL-sized ice surface (200-by-85 feet) and one Olympic sized ice surface (200-by-100 feet). Oakland residents with valid ID get 10% off admission. Active and retired Military personnel with proof of Military I.D Receive 10% discount on General Admissions*
– Confirmed 11/6/20242024-25 Sharks Ice at Fremont (Indoors)
Open year round
– Where: 44388 Old Warm Springs Boulevard, Fremont, CA
– Cost: Adult: $16; Youth (12 & under): $15; Senior (55+): $11; plus $8 skate rental
Skate indoors year round at an official practice facility for the San Jose Sharks, which also features a mountain chalet-looking sports bar overlooking the ice.
– Confirmed 11/6/2024Brentwood on Ice
– Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
– Where: 739 2nd Street, Brentwood, CA
– Cost: $17 with skates; $15 without
Skate around the family-owned and operated ice rink with real ice and festive music.
Alameda: The Little Ice Rink– Permanently Closed
Old Oakland Holiday Ice Rink
– Where: 806 Washington St., Oakland
– Cost: $13 + $5 for skate rental
Downtown Oakland gets its very own ice rink at the corner of 9th and Washington in one of Oakland’s most historic neighborhoods.– Not happening in 2024. Last checked 11/6/2024
North Bay
2024-25 Napa: “Merry Meritage Holidays” Ice Rink
– Dates: November 18, 2024 – January 11, 2025
– Where: The Meritage Resort, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa
– Cost: $25 for all ages (includes skate rental)
Napa Valley’s largest outdoor ice skating rink and enchanting winter village complete with a 40-foot tree, daily “snow”, festive entertainment and events. Little ones can marvel in the joy and magic of the holidays at our Tree Lighting Ceremony, Storytime with Santa, Princess Tinsel Tea, themed skate nights, and other family-friendly experiences.
– Confirmed 11/6/2024
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2024 Santa Rosa: Winer Lights Skating on the Square
– Dates: November 29 – December 31, 2024
– Where: Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
– Cost: 2024 pricing has not yet been announced (as of 11/6/24). The 2023 pricing was $10.50 (including skate rental)
Skate around Downtown Santa Rosa at the ‘Winter Lights’ 35-by-65-foot synthetic ice rink which requires zero water and zero power to provide sustainable wintery fun.
– Confirmed 11/6/2024
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2024 Ross: Winter Wonderland
– Dates: December 6-15, 2024
– Where: Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross
– Cost: $30 (includes skate rental)
Get ready for a wondrous winter experience in the Garden, as you lace up your skates for a spin under falling snow and twinkling lights. You will love gliding across the synthetic ice rink, which features a smooth, safe surface that doesn’t need to be kept frozen, making it much more environmentally friendly. Plus the Winter Wonderland features music, hands-on activities for kids, and a cozy outdoor fireplace.
– Confirmed 11/6/20242024-25 Santa Rosa: Snoopy’s Home Ice (Indoors)
Open year round
– Where: 1667 West Steele Lane Santa Rosa
– Cost: Weekdays: $8 + $2 Skate Rental; Weekends: $14 General Admission; $12 Children (11 and under) + $4 Skate Rental; Night Session: $10 + $2 Skate Rental
Built in 1969 by Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, Snoopy’s Home Ice has been called the world’s most beautiful ice arena. With the charm and ambiance of a Swiss Alpine village, and towering Redwoods in front of the building, Snoopy’s Home Ice offers a unique experience not found at any other ice arena. This holiday season, be sure to check their event calendar for free holiday shows and performances.
– Confirmed 11/6/2024
Napa on Ice
– Dates: November 22, 2019 to January 12, 2020
– Where: Napa
– Cost: $14 (includes skate rental)
The outdoor rink in downtown Napa is surrounded by restaurants, shops, the riverfront, picnic areas, and, of course, a Wine Train.
– Not happening in 2024. Last checked 11/6/2024
Peninsula
2024-25 Palo Alto: Winter Lodge
– Dates: October 19, 2024 to April 13, 2025
– Where: 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
– Cost: $19 ($6 for skate rental)
Delighting locals for more than 65 years, this is the first and only permanent outdoor ice rink west of the Sierras. Prefer indoors? They have an indoor rink too, or stay toasty by the fireplaces. Outside Magazine ranked Winter Lodge as one of the Top 10 Outdoor Ice Skating Experiences in the US.
– Confirmed 11/6/2024
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2024-25 San Mateo on Ice
– Dates: November 15, 2024 to January 12, 2025
– Where: Central Park, 50 E 5th Ave., San Mateo
– Cost: $18-21 (depending on date)
Get your skate on at the Bay Area’s largest outdoor ice skating rink featuring 11,000 square feet of real ice. Free Community Skate Days include November 18, December 10, and December 17, 2024.
– Confirmed 11/6/2024San Mateo On Ice
2024-25 Nazareth Ice Oasis San Mateo (Indoors)
Open Year Round
– Where: 2202 Bridgepointe Pkwy San Mateo
– Cost: $20
A popular year round ice rink which offers public skating sessions and freestyle sessions.
– Confirmed 11/6/2024
2021 Sunnyvale: Winter Ice Rink
– Dates: November 19, 2021 to January 2, 2022
– Where: CityLine Sunnyvale, 230 S. Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale
– Cost: $15 for all ages (includes skate rental)
Located in the heart of downtown Sunnyvale, skate beneath historic Redwood trees at the inaugural Winter Ice Rink. Special events inclues Learn to Curl lessons and Robots on Ice.
– Not happening in 2024. Last checked 11/6/2024
South Bay and Beyond
2024-25 San Jose: Downtown Ice
– Dates: November 15, 2024 to January 20, 2025
– Where: Circle of Palms Plaza, 120 S. Market St., San Jose
– Cost: $21 for all ages (including skate rental)
Skate in true California style. A local tradition since 1994, Downtown Ice in San Jose is the only rink in the world that offers skating in and around a circle of 32 palm trees. Typically, there’s special events throughout the season as well, but the 2024-25 event schedule has not yet been announced (as of 11/7/24) . Get 90 minutes of free parking on weekdays after 6 pm and on weekends in select lots.– Confirmed 11/7/2024
SF Downtown Ice
2024-25 Palo Alto: Après Village Skate Rink
– Dates: November 22, 2024 – January 7, 2025
– Where: 2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto
– Cost: 2024-25 pricing has not yet been announced (as of 11/7/24). The 2023-24 pricing was $30 General Admission; $20 Children up to 12 (including skates)
Après Village is back at the Four Seasons Silicon Valley. However, please note that it’s not clear if the synthetic skate rink is returning. In 2023-24 season, guests could glide with family and friends at the only outdoor rink at a hotel in the Silicon Valley. Bringing the magic of skating to guests young and old, the Après Skate Rink welcomed children ages 3-12 with accompanying adult to skate under the California sky adorned with twinkling lights. Each skate session on the synthetic rink was 45 minutes. The only mention for 2024-25 season says: Après Village is an outdoor experience, and dining and skating activities may be canceled in case of rain.
– Last Checked 11/7/20242024 San Jose: Enchant Ice Skating Trail
– Dates: November 22 – December 29, 2024
– Where: PayPal Park, 1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose
– Cost: Tickets range from $27-39. Infants 0-3 are free. Discounts for Seniors and Military. 4-pack for $108
In addition to the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze with 80,000 square feet of breathtaking light sculptures, at Enchant you can glide through a dazzling illuminated forest of Christmas lights on a trail made of real ice.
– Confirmed 11/7/2024
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2024-25 Santa Clara: California’s Great America Winter Fest Ice Rink
– Select Dates November 29 – January 5, 2025
– Where: California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
– Cost: $20.99 (includes skate rental) plus theme park admission
Skate on one of the most picturesque ice skating venues anywhere as the reflection pond is transformed into an ice skating rink. Snow Flake Lake Ice Skating glistens next to the tallest carousel in the world, providing the most picturesque ice rink in the South Bay. Skating under the stars becomes even more beautiful as the ice is decorated with giant snow flakes projected down from above. Additional Winter Fest activities in the park include festive holiday live entertainment & family shows, Santa’s Workshop, Polar Party, more than 60 rides and holiday attractions and one of the Bay Area’s tallest Christmas trees adorned with thousands of twinkling lights.
– Confirmed 11/7/2024</e
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2024 Gilroy Gardens’ North Pole Nights
– Dates: November 29 – December 31, 2024
– Where: Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy
– Cost: 2024 ice skating pricing is not yet available (as of 11/7/24). The 2023 pricing was $18 Adults (12-61); $16 Child/Senior (3-11; 62+) plus cost of theme park admission
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of North Pole Nights where you can skate with Santa’s elves under the winter stars. Plus, the immersive experience includes all-new characters, fun live shows, festive food and drinks, Santa’s Workshop, magical light displays, and of course, Gilroy Gardens’ rides. Plus new for 2024, follow the Reindeer Roundup Trail throughout the park to fill up your “stocking” with fun toys and tasty treats from Santa’s nine reindeer
– Confirmed 11/7/2024
2024-25 Holiday Ice at Sharks Ice San Jose (Indoors)
Open year round
– Where: 1500 South Tenth Street, San Jose
– Cost: Adults: $16 General Admission (13+); Kids: $15 (12 & under); Senior $11 (55+); $8 skate rental
Skate your way through the holidays at the largest rink facility west of the Mississippi. Practice your moves at the San Jose Sharks’ official practice facility.
– Confirmed 11/7/2024
Santa Clara on Ice
– Dates: November 21, 2019 to January 20, 2020
– Where: 969 Kiely Blvd Santa Clara
– Cost: $15 Adults, $10 Youth (Includes skate rental)
Get your skates ready and come experience outdoor ice skating in Santa Clara’s Central Park.
– Not happening in 2023. Last checked 12/15/2023
Santa Cruz: Boardwalk Holiday Ice
– Dates: November 16, 2019 to January 5, 2020
– Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
– Cost: $14.95
Bring the family to enjoy ice skating by the beach – on real ice with ocean view fire pits. Their new 32′ x 90′ covered ice skating rink is open rain or shine.
– Not happening in 2023. Last checked 12/15/2023
