Home » City Guide » ,

Where to Ice Skate in the Bay | Winter 2023-24

Every outdoor and holiday ice rink in SF and the Bay – including new ones for 2023
By - posted 12/19/2023 No Comment

It’s time to strap on those skates and head outdoors.

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 12/15/2023.

San Francisco


2023-24 Union Square Ice Rink
– Dates: November 1, 2023 to January 15, 2024
– 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. 7), Silent Disco Skate (Dec. 14) and the Polar Bear Skate (Jan. 1).
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

New for 2023 Thrive City Winter Wonderland
– Dates: Select dates between December 9-26, 2023
– Where: Chase Center’s Thrive City
– Cost: FREE w/ RSVP (skate rentals provided w/ $5 suggested donation)
For the first time, Thrive City will host a free outdoor, smooth synthetic ice skating rink in December, opening on Saturday, December 9 at 11 am. Guests will experience the magic of the season by ice skating in the plaza, as well as other holiday activities for each session, including a DJ Skate Party, photos with Santa Claus, seasonal treats, festive art and crafts and more. Additional ice skating dates include December 10, December 18, and December 20, with more dates available based on Chase Center event 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 12/15/2023

2023-24 Yerba Buena Ice Skating (Indoors)
– Dates: Open Year Round
– Where: 750 Folsom St., SF
– Cost: $14 General (Ages 6-54), $8* Toddlers * includes skate rental (5 & under), $12 Senior (55+); $5 skate rental
San Francisco’s only year-round full-service ice skating facility with a large NHL-sized skating rink.
Confirmed 12/15/2023

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.
– Not happening in 2023. Last checked 12/15/2023

Holiday Ice Rink at California Academy of Sciences
– Not happening in 2023. Last checked 12/15/2023

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.
– Not happening in 2023. Last checked 12/15/2023

East Bay


2023-24 San Ramon: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink
– Dates: November 10, 2023 to January 7, 2024
– Where: City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon
– Cost: $25 general admission (includes skate rentals); $19 child (3-10); $2 Early Bird Discount Monday-Thursday before 4pm, excluding November 20 – 26 and December 23 – Jan 7
– Skate at the first and only outdoor ice skating rink in the Tri-Valley. In 2023, the rink is 15% larger than the previous year, ensuring more space for you to glide with joy. Additionally, the platform has tripled in size, providing an even more spacious and comfortable environment for skaters of all levels. Plus après-ski, warm up by the cozy fire pits.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by AINDREA RAE (@aindrearae)

2023-24 Walnut Creek on Ice
– Dates: December 15, 2023 to January 15, 2024
– 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 (Mondays & Wednesadays 10-11am) which includes a free child ticket for every adult ticket. “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 12/15/2023

2023-24 Concord: Ice at The Veranda
– Dates: November 3, 2023 to February 14, 2024
– Where: The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord
– Cost: $18 per person (includes skate rental); $50 for family 4 pack
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 12/15/2023

2023-24 Castro Valley: 3 Crosses Christmas Village Ice Rink
– Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
– Where: 3Crosses Church, 20600 John Drive, Castro Valley
– Cost: $15 (includes skate rental)
Visit the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Alameda County with loads of free activitities including a bounce house, train rides, santa pictures, live music, light displays, food trucks, artisans and more.
– Confirmed 12/22/2023

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 3Crosses Church (@3crosseschurch)

2023-24 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.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

2023-24 Sharks Ice at Fremont (Indoors)
Open year round
– Where: 44388 Old Warm Springs Boulevard, Fremont, CA
– Cost: Adult: $15; Youth (12 & under): $14; Senior (55+): $10; plus $7 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 12/15/2023

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 2023. Last checked 12/15/2023

North Bay


2023-24 Napa: “Merry Meritage Holidays” Ice Rink
– Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
– Where: Vista Collina Resort, 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa
– Cost: $25 for all ages (includes skate rental)
Wine Country’s only Winter Village features on-site tasting rooms to enjoy rink side, or splurge for an igloo or fire pit. From Nov. 18 – Dec. 25, bring the littles for Santa’s Story Time. Ice skating discounts include:
– $17 for Napa Kids 13 and under, Monday-Wednesday (Use code NAPAKIDS at checkout)
– $20 for Napa County Locals on Mondays (Use code LOCAL at checkout)
– $20 Bring an unwrapped toy to donate on Tuesdays through Dec. 26 (Use code GIVEBACK at checkout)
–  $20 for First Responders on Wednesdays (Use code HEROES at checkout)
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

2023 Santa Rosa: Winer Lights Skating on the Square
– Dates: November 25 – December 31, 2023
– Where: Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa
– Cost: $10.50 (includes skate rental); $15 each for theme nights on Thursdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Skate around Downtown Santa Rosa at the ‘Winter Lights’ 35-by-65-foot synthetic ice rink which requires no water or power to provide sustainable wintery fun.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

2023 Ross: Winter Wonderland
– Dates: December 1-10, 2023
– Where: Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross
– Cost: $30
Get ready for a wonderous 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.
– Confirmed 12/1/2023

2023-24 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
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.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

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 2023. Last checked 12/15/2023

Peninsula


2023-24 Palo Alto: Winter Lodge
– Dates: October 9, 2023 to April 7, 2024
– Where: 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
– Cost: $17 ($5 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 12/15/2023

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Sky (@skygbr_pics)

2023-24 San Mateo on Ice
– Dates: November 10, 2023 to January 7, 2024
– 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 28, December 5, and December 12, 2023.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

2023-24 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 12/15/2023

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 2023. Last checked 12/15/2023

South Bay and Beyond


2023-24 San Jose: Downtown Ice
– Dates: November 17, 2023 to January 15, 2024
– Where: Circle of Palms Plaza, 120 S. Market St., San Jose
– Cost: $21 for all ages (inclues 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. Special events include Sunday Showtunes every Sunday and Mix Monday by Mix 106. Get 90 minutes of free parking on weekdays after 6 pm and on weekends in select lots.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

New for 2023 2023-24 Palo Alto: Après Village Skate Rink
– Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 28, 2024
– Where: 2050 University Ave, East Palo Alto
– Cost: $30 General Admission; $20 Children up to 12 (includes skates)
Après Village is back at the Four Seasons Silicon Valley with the introduction of a synthetic skate rink. Guests may begin a fun holiday tradition by gliding 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 welcomes children ages 3-12 with accompanying adult to skate under the California sky adorned with twinkling lights. Each skate session on the synthetic rink is 45 minutes.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

2023 San Jose: Enchant Ice Skating Trail
– Dates: November 24 – December 31, 2023
– Where: PayPal Park, 1123 Coleman Ave, San Jose
– Cost: $15 Adults; $10 Children 17 and under (includes skare rental) plus Enchant tickets (start at $38 for adults or family 4-pack for $106.40)
In addition to the World’s Largest Christmas Light Maze, at Enchant you can glide through a dazzling illuminated forest of Christmas lights on a trail made of real ice. Discounted “Night Owl” tickets ($30) provide access to the final 2 hour arrival window of Enchant.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

2023 Santa Clara: California’s Great America Winter Fest Ice Rink
– Select Dates November 24 – December 31, 2023
– Where: California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
– Cost: $20 (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, Charlie Brown’s Christmas Tree Maze, Santa’s Workshop, Polar Party and more.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

2023 Gilroy Gardens’ North Pole Nights
– Dates: November 24 – December 31, 2023
– Where: Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy
– Cost: $18 Adults (12-61); $16 Child/Senior (3-11; 62+) plus cost of theme park admission ($55)
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, a grand feast in Snowflake Square, Santa’s Workshop, magical light displays, and of course, Gilroy Gardens’ rides.
Confirmed 12/15/2023

2023-24 Holiday Ice at Sharks Ice San Jose (Indoors)
Open year round
– Where: 1500 South Tenth Street, San Jose
– Cost: Adults: $15 General Admission (13+); Kids: $14 (12 & under); Senior $10 (55+); $7 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. Discounts include their Monday Night Special (Non-“Holiday Ice”): $13. Plus all Holiday Ice Sessions are “skate one session and get the second session 50% off.” Discount applies same day only with proof of purchase.
– Confirmed 12/15/2023

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