SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Rink at Union Square: 2026 Opening Ceremony + Free Ice Skating
Union Square Park | Geary and Powell, San Francisco, CA
Event Details
SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Rink at Union Square (2026-27)
One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for its 19th season. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square opens November 4, 2026, bringing outdoor ice skating to the heart of downtown San Francisco through January 18, 2027.
Skate beneath the holiday lights in Union Square, with themed nights throughout the season ranging from ’80s music and country glam to a silent disco on ice.
The rink is open daily, with hour-long skating sessions starting every 90 minutes. This year’s lineup includes returning favorites like Drag on Ice, Silent Skate, Flashback Fridays and Polar Bear Skate, plus a new series of Wednesday night themed skating sessions. Tickets are on sale now at unionsquareicerink.com.
Special Events at the Union Square Ice Rink
Opening Celebration
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 5-7 p.m.
The season kicks off with an evening celebration and on-ice performances. The first 100 guests can skate for free during the 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. sessions. Registration is required upon arrival.
Flashback Fridays
November 27, December 18, 2026, and January 15, 2027 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions
Skate to 1980s hits with music from Greatest Hits 103.7. Expect throwback tracks from artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen, Prince and Pat Benatar.
Drag on Ice
Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 6:30-8 p.m. | $35
Local drag performers bring their show to the ice for an evening of skating and live entertainment. Skate alongside the performers or watch the show from the sidelines.
Silent Skate
Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions | $35
This silent disco on ice features three DJs spinning different music channels through wireless headphones. Choose between sets from WiLD 94.9’s Majestichris, Star 101.3’s Magic Matt and DJ Von.
Polar Bear Skate
Friday, January 1, 2027 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | $30
Start the new year in swimwear at this chilly twist on the traditional Polar Bear plunge. Skaters can wear their most creative beachwear on the ice, with prizes for the best outfits.
Find tickets and details for special events at unionsquareicerink.com.
Wednesday Night Theme Skates
The new Mid-Week Merriment series brings a different theme to the rink every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Dress up if you like, or just come for the music.
- November 11: Onesies Wednesday. Wear your favorite cozy onesie and skate to upbeat holiday hits.
- November 18: The Rhinestone Rink. Country music, boots, big hair and rhinestones set the tone for this country-glam night.
- November 25: Friendsgiving. Grab your friends for a night of skating and music celebrating friendship.
- December 2: White Out. Wear white for a winter-themed skate night.
- December 9: Holiday Movie Music Night. Skate to songs and scores from favorite holiday movies. Costumes are encouraged.
- December 16: Holidays Around the World. Enjoy seasonal music celebrating traditions and cultures from around the world.
- December 23: Naughty or N-Ice. Dress to match your holiday mood for a playful seasonal skate.
- December 29: Y2K Nostalgic New Year. Break out your late-’90s and early-2000s looks for a throwback skate night.
- January 6: K-Pop Countdown Skate. Skate to K-pop hits and fan favorites.
- January 13: Rivals on Ice. Wear your favorite team colors for a skate night inspired by hockey rivalries.
Check the official event calendar for updates and session availability.
Free Learn to Skate Lessons
Saturdays and Sundays | 8-9 a.m. | Free
Beginners can sign up for free skating lessons with professional instructors, including skate rental. Space is limited to 50 participants per day, and spots are allocated through a random lottery.
There are two lottery windows for the 2026-27 season:
- November lessons: Enter the lottery from October 2 through October 28, 2026.
- December and January lessons: Enter the lottery from November 2 through November 23, 2026.
Selected participants receive an email with a one-time-use code to book a lesson for up to two people. Receiving a code does not guarantee a spot, since lesson dates are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. Anyone who books a lesson, whether or not they attend, is not eligible for the next lottery.
Enter the lottery and read the rules.
Classical Sundays
Sundays | 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. sessions
Classical California presents Sunday skating sessions featuring classical music on the rink. These sessions are part of the rink’s regular programming throughout the season.
Tickets, Hours and Tips
- Season: November 4, 2026-January 18, 2027
- Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. The rink closes at 9:30 p.m. on December 31.
- Session length: 60 minutes, with sessions starting every 90 minutes.
- General admission: $22, including skate rental.
- Children 8 and under: $17, including skate rental.
- Lockers: $5.
- Skate helpers: $6. Available for beginning skaters who are 48 inches tall or shorter and can stand and push the helper independently. Rentals are limited and first come, first served.
- Gloves and socks: $5 each.
If you bring your own skates, the rink will refund $5 to the card used for your ticket purchase. Skate sizes range from toddler size 8 to adult size 15.
Wear layers and consider bringing gloves. Restrooms are located in the Union Square Parking Garage, and skates cannot be worn outside the rink.
Tickets should be purchased in advance. If a session is canceled or cut short because of weather, tickets can be rebooked online for another available date through January 18, 2027.
The rink is located at 333 Post St., near Geary and Powell streets in Union Square. It’s accessible by Muni and a short walk from Powell Street BART station.
A portion of ticket proceeds benefits the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente will open with a festive evening ceremony to kick off the holiday ice skating season. Guests are invited to skate before and after the celebration, which will include on-ice performances. Additional special guests will include local dignitaries and celebrities, who will be invited to take to the ice alongside guests of all ages for the first official skate of the season. First (100) guests skate for free* during the 5:30pm and 7pm sessions. *Registration required upon arrival.
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
