Skate through the holiday season at the nearby Union Square Ice Rink in the heart of Union Square near the corner of Geary and Powell streets, just a mile from your home at NEMA San Francisco. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente is back for its 17th magical season of outdoor skating and holiday festivities. Lace up those skates and hit the ice until January 20, 2025.
Gather your family and friends for a beloved holiday tradition. General admission is $20 and includes skate rental. Ice rink hours are 10am - 11pm daily. 60-minute sessions that start every 1.5 hours. Figure and hockey skate sizes range from toddler’s size 8 to adult’s size 15. You may also bring your own ice skates.
Don’t miss the special events ranging from the traditional to the eccentric throughout the season, including WhyNot Wednesdays, Drag On Ice, Flashback Fridays, Silent Skate, Polar Bear Skate and more. Join the merrymaking at one – or many – of the special San Francisco events:
Learn to Skate presented by Kaiser Permanente. Saturdays & Sundays | 8–9 am. Kaiser Permanente invites skaters with little to no experience to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente to learn from professional skate instructors every weekend. Lessons are free (including skate rental) to those who sign up in advance. Space is limited to 50 participants per day. Reservations will be allotted through a lottery system.
WhyNot Wednesdays. Every Wednesday through December 18. This season, don't miss Whynot Wednesdays, a spirited weekly celebration inspired by A Whynot Christmas Carol, American Conservatory Theater’s imaginative new production of "A Christmas Carol." Each Wednesday features a unique theme that captures the joy and whimsy of the season – from dressing in festive outfits and bringing your buddies, to showing off your sparkliest gear and best skating moves. Whether you're singing along to holiday tunes, sporting your favorite winter sweater, or skating hand-in-hand with a special someone, these themed nights embody the show's message of coming together to create something magical, even if it means stepping (or gliding!) out of your comfort zone.
Flashback Fridays Presented By Classic Hits 103.7. November 15, December 20 & January 17. Ride the retro wave by throwing it back to the musical hits of the ‘80s at “Flashback Fridays.” On the second Friday of each month, the rink will host Classic Hits 103.7 personalities who will crank up the ‘80s vibes, dropping iconic tracks from Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Madonna, Lionel Richie, and more! Dust off the legwarmers and rock the unitard at the rad rendezvous at the rink.
Classical Sundays Presented By Kdfc. Glide gracefully on the rink as you immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of classical music, brought to you by Classical California KDFC. Enjoy the beauty of skating to timeless melodies in a serene setting that elevates your experience.
Black Friday With Wild 94.9. November 29. Whether you are burning off Thanksgiving Dinner or unwinding after Black Friday Shopping, join WiLD 949’s Jeanine da Feen as we play the biggest hits of today. Enjoy this Winter Wonderland Dance Party inside The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente.
Drag On Ice. December 5. The ice rink never sparkles more than when the City’s most radiant event, “Drag on Ice,” returns in full splendor to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente. It’s an evening of glitz, glam, and unmatched on-ice exuberance. Attendees can lace up their skates and twirl alongside the Queens and Kings or grab a prime spot ringside to watch the fiercest drag personalities in the San Francisco Bay Area deliver holiday performances that'll sleigh your heart away.
Silent Skate. December 12. It’s a silent disco on ice that transports skaters to an on-ice dance party like no other! Lace up your skates, don a cool pair of headphones, and skate the night away with WiLD 94.9’s DJ Patrix, Star 101.3's Magic Matt, and Bay Area’s DJ Von onsite, spinning your favorite tunes.
Polar Bear Skate. January 1, 2025. As a nod to the popular Canadian tradition, this version of “taking the plunge” skaters are invited to wear their wildest and most inventive beach attire, in hopes of walking away with cool prizes, awarded on theme, originality, and overall appearance.
What to Wear. As with most activities in San Francisco, the key to comfortable ice skating in Union Square is to wear layers; the temperature on the ice may range from chilly to warm, depending on the time of day, the number of skaters and the amount of energy one exerts. Mittens and hats always help. They do sell both mittens and socks if you need them.
Image Credit: unionsquareicerink.com
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