Ice Skating in San Francisco

When it's winter and the holidays, San Franciscans' thoughts turn to ice. And ice skating. Luckily we have rinks right here to glide on, including a couple that pop up in the city center just for the holidays.

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Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center

Embarcadero's Holiday Ice Rink. Photo by Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

Besides being the biggest outdoor rink in San Francisco, the holiday rink at Embarcadero Center is set in a wide-open plaza with views of the stately Ferry Building and the waterfront. No wonder this wintertime rink is so popular.

Location: Justin Herman Plaza, adjacent to Four Embarcadero Center and across from the historic Ferry Building, San Francisco

Dates/Times: November 3, 2017 to January 7, 2018; Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. (Skating sessions begin on every even hour beginning at 10 a.m. and last an hour and a half)

Info: (415) 837-1931

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Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

The ice rink at Union Square. Photo by Jerry Jasmine.

An oasis in a shopping maze, this rink gives you the option of skating til you drop in Union Square. While you’re at it, admire Macy’s Christmas tree hovering nearby. Part of the ticket proceeds benefits the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

Location: 333 Post Street, San Francisco, near the corner of Geary and Powell Streets

Dates/Times: Open daily November 1, 2017 to January 15, 2018, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Closes at 9:30 pm on December 31. (Skating sessions begin on every even hour and last an hour and a half)

Info: (415) 781-2688

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Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center

Outdoor rinks too cold for you? Head inside, to Yerba Buena’s heated rink. The ice skating center, perched on the roof of Moscone Convention Center, is San Francisco's only rink that's open all year. Public skating, lessons, and special programs and sessions for adults, seniors, hockey players and figure skaters are all here, with added public skating sessions during late December and early January. On December 26 & 27, 2017 and January 2 & 3, 2018, the center offers a two-day, learn-to-skate class.

Location: 750 Folsom Street, San Francisco, between 3rd & 4th Streets, above the Moscone Center

Dates/Times: Open daily year-round (including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day); hours vary.

Info: (415) 820-3532

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Downtown Ice (San Jose)

More than 8,000 square feet of ice, encircled by palm trees? No, not in Hawaii, but in Silicon Valley. This seasonal outdoor rink in downtown San Jose is open daily, until as late as midnight. Kristi Yamaguchi is a sponsor of the rink, so the ice should be fit for champions.

Location: 120 S. Market St., San Jose

Dates/Times: Open daily December 3, 2017 through January 6, 2018; hours vary

Info: (408) 291-0525

Continue to 5 of 6 below.

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Sharks Ice (San Jose)

Skate on the same ice as the San Jose Sharks do. The official practice rink of the Bay Area’s pro hockey team is open year-round for daily public skating sessions. Also available: classes for all ages (starting at age 2) and ability levels, including hockey, figure skating and synchronized skating; ice dance sessions; and private lessons.

Location: 1500 South Tenth St., San Jose

Dates/Times: Public Skate daily, hours vary; Holiday Ice Skate daily until January 7, 2018; hours vary

Info: (408) 279-6000

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Winter Lodge (Palo Alto)

After twirling on the partially covered outdoor rink, you can warm your toes at the fireplaces at Winter Lodge. The facility also offers skating and hockey lessons on an indoor rink.

Location: 3009 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto

Dates/Times: September 25, 2017 – April 15, 2018; Closed November 23, December 24 & 25, December 31 (at 5pm), January 1, April 1; hours vary

Info: (650) 493-4566 or info@winterlodge.com