Bay Area Holiday Ice Skating: Your 2025 Guide

Embrace the winter spirit without the snow! The San Francisco Bay Area might be known for its mild climate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy classic cold-weather fun. This holiday season, pop-up rinks and year-round ice facilities across the region are ready to help you glide into festive cheer.

From downtown city squares to charming winter villages, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to Bay Area ice skating options. Remember to check individual rink websites for the most up-to-date hours, especially around the Thanksgiving holiday on November 27th, when many rinks will be closed.

San Francisco Rinks

Union Square Holiday Ice Rink

Celebrate the 18th anniversary of this iconic outdoor rink, nestled amidst Union Square’s festive decor. Enjoy special events like ‘Drag on Ice,’ ‘Silent DJ Skate,’ ‘Flashback Fridays,’ ‘Classical Sundays,’ and a ‘Polar Bear Skate.’

Location: 333 Post St., S.F.
Dates: Through Jan. 19, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily
Cost: $17-$35 (skate rentals included). Additional costs for some special events.
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Yerba Buena Skate Winterfest

This downtown skating rink on the Yerba Buena Gardens campus hosts a holiday event featuring carnival games, snow play, skating exhibitions, and raffles. Don’t miss the “Holiday Magic” ice skating show on December 13th, alongside daily public skate hours.

Location: 750 Folsom St., S.F.
Dates: Winterfest is Saturday, Nov. 29. Public skate year-round.
Hours: Winterfest 6:30-10 p.m.
Cost: Winterfest Free-$10.
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Thrive City Winter Wonderland Ice Skating

Experience free ice skating on smooth synthetic ice at Thrive City. Sessions are 20-30 minutes, with Eventbrite registrations receiving priority.

Location: 1 Warriors Way, S.F.
Dates: Dec. 23-24 & Dec. 26-29, 2025; Dec. 30, 2025
Hours: Noon-7 p.m. (Dec. 23, 26-29); 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (Dec. 24, 30)
Cost: Free (reservations required)
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North Bay Wonders

Merry Meritage Holiday Ice Rink and Winter Village

Napa Valley’s luxurious Meritage Resort offers an outdoor rink, daily ‘snow’ flurries, a 40-foot tree, Tinsel Teas, skating performances, gingerbread house workshops, and ‘Storytimes with Santa.’ A Christmas tree lighting celebration is set for Nov. 29.

Location: 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa
Dates: Nov. 29, 2025 – Jan. 4, 2026
Hours: 4-10 p.m. Mon-Thu, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sun (Nov. 29-Dec. 21); 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily (Dec. 1-Jan. 4)
Cost: $19-$34
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Luma Ice

Petaluma’s indoor real-ice holiday skating rink returns for its second year. Enjoy family-friendly activities, a holiday lights installation, tractor rides, food vendors, a ‘howliday’ pet adoption fair, and a Christmas tree lot.

Location: Petaluma Fairgrounds Expo Hall, 175 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma
Dates: Opens Dec. 10, 2025 – Through Jan. 6, 2026
Cost: $15-$20
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Snoopy’s Home Ice

Step into a “Charlie Brown Christmas” at this year-round indoor rink in Santa Rosa. It features old-school decor, a large Christmas tree, free outdoor performances, a “Merry and Bright” show, and “Toddlers on Ice Winter Wonderland Trail.” The Warm Puppy Cafe offers hot chocolate and snacks.

Location: 1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa
Dates: Year-round, with special holiday events.
Cost: $8-$18 (skate rentals available)
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Iceless Skating at the Bay Area Discovery Museum

A safe, synthetic rink for younger guests to slip and slide in a winter wonderland setting.

Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito
Dates: Through Feb. 8, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily
Cost: Included with museum admission.
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East Bay Glides

Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink

This San Ramon pop-up rink offers rink-side fire pits for rent and exciting themed nights including Disney’s “Elsa,” “Elf,” ugly sweaters, K-Pop, Sabrina Carpenter, and Taylor Swift nights. Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi herself will host a skating clinic on Dec. 6.

Location: City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon
Dates: Through Jan. 4, 2026
Hours: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fri-Sat; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sun; 1-8:30 p.m. Mon-Thu
Cost: $10-$144
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Oakland Ice Center

An indoor, year-round skating rink, part of the San Jose Sharks’ parent company. Check their website for special holiday hours.

Location: 519 18th St., Oakland
Cost: $12-$25
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TriValley Ice

Formerly Dublin Iceland, this rink continues to offer public skate sessions, figure skating lessons, and ice hockey. It’s even where Brian Boitano and Kristi Yamaguchi trained!

Location: 7212 San Ramon Road, Dublin
Cost: $12-$17
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Ice at The Veranda

A seasonal, open-air mall courtyard rink in Concord offering individual and season pass ticketing options.

Location: Fountain Pavilion Park, the Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord
Cost: $20-$159 (includes skate rental)
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Walnut Creek On Ice

This seasonal outdoor rink features cozy rink-side fire pits for rent, ice slide tubing, pick-up hockey games, and a cafe.

Location: Civic Park, 1365 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Dates: Through Jan. 19, 2026
Cost: $18.36-$44 (includes skate rental)
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Peninsula Picks

San Mateo On Ice

An outdoor pop-up rink in Central Park offering free community skate days on Dec. 2 and 16. Party tent rentals are also available.

Location: Central Park, 50 E. Fifth Ave., San Mateo
Dates: Through Jan. 11, 2026
Cost: $18-$33 (skate rentals included)
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Nazareth Ice Oasis San Mateo

This year-round indoor ice rink offers public skates, figure-skating lessons, and pickup hockey games.

Location: 2202 Bridgepointe Pkwy., San Mateo
Cost: $19-$25
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South Bay Skates

Winter Lodge

Open since 1956, this Palo Alto outdoor rink boasts charming vibes, holiday decorations, cozy fireplaces, and an illuminated Christmas tree.

Location: 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
Dates: Through April 12, 2026
Hours: 3-7:30 p.m. Sun; 3-5 p.m. Mon-Tue; 8-10 p.m. Wed & Fri; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thu; 3-10 p.m. Sat
Cost: $20-$26
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Skate Under the Palms: Downtown Ice San Jose

A creative, circular outdoor ice skating rink in downtown San Jose, enhancing the festive spirit near Christmas in the Park and Winter Wonderland events.

Location: Circle of Palms, 120 S. Market St., San Jose
Dates: Opens Nov. 26, 2025 – Through Jan. 19, 2026
Cost: $24.15 (includes skate rental)
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Gilroy Gardens’ North Pole Nights

Visit Santa, enjoy live entertainment, ice skating under the stars, illuminated displays, and seasonal food and drink at this theme park’s holiday event.

Location: Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy
Dates: Opens Nov. 28, 2025 – Through Dec. 31, 2025
Cost: $45-$70
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Quick Comparison: Bay Area Ice Rinks

Rink Name	Location	Type of Ice	Venue Type	Approx. Price (Adult Admission)
Union Square Holiday Ice Rink	San Francisco	Real Ice	Outdoor, Pop-up	$17-$35
Thrive City Winter Wonderland	San Francisco	Synthetic Ice	Outdoor, Pop-up	Free (reservations req.)
Luma Ice	Petaluma	Real Ice	Indoor, Pop-up	$15-$20
Snoopy’s Home Ice	Santa Rosa	Real Ice	Indoor, Year-round	$8-$18
Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Rink	San Ramon	Real Ice	Outdoor, Pop-up	$10-$144
Winter Lodge	Palo Alto	Real Ice	Outdoor, Seasonal	$20-$26

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the rinks open on Thanksgiving Day?
Many rinks are closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on November 27th, 2025. It’s always best to check the individual rink’s website for specific holiday hours before planning your visit.
Do skate rentals cost extra?
For most pop-up holiday rinks like Union Square and Downtown Ice San Jose, skate rentals are included with admission. Year-round facilities like Snoopy’s Home Ice or Oakland Ice Center may list skate rentals separately or have them as an optional add-on. Check the details on their websites.
Are there options for beginners or young children?
Yes! Many rinks offer ‘learn to skate’ mornings (Union Square) or have special sessions for toddlers (Snoopy’s Home Ice). The Bay Area Discovery Museum even offers a synthetic, iceless rink specifically designed for safe fun for small guests.
Can I book private events or parties?
Several rinks, such as San Mateo On Ice and Winter Lodge, mention options for private tent rentals or party bookings. It’s recommended to contact the specific rink directly for details on group rates and event availability.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night under festive lights or a fun family outing, the Bay Area’s array of ice skating rinks offers something for everyone this holiday season. Don’t forget your warm layers and get ready to create some unforgettable winter memories!

Bay Area Holiday Ice Skating Guide