Snow Much Fun: The Bay Area’s Best Holiday Skating Rinks!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Are you already ready for winter spirit? As cooler weather looms, and holiday decorations begin to appear in store windows, it is almost time for holiday spirit and fun! The Bay Area’s iconic public ice rinks are a great place to enjoy the season with activity and hot cocoa. Whether it is in San Francisco’s historic Union Square, or San Mateo’s popular Central Park, there is always a fun place to spend the colder days.

Here are a few of our favorite rinks in the Bay:

1. Union Square Ice Rink: Located in Union Square, San Francisco, this rink is one of the most popular in the Bay Area. Join them for another year of holiday fun with skating rentals, food vendors, and special events. Next week, enjoy Classical Sundays, Whynot Wednesdays, and more special events. Otherwise, 60 minute skating sessions are available every day from 10:00am to 11:00pm, with tickets available for purchase here. When you are finished skating, head to some iconic SF restaurants in the area, including Ghirardelli’s for hot cocoa.

2. San Mateo On Ice: Opening this weekend, San Mateo on Ice is back to offer state-of-the-art pop-up ice rinks for San Mateo residents. From public to private skate sessions, it is open weekdays from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and weekends from 12:00pm to 10:00pm, with tickets for sale here. They offer pushcart supports for younger or more inexperienced skaters, and make sure to keep the activity safe and fun for all ages! After skating, enjoy some downtown San Mateo favorites, like Jeffrey’s and Icicles.

3. Snoopy’s Home Ice: Located in Santa Rosa, this ice rink was opened by Peanuts creator, Charles M. Schulz, and offers Snoopy-themed holiday fun. Their session prices are $14 for adults 18 and over and juniors 12–17, and $12 for children 11 and under; skate rental costs $4. They also offer Toddlers on Ice sessions for kids 18 months -4 years and parents on Wednesdays. Tickets are available here. In theme, this arena is home to Snoopy’s Warm Puppy Cafe, where you can enjoy a warm meal or hot cocoa and watch the rink from afar.

… and more! We hope you enjoy the Bay Area’s winter spirit!