In California, one need not endure sub-freezing temperatures to enjoy a holiday-season spin around an outdoor ice rink. California ski resorts, city centers, and even plush resorts set up seasonal rinks this time of year and the holiday cheer naturally follows.
Better yet, some of these outdoor rinks stay open well past New Year’s and add enticements such as customized soundtracks, VIP firepits, and plenty of hot cocoa. Most include skate rentals with your admission. Here are more than a dozen cool rinks to include in your California winter getaway:
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, San Francisco
Nov. 4–Jan. 18
Set in the heart of downtown San Francisco, this rink in Union Square has been dubbed one of the best ice rinks in the U.S. Don’t miss December’s traditional Drag on Ice event and check out the rink’s calendar for other fun themes, like ‘80s Flashback Fridays, the Silent Skate, and the New Year’s Day Polar Bear skate (come in your best beachwear).
Check the website when planning your getaway: Several nearby hotels offer deals that bundle stays with rink sessions and other holiday-season perks.
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Nov. 4 through Jan. 18
Located in Ali Youssefi Square, just outside downtown Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, the capital city’s annual rink has gotten bigger over the years. Skate on special themed days like Silent Disco Day, craft days, and donations drives. You’re also within walking distance of downtown cafes and coffeehouses.
Frost on 5th Ice Rink, Santa Monica
Nov. 5–Jan. 18
Skate at this annual rink in the heart of Santa Monica’s renowned shopping area—at the corner of Fifth St. and Arizona Ave. along the Third St. Promenade. Glide along more than 8,000 square feet of glistening ice; if you need a few pointers, lessons are available, and a 400-square-foot tot rink means there’s a safe place for kids to get their start.
Folsom Historic District Ice Rink
Nov. 7–Jan. 18
Soak up the Gold Country ambience at this rink in Folsom’s Historic District. The rink experience includes firepits, s’mores kits, and music; check the schedule for themed nights celebrating disco, Star Wars, and ugly holiday sweaters.
Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square, Los Angeles
Nov. 12–Jan. 3
This seasonal rink in the downtown Los Angeles park—just blocks from The Broad and The Grammy Museum—is open every day. DJs perform on Thursdays and other days feature themes like classic music, Broadway, country, and more.
Mt. Shasta Ice Rink, McCloud
Nov. 14 –Feb. 21
This Shasta Cascade outdoor rink in the shadow of Mt. Shasta typically offers Santa meet-and-greets in December and a pajama-clad skating session on New Year’s Day. Also in Siskiyou County, downtown McCloud gets into the spirit with lots of Victorian ambience. (Mountain weather can affect skating, so check the rink’s website before arriving.)
Skating by the Sea at the Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
Nov. 20 through Jan. 3
This San Diego County resort is idyllic year-round, thanks to its Queen Anne architecture and cool Hollywood history, but its annual rink next to the beach takes the ambience up a notch—and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to enjoy it. Grab a hot cocoa and plan to stay into the evening (it’s usually open until 9 or 10 p.m.) to see the hotel’s white holiday lights. To go VIP-style, book a firepit with lounge chairs in the resort’s Frostbite Lounge. Be sure to book ahead.
LA Kings Holiday Ice Festival at L.A. LIVE, Los Angeles
Nov. 27–Jan. 3
New for 2026, this downtown L.A. rink boasts of being the largest in the city, set outside the home ice for the NHL’s Kings. Before or after skating, check out the 62-foot holiday tree and light tunnel, and then explore the Holiday Village with vendors and seasonal food and drink. Take kids to Santa's Workshop for craft activities, photo ops in Santa's sleigh, and daily meet-and-greets with Santa himself.
WeHo Winter Ice Rink, West Hollywood
Dec. 11–Jan. 3
Kids ages 3 and up will love this seasonal rink at West Hollywood Park. Themed nights typically include a Winter Market and a Pride night; don’t miss the park’s WeHo Wonderland event (Dec. 12), featuring a snow play area, crafts, and seasonal treats.
Rinks in Yosemite National Park
Opening dates TBD
Yosemite in winter boasts two good outdoor rinks during winter: the Curry Village Ice Skating Rink, which dates back to 1928, has views of the legendary Half Dome granite formation, along with a firepit. The Ice Rink at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, meanwhile, is next to a sledding hill, with another firepit and s’mores nearby. Best of all, both typically stay open until late March.
Rinks at California Ski Resorts
The following ski resorts have outdoor rinks, typically open for the entire winter season, from November or December until April. Check the rinks’ sites for specific dates:
- Northstar: Northstar Village Ice Rink
- Heavenly: Heavenly Village Outdoor Ice Rink
- Palisades Tahoe: Everline Resort & Spa Rink
