In California, one need not endure sub-freezing temperatures to enjoy a holiday-season spin around an outdoor ice rink. Ski resorts, city centers, and even plush resorts set up seasonal rinks this time of year and the festive cheer naturally follows. Better yet, plenty of these outdoor rinks stay open well past New Year’s and add enticements such as customized soundtracks, VIP fire pits, and plenty of hot cocoa. Here are nine rinks to include in your California winter getaway:
Boardwalk Holiday Ice, Santa Cruz
Skate at the covered ice rink in the Boardwalk’s Main Plaza, alongside classic rides and festivities that include indoor arcades, mini golf, and laser tag or book a seasonal ride on the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train (select days), comprised of vintage cars festooned in twinkle lights, which cruises through downtown Santa Cruz. This year you can also book a private, hot cocoa–fueled firepit on the boardwalk, with views of Monterey Bay. Check website for opening and closing dates.
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Located at St. Rose of Lima Park near downtown’s Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, the capital city’s annual rink got bigger this year. Check the web site for special themed days, like Silent Disco Day or craft days, and on Jan. 1 a beach-attired Polar Bear Skate. Runs from Nov. 6 through Jan. 20.
Skating by the Sea at the Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
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 fire pit with lounge chairs in the Frostbite area. Open Nov. 17 through Jan. 1 (ice skating reservations are required).
Bai Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square, Los Angeles
This seasonal rink in the downtown L.A. park, just blocks from The Broad and The Grammy Museum, is open every day, but the middle of the week has special allure this year: “Wicked Wednesdays” bring a greenish light and songs from the Broadway musical. On other nights you can skate with disco headphones or even learn curling. Open Nov. 21 through Jan. 12.
ICE at Santa Monica
Skate at this annual rink in the heart of Santa Monica’s renowned shopping area at the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue along the Third Street Promenade. Open Nov. 8 through Jan. 20.
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square, San Francisco
Set in the heart of downtown San Francisco, this rink has been running for more than 10 years, and has been dubbed one of the best ice rinks in the U.S. A number of area hotels offer deals that bundle stays with rink sessions and other festive-season perks. Open Nov. 6 until Jan. 20.
Siskiyou Skate Rink
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 Victorian ambience each Saturday during the winter season, with events such as an innkeeper’s tour, a high tea, and a Dickens dinner. Check website for opening and closing dates.
Mammoth Ice Rink
The rink at Mammoth Lakes is a classic outdoor-village rink, sitting next door to the town library and offering great views of the White Mountains and Sherwin Range (plus, there’s a snack bar). It’s open until 10 p.m. most nights for a starry après-ski activity. The rink opens Nov. 16 and will stay open through February 23, weather permitting.
Rinks at Yosemite National Park
Yosemite in winter boasts two good outdoor rinks: the Curry Village Ice Rink and the Ice Rink at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite. The Half Dome Village rink (which dates back to 1928) has views of the legendary granite formation, along with a firepit, while the Tenaya Lodge rink is next to a sledding hill and is surrounded by the Sierra National Forest. Best of all, both typically stay open until late March.
