Lace up your ice skates. Thanks to The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon for sponsoring this roundup of places to skate in the Bay Area this winter.
Growing up in the Midwest, ice skating was an everyday winter activity. I could simply walk down the street and skate for hours at a makeshift rink in the neighborhood park. There is something so thrilling about gliding on ice. A variety of both temporary and permanent ice rinks are located throughout the Bay Area, making ice skating more accessible than ever–and without the freezing Midwest temperatures!
We’ll continue to update this list as we learn more about ice rinks for the 2024-2025 season.
⛸ East Bay Ice Skating Rinks
Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink (City Center Bishop Ranch, San Ramon)
November 8, 2024, through January 5, 2025. Families can reserve tickets for 90-minute sessions or purchase tickets same day on a first-come, first-serve basis. Kids can use fun skate aids to gain confidence and improve their skating skills. Enjoy s’mores at the firepits available for rent.
Location: City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road San Ramon, CA
Buy tickets now >
November 15, 2024, at 6 pm. Grand Opening Event with Kristi Yamaguchi: The seasonal rink at City Center Bishop Ranch kicks off with a grand opening ceremony on November 15 at 6 pm with music, performances, and remarks from Kristi Yamaguchi herself. The opening ceremony is free and open to the public. Skating tickets can be purchased at the link above or at the rink on the day of opening on a first-come, first-serve basis.
3Crosses Christmas Village (Castro Valley)
This seasonal festival at the 3Crosses church (November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025, Fridays-Saturdays) includes a large, beautifully lit ice skating rink (even bigger this year!), Santa photo opps, Free train rides, food trucks, and live music. Buy skating tickets for 45-minute time slots for $15. Read about a holiday visit to 3Crosses.
Location: 20600 John Drive, Castro Valley 94546
Details >
Oakland Ice Center (Oakland)
Open year-round. Oakland Ice is our (510) permanent indoor rink that offers public skating with the classic cling-to-the-wall experience. Oakland residents can receive a 10% discount on general admission with proof of residence. Families can rent skate aids for tentative kids to gain balance on the ice.
Location: Oakland Ice Center, 519 18th Street, Oakland, CA
Details >
Ice at The Veranda (Concord)
November 8, 2024, through February 2025. Strap on skates and take a spin on the ice this holiday season at The Veranda in Concord. Tickets are for a 75-minute skating session. The ever popular Costume Skate also returns Saturday November 9 starting at 5 pm, running until 11 pm.
Location: The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord, CA
Details >
Sharks Ice (Fremont)
Open year-round. Solar4America Ice at Fremont (colloquially still known as Sharks Ice) is the sister rink to Oakland Ice and is a permanent fixture for recreational skating and competitive training. The indoor rink also offers bucket aids for new skaters to feel comfortable on the ice.
Location: Solar4America Ice at Fremont, 44388 Old Warm Springs Blvd, Fremont, CA
Details >
Walnut Creek on Ice
November 22, 2024, through January 12, 2025. Walnut Creek on Ice, a partially enclosed ice rink in the heart of Downtown Walnut Creek at Civic Park, welcomes skaters of all ages and abilities to skate daily. Rent gliders for an additional fee to help your little one gain balance and confidence on the ice. The rink has a capacity limit; it’s recommended to reserve tickets in advance, though walk-ins are welcome, too.
Location: 1365 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA at the corner of Civic Drive and Broadway
Ticket Purchase >
⛸ San Francisco Ice Rinks
Yerba Buena Ice Skating + Bowling Center (San Francisco)
Open year-round. Yerba Buena’s Ice Rink is near the bowling alley, the Children’s Creativity Museum, and other SF treasures. Public skating is offered daily at this time.
Location: 750 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA
More details about available programs >
Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square (San Francisco)
November 6, 2024, until January 20, 2025. This glorious, temporary, under-the-tree experience is typically overcrowded and often sold out. Book early if you want to catch special events at the rink, including Learn to Skate Days, Flash Back Fridays, Drag Queens on Ice, Silent Skate, and more.
Location: 333 Post St, San Francisco, CA
Buy tickets online only >
⛸ Ice Rinks Farther Afield
Winter Wonderland (Ross)
Marin Art and Garden Center presents a magical and enchanting holiday experience from December 6–15. Families and visitors are invited to wander the Garden, which will be transformed into a Winter Wonderland with activities for children and adults of all ages. There will be an outdoor skating rink with snow and music, all under bistro lights. There will also be an outdoor fireplace, music events and hands-on activities for kids, as well as cookie decorating kits. Location: 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross, CA 94957
Buy tickets online >
Snoopy’s Home Ice (Santa Rosa)
Open year-round, this world-famous rink is a local favorite. They have plenty of general skating hours, as well as toddler and night sessions. Scott Hamilton also hosts an annual ice show fundraiser to benefit cancer research. Since it’s a bit of a drive from the East Bay, consider adding on a skating trip when you go to cut down your Christmas tree. ProTip: don’t sleep on the hot chocolate at the Warm Puppy Cafe.
Location: 1667 W Steele Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA
Brentwood on Ice (Brentwood)
November 22, 2024, through Jan 5, 2025, this open-air rink offers live music and a snack bar. Open on all the holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years).
Location: 739 2nd Street, Brentwood, California 94513
Buy tickets online >
Winter Lodge (Palo Alto)
Voted one of the best ice rinks in the Bay Area and beyond, this outdoor ice rink has been around since the 1950s. It’s now open for the season (October 19, 2024 – April 13, 2025), but closed on November 28, December 24 & 25, and January 1. Tickets are $19 per person, with an additional $6 for skate rental.
Location: 3009 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Buy tickets online >
Plan for skating with kids like a pro!
Tykes on ice can be hard, but being prepared doesn’t have to be.
- Purchase tickets in advance. Rinks may have limited capacity on the rink and strongly recommend purchasing in advance so your family is guaranteed time on the ice.
- Read the fine print. Make sure you learn the ice rink’s policy on rain and refunds before making plans.
- Keep age in mind. Some rinks have a minimum age for skaters, so check policies before booking.
- Cover little hands. Wearing a pair of knit or ski gloves can keep little hands warm and somewhat dry while also protecting from hard ice during any falls.
- Protect ankles. We wear longer athletic socks to protect our ankles in rental skates, footie socks would be uncomfortable.
- Layer up. We also dress in layers so it’s easy to discard if wet, or too warm. Ski pants are totally acceptable if you really want to get in the winter spirit.
- Change right away. We like to bring an extra pair of pants for post-skate change since my California child likes to play in the “snow” ie. ice sludge on the side of the rink.
- Consider a helmet. If your little one has never hit the ice, encourage them to wear a helmet while skating. It may bring you and your child peace of mind.
- Refuel. Many ice rinks are located near restaurants so you can grab a snack or warm drink after your family time on the ice.
Find more to do for the season in our East Bay Holiday Activities Guide.
Thanks again to The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon for sponsoring this roundup of places to skate in the Bay Area this winter.
