Holiday Ice Skating Rinks: 2021 Guide To The Best In California
CALIFORNIA — Glide through the holidays!
After a flurry of COVID-related cancellations last year, California's popular, pop-up ice rinks are back for the 2021-22 holiday season at numerous city centers, sports arenas, amusement parks, malls, hotels and ski resorts.
Note: Always confirm with organizers that the listed activities are proceeding as planned when posted. The outdoor rinks may be subject to closure, depending on weather conditions.
Where but the Golden State can you skate, slide and twirl under palm trees, in the mountains or at the beach? Peruse Patch's annual guide, and choose your venue.
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ALAMEDA:
THROUGH JAN. 17: 'The Little Ice Rink' - New location with food trucks, music, entertainment, DJs & more.
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ALPINE:
THROUGH JAN. 2: Viejas Casino Holiday Ice Skating Rink. "Southern California’s largest outdoor ice rink."
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CASTRO VALLEY:
DEC. 3-24: 14 Nights of Christmas. Extravaganza at 3Crosses Church includes ice rink with $10 tickets for sale on line.
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CONCORD:
THROUGH FEB. 14: 'Ice At The Veranda' Holiday Skating. Family-friendly fun - and if you need some ice aid, lessons are available.
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CORONADO:
THROUGH JAN. 2: 'Skating by the Sea' Ice Rink: Hotel Del Coronado. One fun option: Reserve your own rink-side lounge at Frostbite, " A Place to Chill."
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GILROY:
THROUGH DEC. 31: Gilroy Gardens Holidays, Lights, Shows, Ice Rink & Santa. Extravaganza is back for 2021 with skating under the stars.
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HUNTINGTON BEACH:
THROUGH JAN. 2: Holiday Ice Skating Rink: Paséa Hotel. "Skate and chill where the sand meets the snow."
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IRVINE:
THROUGH JAN. 2: Spectrum Center's Holiday Ice Skating Rink. Skate under the stars at outdoor rink in Giant Wheel Court.
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LAKE ARROWHEAD:
THROUGH JAN. 2: SkyPark Santa’s Village & Ice Skating Rink. Festivities include breakfast with Santa & more.
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LONG BEACH:
THROUGH DEC. 31: Pop-Up Roller-Skate Rink. OK, no ice at this one — wheels only. Enjoy!
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LOS ANGELES:
THROUGH DEC. 31: LA Dodgers Stadium Holiday Fest Ice Skating Rink. "For first time ever ... an illuminated, open-air ice skating experience constructed across the outfield."
THROUGH JAN. 7: 'LA Kings Holiday Ice' Outdoor Skating Rink: L.A. LIVE. Popular "Supper & Skate" specials returning, too!
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MAMMOTH LAKES:
THROUGH MARCH 6: Mammoth Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. Winter fun in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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MONTEREY:
THROUGH Jan. 2: 'Ice Skating By The Bay' Holiday Rink. Winter wonderland by the bay, near Historic Old Fisherman's Wharf.
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MOUNT SHASTA:
THROUGH FEB 6: Siskiyou, Open-Air Ice Skating Rink. A regulation-sized outdoor rink with magnificent Mt. Shasta scenery.
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NAPA:
THROUGH JAN. 2: Holiday Ice Rink: Vista Collina Resort. Part of the “Merry Meritage” season.
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OLYMPIC VALLEY:
THROUGH MARCH: Resort At Squaw Creek Outdoor Ice Skating. Enjoy skating with views of Squaw Valley's six peaks, then warm up with a mug of hot chocolate!
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PALO ALTO:
THROUGH APRIL 10: 'Winter Lodge' Outdoor Ice Skating. A Bay Area tradition since 1956.
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PASADENA:
THROUGH JAN. 9: Winter Frolic & Sock Skating Rink: Kidspace Children’s Museum. No ice. No skates. Just fuzzy sock fun for the little ones.
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POMONA:
THROUGH JAN. 2: 'Elf On Shelf' Holiday Ice Skating Rink: Fairplex. Fun, new addition to 2021 attraction, "Elf On The Shelf’s Magical Holiday Journey" walk-thru winter wonderland.
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RANCHO PALOS VERDES:
THROUGH DEC. 31: 'Skating By Sea' Outdoor, Holiday Ice Rink. Select dates with themed activities & skates included.
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SACRAMENTO:
THROUGH JAN. 16: Downtown Holiday Ice Skating Rink. "Spin into a winter wonderland in Downtown Sac."
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SAN DIEGO:
THROUGH JAN. 9: Rady Children's Holiday Ice Skating Rink. "Ice Rink benefits the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital."
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SAN FRANCISCO:
DEC.-JAN.: Holiday Ice Skating Rink: Embarcadero. Canceled.
THROUGH JAN. 17: Safeway Holiday Ice Rink: Union Square. Fun includes "Learn to Skate," "Flashback Fridays," "Polar Bear Skate" and "Drag Queens on Ice."
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SAN JOSE:
THROUGH JAN. 9: 'Downtown Ice' Holiday Skating Rink. "Skate under the stars and palm trees in Downtown San Jose!"
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SAN MATEO:
THROUGH JAN. 9: 'San Mateo On Ice' Holiday Skating Rink: Central Park. With four dates for free, community skates.
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SAN RAMON:
THROUGH JAN. 2: Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink. Daily, rain or shine, at City Center Bishop Ranch.
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SANTA ANA:
THROUGH JAN. 2: Winter Village & Outdoor Ice Skating Rink. Extravaganza also includes trackless train rides & Santa visits.
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SANTA CLARA:
THROUGH JAN. 9: California's Great America WinterFest & Ice Skating. Seasonal extravaganza is back!
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SANTA MONICA:
NOV-JAN.: 'Ice At Santa Monica' Holiday Skating Rink. Canceled.
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SKYFOREST:
THROUGH JAN. 2: SkyPark Santa’s Village & Ice Skating Rink. Festivities include breakfast with Santa & more.
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SOUTH LAKE TAHOE:
THROUGH APRIL 17: Heavenly Village Ice Skating Rink. "When the sun goes down, the lights come on!"
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SUNNYVALE:
THROUGH JAN. 2: Winter Ice Skating Rink. Back for 2021 with such events as Learn to Curl & Robots on Ice.
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TEMECULA:
THROUGH DEC. 31: Peltzer Holiday Ice Skating Rink. Fun includes picnic benches, hot cocoa, snacks, food truck eats & bar serving Peltzer Wine.
THROUGH JAN. 2: 'Temecula On Ice' Skating Rink 2021: Town Square Park. With "its own radio station playing the best ice skating music."
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TRUCKEE:
THROUGH MARCH: Northstar Village Ice Skating Rink. Open daily, weather permitting. With cozy fire pits, too.
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VALENCIA:
THROUGH DEC. 31: Christmas Tree Ice Skate at The Cube Santa Clarita. Christmas trees taking center ice to create a winter wonderland.
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WALNUT CREEK:
THROUGH JAN. 30: 'Walnut Creek On Ice' Holiday Skating: Civic Park. "Bringing the sparkle back to Civic Park this holiday season!"
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YOSEMITE:
THROUGH MARCH: Winter Ice Skating Rink: Tenaya Lodge. Open as weather permits. Set in stunner location, surrounded by the Sierra National Forest.
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YUCAIPA:
THROUGH JAN. 2: Uptown Ice Rink. With rink-side fire pits & party packages in historic Uptown Yucaipa.
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LOOKING FOR FUN, HOLIDAY OUTINGS NEAR YOU?
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FOR HOLIDAY-INSPIRATION RECIPES ON PATCH:
This article originally appeared on the Across California Patch
