In a city where feeling the effects of Karl the Fog is the closest we get to a winter wonderland, these six ice skating rinks are guaranteed to make your holiday season a little more chill. Break the ice on a first date, go solo and practice your Olympic figure skating moves, or rally family and friends to what are literally the coolest spots around.
1. The Embarcadero Center Ice Rink, San Francisco
This outdoor rink offers a panoramic view of San Francisco’s beautiful waterfront, located across from the historic Ferry Building. The spacious floor gives seasoned skaters enough room to glide about, with plenty of room left over for beginners. // Runs Nov. 4th 2015 - Jan. 3rd 2016; Justin Herman Plaza; embarcaderocenter.com
2. Walnut Creek Ice Rink, Walnut Creek
Great for children of all ages and levels, Walnut Creek Ice Rink is a smaller family rink decorated with festive lights and holiday decorations. // Runs Nov. 11th 2015 - Jan. 18th 2016; 1375 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, iceskatewalnutcreek.com
3. Oakland Ice Center, Oakland
Operated by the San Jose Sharks, this indoor rink accommodates everyone from hockey players to recreational skaters. The Center's Tuesday Cheap Skate deal lets you skate for a bargain ($8 or $11.75 with skate rental). // Runs year-round; 519 18th St, Oakland; oaklandice.com
4. Palo Alto’s Winter Lodge, Palo Alto
Beginners have no fear: saftey is important here, with gloves and helmets recommended for all skaters, on-ice “guards” waiting nearby to help fallen children, and ice resurfaced every hour so the rink remains smooth all day long. A warm fireplace, a vending machine that sells hot chocolate, and a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the ice, give this arena a festive feel. // Runs Sept. 28th 2015 - April 17th 2016; 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto; winterlodge.com
5. Snoopy’s Home Ice: The Redwood Empire Ice Arena, Santa Rosa
Peanuts fans and ice skaters unite. The recently remodeled Redwood Empire Ice Arena is tucked away in Santa Rosa’s Redwood Forest, and home to all things Snoopy. Styled after 1970s Swiss chalets, the rink is accompanied by the Warm Puppy Café and Snoopy’s Gallery & Gift Shop. // Runs year-round; 1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa; snoopyshomeice.com
6. Belmont Iceland, Belmont
This full-service indoor skating rink is a local favorite, and hosts different events and activities all year long. Not yet comfortable on skates but want to play around on the ice? Get a group together, keep your sneakers on, and reserve the rink for a game of Broomball, which is basically ice hockey with a short broomsticks. // Runs year-round; 815 Old County Road, Belmont; belmonticeland.com
