San Francisco's holiday skating season kicks off Wednesday evening when the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, presented by Kaiser Permanente, opens with a festive ceremony running from 5 to 7 p.m. The first 100 guests at the 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. sessions can skate for free, though registration is required upon arrival. On-ice performances and an appearance by local dignitaries and celebrities will mark the rink's first official skate of the season.
According to unionsquareicerink.com, guests are invited to skate both before and after the opening celebration, and the dignitaries and celebrities on hand will be invited to join skaters of all ages on the ice. The event, as reported by SF Station, is presented by Safeway and Kaiser Permanente and falls under the outlet's community and sports/fitness listings. Dossier sources did not identify which dignitaries or celebrities are expected to attend, nor did they detail the specific on-ice performances planned for the evening.
Location details carry a wrinkle worth noting. SF Station's listing places the opening at Macy's Union Square, 170 O'Farrell Street, while a separate account from The Marker SF puts the rink itself at 333 Post Street in Union Square. Both figures come from credible sources, so readers heading downtown Wednesday should double-check the address before setting out.
What the Season Looks Like After Opening Night
Once the opening ceremony wraps, the rink settles into its regular winter run. Per The Marker SF, the rink will be open daily from Wednesday through January 18, 2027. General admission costs $22, while kids 8 and under get in for $17, with skate rental included in both prices.
The same report notes that hour-long skating sessions start every 90 minutes between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. each day the rink is open. The outdoor ice sheet measures 60 by 100 feet, with room for 250 skaters at a time and a deck for another 150 spectators watching from the side, the article notes. Proceeds from the rink benefit the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
Free Lessons for Beginners on Weekends
For skaters looking to learn the ropes, Kaiser Permanente is presenting free Learn to Skate lessons on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 to 9 a.m. throughout the season. Spots are limited to 50 skaters a day and are allotted by lottery, per the same account, so early sign-up won't guarantee a place on the ice.
Beyond the lessons, Wednesday's opening remains the marquee moment for skaters hoping to get on the ice without paying admission. With only 100 free spots split across two sessions and registration required on-site, those hoping to take advantage will want to arrive with enough time before the 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. windows.
