Four ice-skating hotspots to visit this holiday season
The weather may be cooling down, but ice rinks around Sacramento are heating up with holiday activities. Grab your loved ones, pull on your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and check out this list of local ice skating rinks and tap into your inner Kristi Yamaguchi or Brian Boitano.
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Downtown Sacramento
A downtown Christmastime staple since 1991, this classic rink is celebrating its Nov. 6 opening with free skating until closing at 10 p.m. The outdoor arena—which resides close to the future site of Golden 1 Center—offers free skate rentals with a receipt from a downtown restaurant on Tuesdays (4-8 p.m.), free admission for a child under 12 with an adult ticket purchase on Wednesdays (4-8 p.m.) and will feature special event nights like Outward magazine’s Drag Queens on Ice night (Nov. 18 6-8 p.m.). $8. $2 rental fee for skates. Hours vary by day through Jan. 18. 701 K St. 442-8575. godowntownsac.com
Historic Folsom Ice Rink
Folsom
Those hankering to hit the ice can do so any day of the week, during holidays, rain or shine at this annual winter wonderland in downtown Folsom. Reopening Nov. 6, skaters will have the unique experience of gliding around the circular arena with its historic railroad turntable in the center surrounded by enchanting lights illuminating the rink. Unchanged from years passed, a decorated Christmas tree can be seen towering alongside the rink. A tree lighting ceremony will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 4 with festivities from 6 to 9 p.m. $10. ($8 for ages 8 and under) $3 rental fee for skates. Open daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. through Jan. 18. 905 Leidesdorff St. Folsom. 985-4181. folsomicerink.com
Iceland Skating Rink
North Sacramento
The Nov. 20 opening marks this frozen landmark’s 75th year milestone. As the city’s oldest ice-skating rink, Iceland reopened as a seasonal rink in 2010 following a fire. Rebuilt and standing strong, the neighborhood attraction is now managed as a non-profit and offers the longest public session times around (up to six hours) to ensure skaters can get the most out of the winter season. Come revel in Iceland’s Christmas shows Dec. 19 and 20 at 7 p.m., during which solo and group ice dancers will perform under theatrical lights to holiday music, including a How the Grinch Stole Christmas number for $10 (includes skating session after the show). $8. Hours vary by day through March 6. 1430 Del Paso Blvd. 925-3121. skatesacramento.com
Skatetown Ice Arena
Roseville
Opening on Nov. 22, this outdoor Roseville spot features a nightly choreographed light show with holiday music. Launched in 2012 and stationed outside of Skatetown’s year-round indoor arena, this festive, family-friendly attraction allows patrons to travel between both rinks during skate sessions. Skaters can take a break at the café with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and pizza made in-house. Special events include a Wonderland Skate Party on Dec. 4 and family discount nights on Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. during which admission (including skate rentals) is $9. $5-15. Hours vary by day through Jan. 18. 1009 Orlando Ave. Roseville. 783-8550. skatetown-roseville.com
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