Play it cool at five local ice skating rinks
With winter on its way, strap on your blades of glory and play it cool at one of five ice rinks across the region offering everything from DJed skating sessions to drop-in hockey and piles of powder for youngsters. Ice, ice baby!
Bayside Ice Rink at the Galleria at Roseville
Through Jan. 15 Chill out at the holiday ice rink at Westfield Galleria at Roseville, which hosts two events this Friday to kick off the skating season, including free skating, appearances from the princesses from Frozen, and fun festivities like face painting and sweet treats like hot chocolate and donuts. That evening, the rink will be decked out with LED and black lights for another free event: a special nighttime skating party where the first 200 to arrive receive free neon headbands. Free this Friday. Other days: $14 ($10 for ages 8 and under; free for ages 3 and under with paid adult). Mon.-Thurs. 11a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. & Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Westfield Galleria at Roseville. 1151 Galleria Blvd. Roseville. 668-5810. galleriaatrosevilleonice.com
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Nov. 7–Jan. 19 It’s Christmastime in our city, so join the thousands of skaters flocking to K Street for the yearly downtown Sacramento holiday ice rink. Every Thursday, theme nights welcome visitors to cruise the ice to DJed tunes in corresponding clothing, like their favorite sports jerseys (Jan. 15), ugly holiday sweaters (Dec. 18) or brightly colored neon gear (Jan. 1); those who dress the part receive complimentary skate rentals. Also, on Tuesday nights, bring a receipt from that day from a downtown restaurant to receive free skate rentals. $8 (additional $2 for skate rental). Times vary by day. St. Rose of Lima Park. 7th & K streets. 442-8575. downtownsac.org
Historic Folsom Ice Rink
Nov. 7–Jan. 19 This outdoor ice rink returns for its sixth season offering frozen fun in the plaza of Folsom’s charming downtown. The skating destination becomes a winter wonderland, thanks to high-tech effects and LED lighting designed by SoCal-based event company Studio 33. Skaters cruising the doughnut-shaped rink encircling a historic railroad turntable will glide beneath a tall, decorated Christmas tree that will be illuminated for the first time at a Dec. 5 lighting ceremony featuring other festive activities such as free rides aboard the nearby train. $10 ($8 for ages 8 and under). $3 skate rental. Daily. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 905 Leidesdorff St. Folsom. 985-4181. historicfolsom.org
Iceland Skating Rink
Nov. 21–March 1 As Sacramento’s oldest ice rink, generations of locals have laced up their skates at Iceland, which offers seasonal open-air skating. Yuletide spirit abounds this winter at Iceland’s Christmas tree-lighting party set to take place on Dec. 4 (with hot cocoa and free skating for children), followed on Dec. 20 by the holiday show featuring Disney on Ice alumni and other performers ($10 per ticket). Those seeking higher-octane activity can play hockey during drop-in sessions or try out broomball, the hockey-like game in which participants wear sneakers and use brooms and balls instead of sticks and pucks. Little ones will love making snowmen with the pile of powder available on “Snowball Saturdays.” $8 (includes skate rental). Thurs-Sun. 3-9 p.m. (skating offered every day Dec. 18-Jan 4, and Feb. 12-22). 1430 Del Paso Blvd. 925-3121. skatesacramento.com
Skatetown Ice Arena
Nov. 28–Jan. 19 Roseville’s enormous year-round indoor ice arena will once again build a special 4,500-square-foot outdoor ice rink, which debuted last year and boasts everything from twinkling lights choreographed to seasonal music to a pile of snow for children to play with. Festive happenings include the Winter Wonderland Skate Party (Dec. 5) with holiday music and appearances by Santa’s elves, and a Frozen-themed event (Dec. 7) featuring visits from ice princesses and a giant snowman. Skatetown will also host weekly Saturday night Electric Dance Skate events with DJed tunes, laser light shows, selfie contests and more. $12.50 or $14, including skate rentals ($11. 50 or $12 for ages 11 and under; $3.50 for ages 4 and under). Hours vary by day. 1009 Orlando Ave. Roseville. 783-8550. skatetown-roseville.com
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