Take a spin at five local ice rinks this holiday season
Christmastime comes early to Sacramento as our region's ice rinks reopen for the reason. We’ve got the lowdown on five local spots where you can go skating in a winter wonderland.
Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Nov. 4-Jan. 16 A local staple since 1991, this ice skating rink transforms the square of St. Rose of Lima Park at the heart of downtown Sacramento into a wintry escape. Under the glow of twinkling string lights—and just steps from the newly opened Golden 1 Center—skaters can dress up and join in themed rink parties like Princess Day (Nov. 6), with special visits from Disney characters; Drag Queens on Ice (Nov. 17), which will feature sets from a local DJ; and ’80s Day (Jan. 8), with classic pop and rock jams from the Flashdance era. On Dec. 10, little ones can meet and take photos with Saint Nick and his elves at the rink. $12 ($6 for children ages 6 and under). Hours vary by day. 701 K St. 442-8575. godowntownsac.com
Historic Folsom Ice Rink
Nov. 4-Jan. 16 This annual outdoor attraction returns Nov. 4, with a grand opening held on Veterans Day (grand opening day guests are encouraged to wear red, white and blue in honor of the patriotic holiday). Offering daily ice skating in historic downtown Folsom, this circular rink is situated around a towering Christmas tree bedecked with spectacular decorations and illuminated at a tree-lighting celebration on Dec. 2. Join in the merriment on Dec. 3, as the town’s 48th annual Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair takes place near the rink, featuring live music, face painting and local merchants selling their holiday wares. $12 ($10 for children ages 8 and under). $3 rental fee for skates. Open daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. 905 Leidesdorff St. Folsom. 985-4181. folsomicerink.com
Global Winter Wonderland
Nov. 19-Jan. 8 This sparkling spectacle is returning to Cal Expo for the third year and is slated to be bigger and better than ever. After browsing illuminated displays like Toy Land and Candy Land and riding carnival rides, a jolly skate session is the quintessential cherry on top of this sensory feast. Global Winter Wonderland’s rink offers 45-minute time slots that include free skate rentals with the purchase of any ticket. Work up an appetite and head to the international food stalls nearby or take tiny tots with their eyes all aglow to visit Santa. $12. Hours vary by day. Cal Expo. 1600 Exposition Blvd. 866-987-8190. globalwonderland.com
Iceland Skating Rink
Nov. 18-March 5 As Sacramento’s oldest ice rink, established in 1940, this beloved North Sacramento venue has hosted everyone from Ronald Reagan to boxer Max Baer since its debut. Yuletide spirit abounds this winter at Iceland during its annual holiday show on Dec. 17 and 18, during which solo and group ice dancers will perform under theatrical lights to holiday music ($10 general admission; $15 for on-ice seats). In addition to daily skating, Iceland offers sporty activities for young and old, like weekly drop-in broomball sessions, ice hockey lessons and themed skating nights with DJs playing festive beats. $10 including skate rental. Open Thurs.-Sun. from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. 1430 Del Paso Blvd. 925-3121. skatesacramento.com
Skatetown Ice Arena
Nov. 20-Jan. 16 Since 1997, this 65,000 square-foot family-run ice arena in Roseville has been welcoming throngs of winter sport enthusiasts to its facility as home to many community groups like the Capital City Figure Skating Club, Sacramento Firefighters Hockey Club and the Wine Country Curling Club. Skatetown’s 4,500 square-foot seasonal outdoor rink features long skate sessions, fluffy white snow and light shows choreographed to holiday music. Both the indoor and outdoor rinks will be open on Dec. 2 from 7-10 p.m. for Skatetown’s annual Winter Wonderland Skate Party with Christmas carols, karaoke and visits from holiday elves. $9 ($8 for children ages 10 and under; $5 for children 4 and under). $3.50 rental fee for skates. Hours vary by day. Indoor rink open year-round. 1009 Orlando Ave. Roseville. 783-8550. skatetown.biz
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