SPECIAL EVENTS IN UNION SQUARE IN SAN FRANCISCO
Enjoy festive, only-in-San Francisco events this season at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente. Ranging from the traditional to the eccentric, our entertaining holiday skating events reflect the true spirit of San Francisco and offer something for everyone.
Join the merrymaking at one – or many – of our special San Francisco events:
Opening Celebration
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 5–7 p.m.
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente will open with a festive evening ceremony to kick off the holiday ice skating season. Guests are invited to skate before and after the celebration, which will include on-ice performances. Additional special guests will include local dignitaries and celebrities, who will be invited to take to the ice alongside guests of all ages for the first official skate of the season. First (100) guests skate for free* during the 5:30pm and 7pm sessions. *Registration required upon arrival.
FLASHBACK FRIDAYS PRESENTED BY CLASSIC HITS 103.7
November 27, December 18 & January 15 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions
Get ready to rewind the clock and skate to the sounds of the 1980s! Join us for Flashback Fridays—a totally tubular night of throwback jams, big hair, and even bigger energy. Classic Hits 103.7 will be live at the rink, spinning iconic tracks from legends like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen, Prince, Pat Benatar and more. Break out the neon, lace up those skates, and let’s party like it’s 1985. It’s going to be radical.
DRAG ON ICE
Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. $35pp
Get ready for a night that shimmers, shines, and slays! The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente is proud to welcome back Drag on Ice—San Francisco’s most dazzling celebration of holiday spirit and self-expression.
Experience the sparkle like never before as local drag superstars bring the glam to the ice with unforgettable performances full of sass, style, and seasonal magic. Whether you're skating alongside the drag performers or cheering them on from the sidelines, this is one festive night you won’t want to miss.
SILENT SKATE. One Night. Three DJs. Endless Vibes.
Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions. $35pp
The fan-favorite Silent Skate is back at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente—for one night only! Get ready to glide, groove, and vibe at this one-of-a-kind silent disco on ice.
Throw on a pair of wireless headphones, choose your channel, and skate to the beats of WiLD 94.9’s Majestichris, Star 101.3’s Magic Matt, or the Bay Area’s own DJ Von—each spinning live on-site with their signature sound. It’s an immersive on-ice dance party where you control the music and the moves. Lace up. Tune in. Let loose.
POLAR BEAR SKATE
Friday, January 1, 2027 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. $30pp
Start the year with a splash of boldness at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente! Inspired by the famous Canadian tradition, our New Year’s Day Polar Bear Skate invites skaters of all ages to hit the ice in their most outrageous swimwear on ice in the heart of Union Square!
Break out your beachwear, bring the sunshine vibes, and skate into the new year in style. Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed based on theme, creativity, and all-around fabulousness. It’s chilly, it’s cheeky, and it’s the coolest way to kick off 2027.
ON-GOING PROGRAMMING
LEARN TO SKATE PRESENTED BY KAISER PERMANENTE
Saturdays & Sundays | 8–9 a.m.
Kaiser Permanente invites skaters with little to no experience to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente to learn from professional skate instructors every weekend. Lessons are free (including skate rental) to those who sign up in advance. Space is limited to 50 participants per day. Reservations will be allotted through a lottery system.
CLASSICAL SUNDAYS PRESENTED BY CLASSICAL CALIFORNIA
Sundays | 10am and 11:30am sessions
Join us every Sunday for our Classical Sunday Skate Sessions! Glide gracefully on the rink as you immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of classical music, brought to you by Classical California. Enjoy the beauty of skating to timeless melodies in a serene setting that elevates your experience.
MID-WEEK MERRIMENT
Wednesdays | 8:30pm session
Make Wednesday nights the highlight of your week with Mid-Week Merriment, a playful series of themed 8:30 p.m. skating sessions at the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square. From cozy onesies and country sparkle to holiday movie favorites, global celebrations, throwback hits, and more, each week brings a new reason to dress up, gather your crew, and create unforgettable memories on the ice.
November 11 — Onesies Wednesday
Cozy up in your favorite onesie and skate beneath the lights to upbeat holiday hits. Matching looks for families and friends are encouraged—just save the slippers for off the ice!
November 18 — The Rhinestone Rink
Add a little country sparkle to the holidays with a night inspired by big hair, rhinestones, boots, and uplifting country music. Come dressed in your most fabulous country-glam look and skate to Dolly, Kacey, and all your other country favorites.
November 25 — Friendsgiving
Gather your favorite people for a festive night on the ice celebrating friendship and togetherness. Skate with your crew, snap a group photo, and enjoy a feel-good playlist as you kick off the Thanksgiving festivities.
December 2 — White Out
Wear your brightest whites and light up the rink! Glide beneath the lights while enjoying festive music, cool winter vibes, and an unforgettable night on the ice.
December 9 — Holiday Movie Music Night
Skate to memorable songs and scores from beloved holiday movies—without ever leaving the ice. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite holiday movie character for an added touch of cinematic fun.
December 16 — Holidays Around the World
Take a musical journey around the globe with seasonal songs and contemporary favorites celebrating cultures and traditions from around the world.
December 23 — Naughty or N-Ice
Are you feeling naughty or n-ice? Dress to match your holiday mood and hit the ice for a playful evening of festive music, themed photo moments, and season fun.
December 30 — Y2K Nostalgic New Year
Party like it’s 1999 at Y2K Nostalgic New Year on December 29! Break out your best throwback looks and skate into the New Year early with iconic hits and retro vibes.
January 6 — K-Pop Countdown Skate
Turn up the energy between Christmas and New Year’s with K-pop’s biggest hits, fan favorites, and dance-worthy anthems. Dress in your favorite group’s colors, bring your light sticks, and skate your way toward 2027.
January 13 — Rivals on Ice
Choose your side and bring some friendly competition to the rink for a playful night inspired by hockey rivalries and romance on ice. Wear your favorite team colors and enjoy high-energy music and photo moments.
