
SAN FRANCISCO’S BELOVED HOLIDAY TRADITION RETURNS: THE SAFEWAY HOLIDAY ICE RINK PRESENTED BY KAISER PERMANENTE BRINGS WINTER MAGIC TO UNION SQUARE
October 14, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Julie Richter, Prismatic Communications | moc.snoitacinummoccitamsirp@eiluj
SAN FRANCISCO (October 3, 2024)— The heart of San Francisco will once again transform into a winter wonderland as Willy Bietak Productions announces the return of The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente. From November 6, 2024, through January 20, 2025, locals and visitors alike can enjoy this cherished holiday tradition as it returns for its 17th season. The grand Opening Celebration on November 6 at 5 p.m., will provide a magical start to the city’s most anticipated winter attraction.
Surrounded by festive lights and the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco’s shopping district, the rink offers a unique outdoor skating experience for all — from families and friends to couples and colleagues. For over a decade and a half, this holiday-themed ice park has captivated guests of all ages, providing a quintessential San Francisco winter experience in the city’s iconic plaza. Tickets are on sale now at www.unionsquareicerink.com.
“We’re thrilled to see Willy Bietak Productions continue this beloved tradition,” said Marisa Rodriguez, the Chief Executive Officer of the Union Square Alliance. “From the silent disco to the dazzling Drag On Ice, these unforgettable attractions go beyond skating. It’s about bringing the community together and creating magical holiday memories in the heart of San Francisco. We are excited to showcase all the festive activities and shopping experiences Union Square has to offer while providing a safe and enjoyable environment where everyone can fully immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.”
“The Holiday Ice Rink in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square is a fun and favorite holiday tradition and Kaiser Permanente is delighted to be the premier sponsor once again” said Tarek Salaway, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Golden Gate service area. “We are excited to share another holiday season with our community making memories on the ice, while getting exercise outdoors. Skating is wonderful for cardiovascular health and well-being, and it’s tons of fun!”
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink will host a variety of special events throughout its run, including:
OPENING CELEBRATION
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 | 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 and an appearance from cast members of A Whynot Christmas Carol at American Conservatory Theater. 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.
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. Guests can enter the November lottery on the website from October 1 – 25, 2024 and December & January lottery from November 1 – 22, 2024.
FLASHBACK FRIDAYS PRESENTED BY CLASSIC HITS 103.7
November 15, December 20 & January 17 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente invites skaters to ride the retro wave by throwing it back to the musical hits of the ‘80s at “Flashback Fridays.” On the second Friday of each month, the rink will host Classic Hits 103.7 personalities who will crank up the ‘80s vibes, dropping iconic tracks from Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Madonna, Lionel Richie, and more! Dust off the legwarmers and rock the unitard at the rad rendezvous at the rink!
DRAG ON ICE
Thursday, December 5, 2024 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. $30pp
The ice rink never sparkles more than when the City’s most radiant event, “Drag on Ice,” returns in full splendor to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente. It’s an evening of glitz, glam, and unmatched on-ice exuberance. Attendees can lace up their skates and twirl alongside the Queens and Kings or grab a prime spot rinkside to watch the fiercest drag personalities in the San Francisco Bay Area deliver holiday performances that’ll sleigh your heart away.
SILENT SKATE
Thursday, December 12, 2024 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions. $30pp
The popular Silent Skate party returns to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente for one night only! It’s a silent disco on ice that transports skaters to an on-ice dance party like no other! Lace up your skates, don a cool pair of headphones, and skate the night away with WiLD 94.9’s DJ Patrix, Star 101.3’s Magic Matt, and Bay Area’s DJ Von onsite, spinning your favorite tunes.
POLAR BEAR SKATE
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. $25pp
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente welcomes skaters of all ages to start the New Year off in your swimsuit…on the ice…in the middle of Union Square! As a nod to the popular Canadian tradition, this version of “taking the plunge” skaters are invited to wear their wildest and most inventive beach attire, in hopes of walking away with cool prizes, awarded on theme, originality, and overall appearance.
New additions to this year’s lineup include:
CLASSICAL SUNDAYS PRESENTED BY KDFC
Sundays I 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. 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 KDFC. Enjoy the beauty of skating to timeless melodies in a serene setting that elevates your experience.
BLACK FRIDAY WITH WiLD 94.9 | 7 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. sessions
Friday, November 29, 2024
Whether you are burning off Thanksgiving Dinner or unwinding after Black Friday shopping, join WiLD 949’s Jeanine da Feen as we play the biggest hits of today. Enjoy this Winter Wonderland Dance Party inside The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente.
Tickets and Hours
The rink will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a special early closure at 9:30 p.m. on December 31, 2024. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under, including skate rental. All tickets must be purchased in advance at www.unionsquareicerink.com. A portion of ticket proceeds benefits the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
Sponsors of The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente are Safeway, Kaiser Permanente, American Conservatory Theater, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Parc 55 San Francisco, San Francisco Marriott Union Square, Galleria Park Hotel, Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Hotel Emblem, King George Hotel, Union Square Alliance, John’s Grill, KTSF26, KDFC, BART, SFMTA, STAR 101.3, 98.1 The Breeze, 106.1 KMEL, Classic Hits 103.7, WiLD 94.9, PRIDE Radio, NBC Bay Area, and Telemundo 48.
Find The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente on social media with
the hashtag #unionsquarerink, and connect on Facebook (Facebook.com /UnionSquareRink), Instagram
(@UnionSquareRink), and TikTok (tiktok.com/@unionsquarerink).
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About Willy Bietak Productions
Los Angeles-based Willy Bietak Productions is a full-service production company specializing in the development and production of high-quality family entertainment. With a staff of award-winning designers, directors, choreographers and musical arrangers – backed by a talented production and management team – Willy Bietak Productions conceives, packages and tours international entertainment spectaculars as well as special events. For more information, please visit bietakproductions.com.
About the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department currently manages more than 220 parks, playgrounds and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside city limits—Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. The system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields and numerous small-to-medium-sized clubhouses that offer a variety of sports and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages. Included in the Department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced. In 2017, San Francisco became the first and only city in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the Department’s commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the city.
Keep up with the latest – and coolest – news straight from Union Square, San Francisco’s most magical and festive ice skating destination.
For press inquiries, please contact:
Julie Richter
Prismatic Communications