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 5, 2025 | 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. 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.
FLASHBACK FRIDAYS PRESENTED BY CLASSIC HITS 103.7
DATES TBA
Get ready to rewind the clock and skate to the sounds of the 1980s! On the second Friday of each month, 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.
CLASSICAL SUNDAYS PRESENTED BY KDFC
Sundays I 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 KUSC. Enjoy the beauty of skating to timeless melodies in a serene setting that elevates your experience.
BLACK FRIDAY WITH WiLD 94.9
Friday, November 28, 2025 | 7pm & 8:30pm sessions
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.
DRAG ON ICE
Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. $30pp
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 11, 2025 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions. $30pp
The fan-favorite Silent Skate Party 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 DJ Patrix, 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
Thursday, January 1, 2026 | 2:30–3:30 p.m. $25pp
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 2026.
