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 6, 2024 | 5–7 pm
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 am
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.
The December/January Learn to Skate lottery is now closed.
WhyNot Wednesdays
Every Wednesday through December 18 | 7 pm session
This season, don't miss Whynot Wednesdays, a spirited weekly celebration inspired by A Whynot Christmas Carol, American Conservatory Theater’s imaginative new production of "A Christmas Carol." Just as the show follows a small-town theater troupe asking "why not?" as they tackle Dickens's classic tale, we're inviting skaters to embrace that same adventurous spirit on ice. Each Wednesday features a unique theme that captures the joy and whimsy of the season – from dressing in festive outfits and bringing your buddies, to showing off your sparkliest gear and best skating moves. Whether you're singing along to holiday tunes, sporting your favorite winter sweater, or skating hand-in-hand with a special someone, these themed nights embody the show's message of coming together to create something magical, even if it means stepping (or gliding!) out of your comfort zone. We're inviting everyone to ask "why not?" and make their own holiday memories on the ice.
FLASHBACK FRIDAYS PRESENTED BY CLASSIC HITS 103.7
November 15, December 13 & January 17 | 7 pm and 8:30 pm 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!
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 Classical California KDFC. Enjoy the beauty of skating to timeless melodies in a serene setting that elevates your experience.
BLACK FRIDAY WITH WiLD 94.9
Friday, November 29, 2024 | 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 5, 2024 | 6:30–8:00 pm $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 ringside 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 pm and 8:30 pm 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 pm $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.
