ICE SKATING INFORMATION AT
UNION SQUARE ICE RINK
A holiday tradition, ice skating in Union Square promises to bring a smile to your face and delight to all who visit—big and small, young and old. Join us for festive, fun ice skating in Union Square from Wednesday, November 1, 2023 – Monday, January 15, 2024.
Plan your visit to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente–the coolest place to be this winter!
SKATING SESSIONS AND HOURS
[60] minute sessions that start every 1.5 hours:
November 1 - December 17
10:00am – 11:00pm Daily
December 18 - December 29
8:30am - 11:00pm Monday - Friday
10:00am - 11:00pm Saturdays & Sundays
December 30 - January 15
10:00am – 11:00pm Daily
The ice rink will close at 9:30 p.m. on December 31, 2023. Check our calendar of events for special events and closed sessions.
ADMISSION
General Admission including skate rental: $20
Children 8 and under including skate rental: $15
Locker Rental: $5
Skate Helper: $6
Gloves: $5
Socks: $5
The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente has a “No Refund Policy”. It does provide for refunds in very limited circumstances only – when a session is canceled or there is an extraordinary circumstance. If a refund is issued, it will not include the Convenience Fee.
A portion of ticket proceeds generously benefits the community through the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.
RENTALS
Ice Skates
Figure and hockey skate sizes range from toddler’s size 8 to adult’s size 15. If you'd like to bring your own skates, let us know upon arrival and we'll put $5 back on the credit card used in your original order.
For beginning skaters under 48 inches tall, we offer Skate Helpers: Penguin & Polar Bear Helpers that glide with the skater along the ice and help with balance and control. Skaters must be able to stand on their own and push the Helper by themselves. Others cannot push them.
For safety considerations, Skate Helpers cannot be rented to anyone taller than 48". These can be rented rink side or from the Skate Shop, onsite only. Limited quantity and available on a first-come basis.
LOCKERS AND CONVENIENCES
Lockers may be rented for $5 and are large enough to hold a couple of pairs of shoes, a medium-size handbag and a few small purchases.
Restrooms are located in the Union Square Parking Garage. Since skates may not be worn outside of the ice rink, we recommend you use the facilities before putting on skates.
For your convenience, you may also purchase gloves and socks for $5 each.
PRIVATE PARTIES
Private Parties: Available on select Mondays and Tuesdays during the 5:30pm & 7:00pm sessions. On or before 12/19/23: Rate for private party is $5000. Rates for private parties in January: $4500. Sessions are not open to the public if sold to a private party.
RAIN POLICY
Rebook your Session:
Rebooking can only be accomplished online. To rebook your session, please open the confirmation you received via email. Just above the yellow "Your Ticket" section, click "Change booking" to rebook. From there you can choose another available session.
Cancellations:
If your ice-skating session prematurely ends or is canceled due to inclement weather or the threat thereof, your tickets are valid for any new date and time that is available on or before January 15, 2024.
The Ice Rink has an “Exchange Only Policy”. It does provide refunds in very limited circumstances only, or there is an extraordinary circumstance. If a refund is issued it will not include the Convenience Fee.
WHAT TO WEAR
As with most activities in San Francisco, the key to comfortable ice skating in Union Square is to wear layers; the temperature on the ice may range from chilly to warm, depending on the time of day, the number of skaters and the amount of energy one exerts. Gloves and hats always help. We do sell both gloves and socks if you need them.
GETTING HERE
Located at 333 Post Street in San Francisco, our ice rink sits in the heart of Union Square near the corner of Geary and Powell Streets. Numerous transportation options are available, and we encourage environmentally-friendly considerations such as walking, biking, riding Muni, taking BART or ridesharing.
Drive: If driving, signs lead to Union Square from most area freeways. Area parking garages provide plentiful parking options.
Walk: If walking from North Beach or Chinatown, take Grant Street south through the Chinatown gate to Maiden Lane, then turn right.
Bike: Bike paths are located nearby on both Market Street and Post/Sutter streets. Nearby parking garages offer bike parking.
Public Transit: If taking public transit, the SFMTA’s transit trip planner provides the most comprehensive schedules and routes for all options, including:
- BART from the East Bay or south of San Francisco. Exit at the Powell Street station
- Muni public transit lines converge at Union Square, the 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 38, 38R, J, K, M, N, T trains. Metro riders please exit at Union Square/Market St. station. at Union Square
- Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde cable car lines stop in Union Square
- San Francisco’s historic trolley car “F” line stops nearby at Market and Powell Streets
- Take Caltrain to the San Francisco 4th & King stop, transfer to Muni bus line 30 or 45 & get off at Stockton/Sutter
EATING HERE
For a dining experience, visit our sponsoring restaurant John’s Grill. Located a quick two block walk from the ice rink.
STAYING HERE
Hilton Hotels of San Francisco
Make the Hilton Hotels of San Francisco, located steps from shopping, restaurants, and theaters, your cheerful holiday home base in the city. Book Hilton’s Skate and Stay package to receive two (2) Union Square Ice Rink tickets with skate rentals with your booking. During the holiday season the hotel features activities for the whole family, including Elf Encounters for the little ones.
To book your stay, visit hiltonsanfranciscounionsquare.com or Parc55.com and use the Special Rate code "P4".
San Francisco Marriott Union Square
Join us as we celebrate the magic of the season with a special holiday package that is sure to create lasting memories. Enjoy ice skating with your loved ones surrounded by twinkling lights and festive decorations at the Ice Rink, just one block from the hotel. Package includes 2 admission tickets to the rink and 2 complimentary skate rentals. All tickets are based on registered guests within the room, max 2 tickets per room included in rate per stay. Click here to book your package!
GALLERIA PARK
Find your merry this holiday season in the City by the Bay. San Francisco is something extra special during the holidays, and we can't wait for you to unwrap the city's gifts. Experience the magical Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, an urban winter wonderland unlike any other, now through January 15, 2024 with our ice skating package. Enjoy room rates from $179 per night and up to 4 ice skating admissions which include skate rental. Visit www.galleriapark.com and use promo code SKATE.
GRAND HYATT
Glide across the ice with friends and family and spend the night in the heart of Union Square. With our Skate Around the Square package, guests will enjoy one admission ticket per registered guest, giving access to Union Square’s outdoor ice rink including skate rental. Union Square is only a two-minute walk from our hotel. Digital ice rink admission tickets will be emailed to guests prior to arrival at the hotel, and guests can reserve rink admission for their preferred date in advance at unionsquareicerink.com. Click here to book your package now!
KING GEORGE HOTEL
Come stay at the King George Hotel and take advantage of our Stay & Skate package. We're conveniently located at 334 Mason St, just one block from Union Square and the ice rink. Built in 1915, as a 154 room boutique hotel, we offer overnight accommodations with one plush queen bed or two bedded rooms. Boasting a newly renovated lobby, in-house lounge and games room, complimentary morning coffee/tea, and WIFI, our hotel is the perfect escape for a holiday themed romantic getaway, or a memorable family vacation to experience all the season offers on Union Square. Book your stay at www.kinggeorge.com.
HOTEL EMBLEM
Book your stay at Hotel Emblem from November 1, 2023, through January 15, 2024, and keep warm with a piping cup of TCHO Hawt Chocolate (ask our bartender to add a little something to keep you extra warm) as you walk over to the ice rink to skate in this iconic and historic part of San Francisco. No need to bring your own skates, rentals are included. Come back and spend the night in one of our well-appointed rooms, and feel free to hit the snooze button the next morning thanks to late checkout. Happy Holidays from Hotel Emblem! Secure your reservation now for stays between November 1 and January 15, 2024.
THINGS TO DO
The Lion King
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More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING, and now you can, too, when San Francisco's best-loved musical returns to the Orpheum Theatre. Winner of six Tony Awards®️️️, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®️️️-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®️️️-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING. November 22 – December 30, 2023. BroadwaySF.com
Winter Walk 2023
This holiday season, don’t miss the highly anticipated return of Winter Walk on Stockton Street, December 14-24! Winter Walk is a festive pop-up holiday extravaganza that stretches from Post to Geary Street and Geary too O’Farrell Street. This lively pedestrian plaza will be adorned with green turf, a tempting array of food trucks and captivating live performances. Prior to the pandemic, Winter Walk was a cherished tradition for both San Francisco locals and visitors from the Bay Area, drawing a staggering 2.2 million attendees in 2018. Operating hours are Monday–Wednesday from noon to 7 p.m., and Thursday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
