SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Rink at Union Square: 2026 Opening Ceremony + Free Ice Skating

SF’s Holiday Ice Skating Rink at Union Square (2026-27) Union Square Ice Rink One of San Francisco’s favorite holiday traditions returns for its 19th season. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square opens November 4, 2026, bringing outdoor ice skating to the heart of downtown San Francisco through January 18, 2027. Skate beneath the holiday lights in Union Square, with themed nights throughout the season ranging from ’80s music and country glam to a silent disco on ice. The rink is open daily, with hour-long skating sessions starting every 90 minutes. This year’s lineup includes returning favorites like Drag on Ice, Silent Skate, Flashback Fridays and Polar Bear Skate, plus a new series of Wednesday night themed skating sessions. Tickets are on sale now at unionsquareicerink.com. Special Events at the Union Square Ice Rink Opening Celebration Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. The season kicks off with an evening celebration and on-ice performances. The first 100 guests can skate for free during the 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. sessions. Registration is required upon arrival. Flashback Fridays November 27, December 18, 2026, and January 15, 2027 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions Skate to 1980s hits with music from Greatest Hits 103.7. Expect throwback tracks from artists like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen, Prince and Pat Benatar. Drag on Ice Thursday, December 3, 2026 | 6:30-8 p.m. | $35 Local drag performers bring their show to the ice for an evening of skating and live entertainment. Skate alongside the performers or watch the show from the sidelines. Silent Skate Thursday, December 10, 2026 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions | $35 This silent disco on ice features three DJs spinning different music channels through wireless headphones. Choose between sets from WiLD 94.9’s Majestichris, Star 101.3’s Magic Matt and DJ Von. Polar Bear Skate Friday, January 1, 2027 | 2:30-3:30 p.m. | $30 Start the new year in swimwear at this chilly twist on the traditional Polar Bear plunge. Skaters can wear their most creative beachwear on the ice, with prizes for the best outfits. Find tickets and details for special events at unionsquareicerink.com. Wednesday Night Theme Skates The new Mid-Week Merriment series brings a different theme to the rink every Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Dress up if you like, or just come for the music. November 11: Onesies Wednesday. Wear your favorite cozy onesie and skate to upbeat holiday hits. November 18: The Rhinestone Rink. Country music, boots, big hair and rhinestones set the tone for this country-glam night. November 25: Friendsgiving. Grab your friends for a night of skating and music celebrating friendship. December 2: White Out. Wear white for a winter-themed skate night. December 9: Holiday Movie Music Night. Skate to songs and scores from favorite holiday movies. Costumes are encouraged. December 16: Holidays Around the World. Enjoy seasonal music celebrating traditions and cultures from around the world. December 23: Naughty or N-Ice. Dress to match your holiday mood for a playful seasonal skate. December 29: Y2K Nostalgic New Year. Break out your late-’90s and early-2000s looks for a throwback skate night. January 6: K-Pop Countdown Skate. Skate to K-pop hits and fan favorites. January 13: Rivals on Ice. Wear your favorite team colors for a skate night inspired by hockey rivalries. Check the official event calendar for updates and session availability. Free Learn to Skate Lessons Saturdays and Sundays | 8-9 a.m. | Free Beginners can sign up for free skating lessons with professional instructors, including skate rental. Space is limited to 50 participants per day, and spots are allocated through a random lottery. There are two lottery windows for the 2026-27 season: November lessons: Enter the lottery from October 2 through October 28, 2026. December and January lessons: Enter the lottery from November 2 through November 23, 2026. Selected participants receive an email with a one-time-u…