Union Square's Holiday Ice Rink Returns For 2021-22 In SF

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — San Francisco's popular, outdoor ice-skating venue — the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square — announces its 2021-22 holiday season, with a Nov. 3 opening ceremony and a slew of holiday-themed, skate fun.

The iconic rink on Post Street, in the heart of the city, will run daily Nov. 3 through Jan. 17, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., aside from an early closure at 9:30 p.m. on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31.

On Wednesday, Nov. 3, the opening celebration will launch at 9:30 a.m. to mark the first skate of the season, with Dear San Francisco: A High-Flying Love Story cast, now performing at Club Fugazi, and Lexis Verhulst, star of Royal Caribbean ice shows, plus remarks from Safeway Director of Public and Government Affairs Wendy Gutshall and Union Square Alliance Executive director Marisa Rodriguez.

After the ceremony, families can take to the ice to ring in the holiday season of skating.

Tickets are $19, including skate rental, with skate session set for 60 minutes and occurring every 90 minutes. Tickets must be purchased online in advance by visiting here.

A portion of proceeds benefit the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

A special line-up of events through the holiday season include:

Learn to Skate, presented by Kaiser Permanente: Saturdays & Sundays (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) 8 a.m.–9 a.m. Skaters with little to no experience can 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. Sign up here.

Flashback Fridays presented by 80s+ - Fridays, Nov. 12,. Dec. 10 & Jan. 14, 2022 -7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Celebrate with musical hits of the ‘80s—at “Flashback Fridays.” These special sessions feature 80s+@103.7 personalities on-hand spinning hits by Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Madonna, Lionel Richie, and more! Skaters are encouraged to don their favorite legwarmers and unitard, and come party at this totally tubular event!

Drag Queens On Ice: Thursday, Dec. 2,- 7:30–9:30 p.m. "One of the City’s most popular events of the holiday season. Watch some of San Francisco’s fiercest Bay Area drag queens lip-sync and skate the night away."

Silent Skate Party: Thursday, Dec. 9 - 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The popular Silent Skate Party returns for one night only! A silent "disco on ice," Silent Skate Party transports guests from the bustling Union Square to a skate dance party like no other. Headphones will be provided to all skaters.

Polar Bear Skate: Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2022 - 2:30–3:30 p.m. Return to take on the popular Canadian tradition — where, in this version, ice skaters put on bathing suits, grab shades and “take the plunge” in the ice rink for this New Year’s Day Union Square tradition. "All skaters are invited to ring in the New Year in their chicest, wildest, and most inventive beach attire in hopes of walking away with prizes, awarded on theme, originality and overall appearance." organizers said.

The SF Union Square rink's health and safety protocols are posted here.

For all events and ticket details, follow this link.

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Other 2021-22 holiday ice rinks, announced to date, in SF Bay Area include:

• 'Ice At The Veranda' Holiday Skating: Concord
• Holiday Ice Rink: Vista Collina Resort: Napa
• 'Winter Lodge' Outdoor Ice Skating: Palo Alto
• Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Skating Rink: San Ramon
• 'Walnut Creek On Ice' Holiday Skating: Civic Park: Walnut Creek

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