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The Best Ice Skating Rinks For The Holiday Season

Here we will take a look at some of the best ice skating rinks that you can go to this winter in order to spend some time both inside and outside on the ice.

If you are anything like me, then one of your favorite parts of the holiday season is going ice skating with your family and friends to spend quality time together. Even here in sunny Southern California, you can hit one of these ice skating rinks for some festive fun to get into the spirit of the season.

Note: For many of these rinks, tickets in advance are recommended. Prices and hours may vary.

Best Ice Skating Rinks for the Holiday Season

Surf City Winter Wonderland

2024 TBA
Address: Huntington Beach Pier Plaza at Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to ice skate on the ocean? Surf City’s Winter Wonderland gives you the opportunity to do just that. The Huntington Beach Pier provides the perfect backdrop for skating with the terrific view of the ocean behind you.

Winter Fest OC

Select Days November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Address: 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Winter Fest OC is Orange County’s biggest holiday event with holiday décor, over a million lights, rides and games, ice tubing, and of course an ice rink for skating under the stars. Don’t miss out on making memories with family and friends at this festive holiday celebration. We visit Winter Fest every year and we love hitting the ice here.

Winter Fest OC Ice Rink

The Ice Rink At Irvine Spectrum

November 7, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Address: Giant Wheel Court – 670 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618

There is no doubt that Irvine Spectrum is a hub for both Christmas shopping and festive events. With decorations all around, including the centerpiece of the Christmas tree right near the ice rink, this place creates a wonderful atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to go ice skating all night long.

Irvine Spectrum Ice Rink

Great Park ICE

Open Year Round
Address: 888 Ridge Valley, Irvine, CA 92618

In addition to being the home of local Olympian Nathan Chen, Great Park ICE is also a wonderful place for novice skaters to learn how to skate. Skating lessons and public skating sessions are available year-round at Great Park ICE and the perfect spot to enjoy indoor ice skating during the holiday season.

The Rinks

Anaheim Ice: 300 West Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA 92805
Westminster Ice: 13071 Springdale Street, Westminster, CA 92683
Yorba Linda Ice: 23641 La Palma Avenue, Yorba Linda, CA 92887

As opposed to other picks on this list, The Rinks ICE locations are open year-round for ice skaters of all skill levels and is a great place for beginners and intermediates. They have been known to have holiday touches throughout the month, so don’t miss it! Also, these are indoors, so even if the weather takes a turn, you can still spend an afternoon on the ice.

Lake Forest Ice Palace

Open Year Round
25821 Atlantic Ocean Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Public skating is open year round while there is a holiday ice show that takes places in December.

Aliso Viejo Ice Palace

Open Year Round
9 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Public skating is open year round while there is a holiday ice show that takes places in December.

Discontinued Ice Skating

These events and places will not have ice skating in 2024.

  • Huntington Beach Surf City Winter Wonderland
  • Santa Ana Winter Village
  • The Ice Rink at Pasea Hotel
  • Rudolph’s Rink – Mission Viejo 
  • Fire & Ice Festival – Newport Dunes
  • Winterscape – San Juan Capistrano

Ice Rinks Near OC

Skypark At Santa’s Village

Open Year Round
Address: 28950 CA-18, Skyforest, CA 92385

Just a few minutes from Lake Arrowhead is Santa’s Village, the kind of place that you might imagine in a snowglobe. It comes complete with an ice rink surrounded by beautiful pine trees, as well as a Christmas village where plenty of holiday celebrations are held.

Temecula On Ice

December 2024-January 2025
Address: 41902 Main Street, Temecula, CA 92590

A new season of skating awaits at Temecula on Ice. You can skate here the whole day long, enjoying Christmas carols playing on the surrounding radios! If you’re there at the right time, you’ll be treated to a wonderful view as the sun sets behind the mountains.

Skating By The Sea at Hotel Del Coronado

November 2024 – January 2025
Address: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118

Hotel Del Coronado is home to many wonderful holiday activities like beachside igloos, and Victorian tea. However, their ice skating on the sea is the shining star of festivities – with a beautiful view of the ocean you can skate to your heart’s content, and you can rent a private lounge with appetizers to go around.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for an experience that’s truly unique, the Hotel Del Coronado offers a package that includes two day passes to Skating By The Sea, as well as overnight accommodations.

Ice At Santa Monica

November 2024 – January 2025
Address: 1324 5th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Ice at Santa Monica is a great place to skate with friends and family. Located right in the heart of downtown, this is a winter paradise that cannot be missed out!

And if you’re looking to get off the ice for a little while and spend some quality time with loved ones, Ice at Santa Monica has cabana rentals available.

Holiday Ice Rink At Pershing Square

November 2024 – January 2025
Address: 532 South Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Located adjacent to the fashion district in Los Angeles, the Holiday Ice Rink offers visitors the chance to enjoy a fun-filled holiday skating experience with a gorgeous view of the LA skyline. In addition to a great skating experience, they also have a few special nights including DJ nights.


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Morgan Mulac
Morgan is an avid writer about her journeys and enjoys sharing the beauty California has to offer. She is dedicated to using her writing skills to share her passion for travel with others and to help them discover the best places to eat while on vacation, no matter where she is.