'Tis the season for BARTable ice skating rinks

Just because it's not very cold outside doesn't mean outdoor ice skating is out of the question (we recommend layering up!). This season, skate through a tree-lit forest, in the middle of Union Square or at the biggest ice rink in the Bay. Check out these BARTable holiday ice rinks.  

Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Nothing says the holiday season has arrived like ice skating around San Francisco’s most glamorous shopping district in the shadow of a giant tree. And that’s exactly what you can do if you grab your mittens, lace up your skates and take BART to Powell Street to enjoy the Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square. The ice rink is open until January 20. 

Nearest station: Powell StWalk time: 8 minutesLocation: Union SquareHours: Daily, 10am to 11:30pmAdmission: $18 for adults, $13 for children (eight and under), $3 for locker rental

Visit unionsquareicerink.com for special events, including a polar bear skate on New Year’s Day — wear you finest beach attire and brave the cold — and the famous Union Square tree-lighting ceremony. The ice rink is the best spot to see the tree.

BARTable Tip: Tickets for the ice skating session during the November 29 tree-lighting tend to sell out quickly, but you can avoid the lines by buying tickets for other skating sessions through Eventbrite. 

Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center

Celebrate the holidays in San Francisco at the Bay Area's largest outdoor ice rink. Ride BART to Embarcadero Station and walk four minutes to the twinkle-lit holiday ice rink across from the historic Ferry Building. The ice rink is open until the first week of January. 

Nearest station: Embarcadero Walk time: 4 minutesLocation: The plaza across from the Ferry BuildingHours: Sunday-Thursday, 10am-9:30pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-11:30pmAdmission: $12 for adults, $7 for children (seven and under), $5 for skate rentals

BARTable Tip: Be sure to check online to see if the rink is closed for private events. 

Walnut Creek on Ice

If the East Bay is your place, there’s BARTable skating for you, too. Walnut Creek on Ice is open until January 20. Take BART to Walnut Creek and catch County Connection Route 4, affectionately known to locals as the “Free Ride Trolley.” Yes, the trolley ride is free and drops you off right at the rink. The Trolley schedule is online here.

Nearest station: Walnut Creek, and transfer to the free trolleyLocation: Civic Park, 1365 Civic DriveHours: Monday-Thursday 12-8pm; Friday 12-11pm; Saturday 11am-11pm; Sunday 11am-8pmAdmission: $13 Monday-Friday before 5pm; $15 Friday at 5pm through Sunday; $15 November 10-11, November 22-December 1, December 20-January 6 and January 20

BARTable Tip: Be sure to visit on Family Skate Nights: a family of four skates for $35, including admission and skate rentals on Tuesdays. 

For more information, a complete schedule of special events and more visit Walnut Creek on Ice.

Winter Park Ice Rink at Civic Center

In it's second year, the newest winter-themed wonderland is coming back to San Francisco. The Winter Park Ice Rink at Civic Center is scheduled to open November 22 until January 5. It's San Francisco's holiday ice rink and track, which includes a 400-foot skating track weaving through a lighted tree forest. The rink is in Civic Center Plaza, right in front of San Francisco City Hall. 

Let's get social.