The usual holiday inspired ice rinks that pop-up to go ice skating in San Diego are cancelled due to Covid-19 this year––but you can still glide to a cool nearby ice rink for wintry fun this holiday season. Don’t forget to warm up afterwards with some hot cocoa! Scroll down for the edge on the best ice rinks in San Diego and get ready to go ice skating!
Always call or check the website of the ice rink you’d like to visit before heading out, to make sure it’s open during these ever-changing times and to learn about their Covid-19 protocols.
Viejas Outlets Ice Rink
With the giant tree aglow and the holiday lights twinkling, this largest outdoor ice rink in SoCal is a must-do this season. Get ready to do the bunny hop and swizzle. Grab a cup of cocoa (or pizza slice) from the ice rink’s snack shack, then lace up your skates for festive fun. Don't forget to bundle up for the chilly winter nights! Open Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Insider's Tip: Each ice skate ticket is good for a 90-minute ice skating session.
5000 Willows Rd.
Alpine, CA 91901
Online: viejas.com/ice-rink
UTC Ice
One of San Diego's best indoor ice skating locations, UTC Ice is fun for the holidays and the rest of the year too! Couple that with catching up on your Christmas shopping, and you have a festive day.
Dates: Year-round
Hours: Vary by day
4545 La Jolla Village Dr.
La Jolla, CA 92122
858-452-9110
Online: utcice.com
San Diego Ice Arena
An oldie but goodie, this Mira Mesa ice rink (open 35+ years) is home to 'The Ice Qub' mascot. A good time for novice skaters to come is during the Skate Hero program where there are friendly staff to help skaters, ice games, dances, a DJ booth at the center of the rink with, disco lights and a visit from Ice Qub himself. Check the schedule for these special sessions.
Insider's Tip: Bring quarters! They are good for locker use and vending machine snacks.
Dates: Year-round
Hours: Vary, so check the schedule.
11048 Ice Skate Pl.
San Diego, CA 92126
858-530-1825
Online: sdice.com
Kroc Center Ice
This year-round indoor ice arena is busy but fun—a perfect spot for the tinier tots. It's a nice, clean, larger rink with a great little cafe out front. Go earlier in the session, it’s less busy. Bring tall, thick socks (for the rental skates), gloves or mittens for the littles, and a warm jacket (whether you skate or spectate) because it gets chilly.
Dates: Year-round
Hours: Vary, check schedule
6845 University Ave.
San Diego, CA 92115
619-269-1498
Online: sd.kroccenter.org/kroc-san-diego/ice
Icetown Carlsbad
A great little venue if you live in North Coastal San Diego, this ice skating rink is a local winter excursion. Clean and courteous is the vibe that comes out of this gem. If you enjoy your day on ice you’re in luck—this is a year-round rink. Allow twenty minutes for check-in and skate rental. Skate times vary, so check the schedule.
Dates: Year-round, times vary
2283 Cosmos Ct.
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760-893-8219
Online: icetowncarlsbad.com
The Rinks in Poway
This popular ice rink is a great place for all ages to learn to skate. After all that hard work, chill out in their nice cafe and enjoy your favorite gourmet coffee drink and a great view of the rink. There are bakery items, sandwiches and more, which makes it so much sweeter (not to mention the free WiFi and DirecTV). They have extended hours for the holiday season, so check the website for updates.
Dates: Year-round
Hours: Vary by day
12455 Kerran St., #100
Poway, CA 92064
858-956-0045
Online: powayice.therinks.com/public-skating
—Nikki Walsh & Beth Shea
featured image via Pixabay
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