Safeway Holiday Ice Rink Celebrates 18 Years in San Francisco
The magic of the holiday season returns to the heart of San Francisco as Willy Bietak Productions announces the 18th season of The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente. This cherished tradition will once again transform Union Square into an enchanting outdoor skating destination for locals and visitors from around the world through Monday, January 19, 2026.
The festive Opening Celebration held on November 5 launched the season with dazzling on-ice performances and special appearances, setting the stage for 11 weeks of unforgettable winter memories in San Francisco’s most iconic plaza.
“We are happy to have Willy Bietak Productions continue this beloved tradition for its 18th season,” said Marisa Rodriguez, chief executive officer of the Union Square Alliance. “The silent disco and the exciting Drag On Ice are just some of the attractions that go beyond skating. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square brings the community together and helps create joyful holiday memories in the heart of San Francisco. We look forward to showcasing the festive activities and shopping experiences available in Union Square while ensuring that everyone enjoys a safe and fun environment during the holiday season.”
“This holiday ice skating rink has become a favorite annual tradition for families across the Bay Area, giving people of all ages a unique way to spend time together, while getting exercise underneath the lights of the city,” said Chris Boyd, senior Vice President and area manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Golden Gate service area. “Kaiser Permanente is proud to support this rink as we bring our community together in a healthy and engaging way.”
The Opening Celebration opened with a festive evening ceremony to kick off the holiday ice skating season. Guests were invited to skate before and after the celebration, which included on-ice performances and festivities. Additional special guests included local dignitaries and celebrities, who were invited to take to the ice alongside guests of all ages for the first official skate of the season.
Kaiser Permanente invites skaters with little to no experience to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square to 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. Reservations will be allowed through a lottery system online at unionsquareicerink.com.
Get ready to rewind the clock and skate to the sounds of the 1980s! On the second Friday of each month, join in for Flashback Fridays - a totally tubular night of throwback jams, big hair, and even bigger energy! Classic Hits 103.7 will be live at the rink, spinning iconic tracks from legends like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen, Prince, Pat Benatar and more. Break out the neon, lace up those skates, and let’s party like it’s 1985!
Come every Sunday for Classical Sunday Skate Sessions! Glide gracefully on the rink as you immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of classical music, brought to you by Classical California KDFC 90.3. Enjoy the beauty of skating to timeless melodies in a serene setting that elevates your experience.
Then, get ready for a night that shimmers, shines, and slays! The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square then welcomes back Drag on Ice - San Francisco’s most dazzling celebration of holiday spirit and self-expression. Experience the sparkle like never before as local drag superstars bring the glam to the ice with unforgettable performances full of sass, style, and seasonal magic. Whether you’re skating alongside the drag performers or cheering them on from the sidelines, this is one festive night you won’t want to miss.
The fan-favorite Silent Skate Party then comes back at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink for one night only (Thursday, December 11)! Get ready to glide, groove, and vibe at this one-of-a-kind silent disco on ice. Throw on a pair of wireless headphones, choose your channel, and skate to the beats of WiLD 94.9’s DJ Patrix Star 101.3’s Magic Matt, or the Bay Area’s own DJ Von - each spinning live on-site with their signature sound. It’s an immersive on-ice dance party where you control the music and the moves. Lace up! Tune in! Let loose!
Start the new year with a splash of boldness at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink with Polar Bear Skate (January 1, 2026). Inspired by the famous Canadian tradition, the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Skate invites skaters of all ages to hit the ice in their most outrageous swimwear on ice in the heart of Union Square! Break out your beachwear, bring the sunshine vibes, and skate into the new year in style! Prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed based on theme, creativity, and all-around fabulousness. It’s chilly, it’s cheeky, and it’s the coolest way to kick of 2026!
The rink operates daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (closing at 9:30 p.m. on December 31, 2025), with 60-minute sessions starting every 1.5 hours. Tickets are $22 fore general admission and $17 for children 8 and under, including skate rental. Additional rentals available include: lockers ($5), skate helpers ($6), gloves ($5), and socks ($5). Private parties are available select Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. for groups up to 250 guests ($10,000). Blackout dates apply. All tickets must be purchased in advance at www.unionsquareicerink.com.