It may seem like an unlikely pastime in sunny Southern California, but ice skating is definitely one of the best things you can do during the holiday season. It’s the one time of year and one part of the world that you get to swirl (or stumble) around on the ice — even in your summer clothes. Although you won’t find snow-capped trees in the city during the fall/winter, you can still experience the magic of the holiday season as you would in colder climates at these enchanting ice rinks in and around Los Angeles.
1. Ice At Santa Monica
Los Angeles doesn’t have all that many ice rinks open within the city, but luckily, the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue has been turned into a winter wonderland for the holiday. So gather your loved ones and get ready to make magical memories on ice. It’s also the perfect way to take a break from your Downtown Santa Monica Christmas shopping. Learn more here!
📍When: November 1, 2023 through January 15, 2024
❄️Where: 1324 5th Street, Downtown Santa Monica
2. Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink
In the heart of Downtown L.A. is this 7,200-square-foot ice rink. Every holiday season, the rink is draped with colorful lights and framed by DTLA’s skyscrapers which feels like the ultimate holiday experience. Most years you can catch fun celebrations like the Icebreaker Opening ceremony with choreographed performances and a literal “ice-breaking” ritual where a large ice sculpture is shattered. Learn more here!
📍When: November 16, 2023 through January 7, 2024
❄️Where: 532 South Olive Street, CA 90013
3. Irvine Spectrum Center
At Irvine Spectrum Center’s Skating Under The Stars ice rink, you’ll be able to glide through the enchanted night with their giant Ferris Wheel as your witness. Here you’ll be able to create memories and embrace the magic of the holidays with friends and family. Learn more here!
📍When: Select dates between November 3, 2023 through January 7, 2024
❄️Where: 670 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618
4. Paséa Hotel’s Oceanfront Ice Rink
Experience a real California winter at Paséa Hotel & Spa’s oceanfront ice rink. You’ll have one of the most gorgeous views of one of the best surf beaches in SoCal. While it’s not quite in Los Angeles, you can make a day out of it by watching a sunset over the ocean and gathering around a firepit at night for a post-skate hot chocolate or any of the other festive treats on offer. Learn more here!
📍When: December 14, 2023 through January 2, 2024
❄️Location: 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA
5. SkyPark At Santa’s Village
This alpine haven is a true Christmas dream all year long and over the holiday season, it becomes even more magical when real snow fills the park. Once the temperature at SkyPark at Santa’s Village drops, the space is transformed into a winter palace where you’ll likely find Santa himself gliding across the ice. You can twirl around the rink, surrounded by towering pine trees dusted with snow and draped during the day, or make it nighttime ice skating amongst twinkling lights dropped across the rink. Learn more here!
📍When: November 16, 2023 through January 7, 2024
❄️Location: 28950 California 18, Skyforest, CA
6. Skate By The Sea At Hotel del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado offers a legendary beachfront rink benefitting Make-A-Wish San Diego. It’s one of the only places where sand meets snow to give you the best of both worlds with dreamy orange sunsets and twinkling fairy lights illuminating the cool ice rink. There are also rink-side igloos and a cozy lounge with firepits and cocktails to warm up at after your session. While we know it is a drive from L.A., we think it’s worth the trip — and could even be the perfect weekend getaway over the holidays with tons of seasonal activities happening throughout the month. Learn more here!
📍When: November 17, 2023 through January 7, 2024
❄️Location: 1277 R.H. Dana Place, Coronado, CA 92118