Union Square will soon flood with (frozen) water in about a month, bringing with it a host of holiday programming.
Downtown San Francisco’s seasonal transformation into an ephemeral winter wonderland has only increased in both extravagance and execution over the past twenty years. Between evergreens as tall as residential buildings and dazzling storefront holiday lights, Union Square’s holiday charm attracts hundreds of thousands of both tourists and locals alike each year.
Among the area’s more popular attractions is the massive ice skating rink that occupies Union Square between November and January, which will return this year.
“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, in a press release. “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.”
The ice skating rink for the 2025 holiday season will operate from Wednesday, November 5, 2025, through Monday, January 19, 2026; the rink’s opening ceremony is scheduled for that aforementioned Wednesday date at 5 p.m.; the ceremony will kick off 11 weeks of programs, shows, and public skating for the whole family.
“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, in the same release. “Kaiser Permanente is proud to support this rink as we bring our community together healthily and engagingly.”
Among the scheduled festivities, the rink’s beloved Drag on Ice show will once again see performers trade their usual heels for skates at the Union Square ice rink for the 2025 holiday season on December 4th.
// 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 for general admission and $17 for children 8 and under, including skate rental. Additional rentals available: lockers ($5), skate helpers ($6), gloves ($5), and socks ($5).
