Photo courtesy of Safeway Holiday Ice Rink, and used with permission.
Going to San Francisco sometime soon? Or, maybe you’re one of the lucky people who actually lives there?
Better have your ice skates handy.
Next Wednesday morning, November 6th, at 9:30, Union Square becomes the place to glide, once again, as the Union Square Ice Rink opens for the Christmas season. They’re starting off with an “Icebreaker” ceremony, then opening for skating at 10:00 that morning. And the fun continues for the next two-and-a-half months, with the rink open through Monday, January 20th, 2014.
Ninety-minute skate sessions start on the hour, and this year the rink has an app, available for smartphones, that will give you special offers and the freedom to Christmas shop in Union Square by placing you in a “virtual queue” for your turn to skate.
Photo courtesy of Safeway Holiday Ice Rink, and used with permission.
Of course, this is San Francisco. So the rink’s going to host several special events, with more than just a touch of imagination and whimsy. For those who are “Single in the City”, the Rink hosts a romantic singles’ event on Thursday evening, December 5th, from 8:00 to 9:30 pm.
Get ready to laugh out loud and have a good time on the following Thursday evening, December 12th, from 8:00 to 9:30 pm. That’s when the drag queens of the Bay Area return in their best “gay apparel” for “An Eleganza Extravaganza” on ice! There will be lipsynching, lipstick, and comedy–and almost certainly, a demonstration of stiletto-heeled skating skills!
Then, on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2014 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm, you’re invited to get the New Year off to an invigorating start, with the “Polar Bear Skate”! Participants are encouraged to don their shades and bathing suits and come take a spin, beach blanket-style, as we welcome 2014.
Previous skaters warn that ice space is tight here, the rink books up fast and can get crowded (after all, it is a chance to ice skate in the heart of San Francisco at Christmastime!), so you may want to check out tickets early at the rink’s website.
Union Square Ice Rink, at 333 Post Street in San Francisco, is open daily from 10:00 am to 11:30, with the exception of December 31st, when the rink closes at 9:30 pm, from Wednesday, November 6th through Monday, January 20th. Skate rentals and group rates are available. A portion of ticket sales benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco and the San Francisco Parks and Recreation Department.