Bay Explorer
Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
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Location: Union Square, San Francisco, Ca 94111
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Phone: 415-781-2688
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Website: www.unionsquareicerink.com
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Pricing: $$$
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When: Seasonly in Winter, starting in November through January
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Hours: 10:00am- 11:30pm
Description: Union Square is one of the busiest hubs of San Francisco, but in the Winter months it comes alive with Holiday magic! There is nothing that gets me in the Christmas spirit more than a gigantic decorated Christmas tree, bustling shoppers, stars decorations, ice skating in my Winter Sweater, and a cup of hot chocolate to top it off! I really enjoy ice skating here once a year! Yes it is as crowded as any New York City scene so you might wanna get your tickets in advance, or plan to eat lunch after you buy your tickets because of the massive crowds. But there is something very nostalgic to me about this spot that really gets a person in the Holiday mood. There are tons of photo opt spots for your family Christmas card and lots of excitement for little ones to take in. The ice skating tickets are limited each round so even if it feels crowded at first it usually peters out towards the end of the session. Between each skate session your little one will be entranced by the Zamboni smoothing out the ice. After you are done skating, there is a cafe to the side where you can enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and a pastry. The Union Square Christmas tree is a wonder in itself--gorgeous at night and entrancing in the daytime! Across the street is the Westin St. Francis hotel lobby where you can go see their amazing 12 foot high sugar castle complete with a moving train. Your children will be awestruck!
Highlights: Since this is located in Union Square there are lots of other things in the surrounding area to grab your attention and participate in like taking a cable car ride, doing holiday shopping at all the stores, going to see the gingerbread house at the Westin St.Francis hotel, having lunch at the Cheesecake Factory on top of the Macy's building, etc... so much to see and do and bright holiday decorations everywhere!
Tips: Order your tickets online. If you go with the intentions of making a certain time frame session you will often be disappointed because they tend to sell out fast and you have to wait a long period of time for the next one. Ordering your tickets online also saves the hassle of the long-lines.