10 Magical Outdoor Winter Ice Skating Rinks in Northern California

It’s winter in Northern California which means we get to see our beautiful mountains covered in snow and ice skate below them! There are a few outdoor ice rinks that have been around for some time now, but there are also a batch of brand new rinks that have been popping up in all the different areas of NorCal.

Although Covid will keep some of the ice rinks closed for the 2021-22 season, many of our favorite outdoor rinks are returning to provide some cheer for the Holiday season. We know you want your Holiday Season skating adventure, so we put together a list of 10 beautiful outdoor ice rinks in NorCal. Have Fun!

Siskiyou Ice Rink

As a Northern California resident, skating on a beautiful outdoor ice rink seems foreign. When you add to the spectacle the stunning view of Mount Shasta constantly hovering above, you realize that this isn’t just another ice rink.

The Siskiyou Ice rink continues to be our favorite outdoor ice rink in Northern California. Nestled under the beautiful Mt. Shasta, this rink provides all kinds of outdoor skating opportunities throughout the winter season, including family skating and ice hockey.

Learn more about the Siskiyou Ice Rink

Northstar Ice Rink

In the center of the plush village at Northstar-at-Tahoe near Truckee, CA, sits one of the most beautiful outdoor ice skating rinks in NorCal. Surrounded by great food, comfy fire pits and winter holiday cheer, the Northstar outdoor ice rink is one of the best experiences for skaters around. This rink is open for ice skating during the winter and roller skating during the summer

Learn about the Northstar Ice Rink

Downtown Sacramento

The downtown Sacramento ice rink is a great place to go for an outdoor skate in a city atmosphere. Located near the beautiful DOCO area, this rink has regular events like a Santa Photo Day and throwback nights (70’s and 80’s).

Learn all about the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink

Chico & Paradise

Paradise Ice Rink. Photo by Explore Butte.
  • Paradise on Ice Winter Wonderland – Hosted by the Paradise Recreation and Park District (PRPD), Paradise on Ice Winter Wonderland features ice skating, beautiful lights and decorations, music, food trucks, and more, making the Terry Ashe Park and Recreation Center a hub of holiday festivities. The family-friendly ice rink has become an iconic part of winter on the Ridge. Learn more about the Paradise Ice Rink

  • Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza – Made possible as part of a joint effort with the City of Chico and Downtown Chico Business Association, the Chico Ice Rink in the Plaza features downtown ice skating, special events, private parties and more. A perfect activity to round out a day of holiday shopping, the Chico Ice Rink is located adjacent to City Hall with 425 diverse businesses nearby. Learn more about the Chico Ice Rink

San Francisco

San Francisco has just one outdoor ice skating rinks this year, located right in the heart of the city. The Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square is located in the Historic Union Square and is surrounded by shops and holiday cheer, right in the heart of the City by the Bay. See the iconic city and skate among the holiday-decorated sky scrapers at this wonderful ice rink.

Learn all about the Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square

Folsom Ice Rink

Sitting in Folsom, CA, just outside of Sacramento, is Northern California’s most unique outdoor ice skating rink. This ice rink is shaped like a donut surrounding a giant Christmas tree! Bring the kids to go round and round on the ice in Folsom’s Historic District. What a cool experience!

Learn all about the Folsom Ice Rink

The Half Dome Village Ice Rink – Yosemite

Sitting in Yosemite National Park is The Half Dome Village Ice Rink – outdoor skating with a view. Since 1928, this rink has been providing visitors with a wonderful skating experience right in the center of Yosemite Valley.

Learn all about the Half Dome Village Ice Rink

Heavenly Village Ice Rink

Sitting right on the California-Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe is the Heavenly Village Ice Rink, a cozy rink just below the Heavenly resort surrounded by shops and restaurants. Open day and night all winter, this is a great location for families to have some Holiday fun in Tahoe.

Learn all about the Heavenly Village Ice Rink

Mammoth Ice Rink

Mammoth Lakes, CA is one of the coolest destinations in Northern California, and it has an outdoor skating rink to boot! Nestled below the southern Sierra Nevadas is the Mammoth Ice Rink which offers all the great ice activities including group sessions, open skates and ice hockey.

Learn all about the Mammoth Ice Rink

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California
Back to top button