SAN FRANCISCO — The holiday ice rink in Union Square opens for its 19th season on Wednesday, Nov. 4, bringing outdoor skating back to the downtown plaza through Jan. 18, 2027.
The most useful opening-day detail is also the easiest to miss: the rink says the first 100 guests skate free during the 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. sessions. The offer is tied to the opening celebration and requires registration upon arrival.
What happens at the Nov. 4 opening celebration?
The opening ceremony runs from 5 to 7 p.m. The rink’s official announcement says the program includes an on-ice hula-hoop performance by Deanna Panin, performances by San Francisco Ice Theatre and the first official skate of the season with local dignitaries and special guests.
Guests can skate before and after the ceremony. The free-skate offer is limited to the first 100 guests across the 5:30 and 7 p.m. sessions; it is not a season-long free-admission program.
How much does Union Square ice skating cost after opening day?
| Item | 2026–27 price |
|---|---|
| General admission, including skate rental | $22 |
| Children 8 and under, including skate rental | $17 |
| Locker rental | $5 |
| Skate helper | $6 |
Skaters who bring their own skates can ask for a $5 refund to the credit card used for the booking, according to the rink’s visitor guide.
What are the hours and session length?
The rink is scheduled to operate daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Nov. 4 through Jan. 18, with 60-minute skating sessions beginning every 90 minutes. The rink closes earlier, at 9:30 p.m., on Dec. 31.
Where is the rink, and what is the easiest transit?
The rink is in Union Square at 333 Post Street, near Geary and Powell streets. The operator describes it as steps from Powell Street BART, Muni and the cable-car turnaround, making transit the simplest option for many visitors to the opening celebration.
Union Square has been closed for rink load-in ahead of opening day, so people visiting the plaza before Nov. 4 should expect setup activity. The plaza’s regular public programming resumes as the rink opens.
Can beginners get free lessons?
Yes, but the free weekend Learn to Skate program uses a lottery rather than walk-up admission. Lessons run Saturdays and Sundays from 8 to 9 a.m., include skate rental and are limited to 50 participants per day.
The next lottery window — for December and January lesson dates — is scheduled for Nov. 2 through Nov. 23. Selected registrants receive a one-time code and still need to book an available lesson date.
What if it rains?
The rink says sessions can be rebooked online through the booking confirmation. If a session ends early or is canceled because of weather, tickets can be moved to another available date and time through Jan. 18.
Sources
- Union Square Ice Rink — 2026 season announcement
- Union Square Ice Rink — opening celebration and special events
- Union Square Ice Rink — hours, admission and visitor information
- Union Square Ice Rink — Learn to Skate lottery
Reporting note
SF News Today checked the rink operator’s 2026 season announcement, opening-event page, visitor guide and Learn to Skate rules on Nov. 1, 2026. Prices and programming can change if sessions are closed for special events or weather.