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Lace Up! 11 Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in and Near LA for the 2026–2027 Season

9 hours ago
9 min read

Outdoor ice skating rinks in LA are back for the 2026–2027 season, and you don't need snow to glide under twinkle lights. Downtown's Pershing Square rink opens November 12, Santa Monica's Frost on 5th is already spinning, and the LA Kings Holiday Ice Festival returns to L.A. LIVE on November 27, with more seasonal rinks from Thousand Oaks to Coronado.


We rounded up 11 outdoor holiday rinks in and near Los Angeles, from downtown plazas to a beachfront rink beside a Victorian hotel. Each listing has 2026–27 dates, what's included with your ticket and a parent tip, so you can pick the rink that fits your crew and your drive.


Skaters on the LA Kings Holiday Ice rink at L.A. LIVE under a giant lit Christmas tree at night

Key Takeaways


  • Opening first: Frost on 5th in Santa Monica opened Thursday, November 5, 2026, and runs through January 18, 2027.


  • Downtown LA: Pershing Square's Holiday Ice Rink is open daily November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027, and the LA Kings Holiday Ice Festival runs November 27 to January 3.


  • Biggest rink: The LA Kings rink at L.A. LIVE is about 9,660 square feet, with a Holiday Village next door.


  • Skates included: Frost on 5th, Skating by the Sea and Winter Fest OC's skating passes include rental skates.


  • Little skaters: Many rinks rent skate aids or toddler skates, and kids under 12 usually need a skating adult with them.


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Outdoor Ice Rinks in Los Angeles and Santa Monica


Start close to home. These three rinks put you on the ice in downtown LA and steps from the Third Street Promenade.



532 S Olive St

Los Angeles, CA 90013

Dates: Daily, November 12, 2026 to January 3, 2027

Hours: Various Times from 12 pm to 9 pm

Price: $23.32 per person + other fees

Parking: Pershing Square underground garage; the Metro B and D Line Pershing Square Station is right there


Downtown's classic holiday rink sits in the middle of Pershing Square, surrounded by city lights and a towering holiday tree. This season brings an opening celebration on Thursday, November 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. with skating performances, carolers, a visit from Buddy the Elf and the tree lighting, plus Tuesdays After Dark themed skates at 7:30 p.m., like Onesies Tuesday (Nov. 17), Broadway on Ice (Dec. 1) and a K-Pop Holiday Skate (Dec. 15). Classical Sundays set the noon and 1:30 p.m. sessions to classical music.


Parent Tip: Take the Metro and skip the downtown parking hunt. Weekday afternoon sessions are usually the calmest for wobbly first-timers.



Peacock Place at L.A. LIVE, 800 W Olympic Blvd

Los Angeles, CA 90015

Dates: November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027

Hours: 5:00 PM – 12:30 AM

Price: Rink general admission from $25 and Holiday Village admission from $5, plus fees, through Bucket Listers

Parking: L.A. LIVE garages; check the website for event-day rates


This is the city's largest outdoor rink at about 9,660 square feet, and it sits right under L.A. LIVE's 62-foot Christmas tree. New this season, the Holiday Ice Festival adds a European-style Holiday Village with more than 20 vendors, a 30-foot light tunnel, Santa's Workshop with sleigh photos, crafts and daily Santa appearances, so there's plenty to do even for family members who'd rather watch from the rail.


Parent Tip: Buy timed tickets ahead online. Kings home games and concerts at Crypto.com Arena across the street can make parking and crowds much busier, so check the event calendar before you go.



1324 5th St

Santa Monica, CA 90401

Dates: November 5, 2026 to January 18, 2027

Hours: Monday to Friday 3 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays noon to 10 p.m.

Price: $22 for admission and skate rental; lockers $5; season and multi-session passes available

Parking: Downtown Santa Monica structures nearby; the Metro E Line Downtown Santa Monica Station is a short walk


Families skating at night at Santa Monica's outdoor holiday ice rink under projected snowflake lights

Formerly Ice at Santa Monica, this beloved rink near Fifth and Arizona has a fresh name and the same easy beach-town charm. It runs the longest of any rink on our list, well into January, which makes it a perfect winter break outing after the holiday rush.


Parent Tip: Pair your skate with a walk down the Third Street Promenade or a sunset stroll to the pier, and come right at opening on weekdays for the most open ice.



Outdoor Rinks in the San Gabriel Valley and Ventura County


Worth the short drive, these two rinks pair skating with big holiday light displays and outdoor shopping.



Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr

Arcadia, CA 91007

Dates: November 20 to December 27, 2026

Price: Enchant tickets from $29 (prices vary by date and time); ice skating is a separate add-on

Parking: At Santa Anita Park; check the website for details


Enchant fills Santa Anita Park with a giant Christmas light maze, a holiday village and an outdoor skating rink. Skating is an add-on you can reserve while buying tickets or add later in your account, so families can decide whether to lace up or stick to the lights.


Parent Tip: Kids under 5 must skate with a parent or guardian, and every child who skates needs their own add-on ticket. Plan your skate time early in your visit, before little legs get tired from the maze.



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2200 E Thousand Oaks Blvd

Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

Dates: November 6, 2026 to January 11, 2027

Price: $20 admission; $25 with skate rental

Parking: At The Lakes, next to the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza


This open-air Conejo Valley favorite is set among the lakeside shops and restaurants at The Lakes. It's a relaxed, neighborhood-feeling rink that's easy to fit into a holiday shopping or dinner night.


Parent Tip: Holiday weeks can have different hours than regular weeks, so check the official page before you drive out, especially during winter break.



Outdoor Ice Rinks in Orange County


Orange County's rinks lean big and festive, with lights, snow and plenty of food nearby.



Giant Wheel Court, 670 Spectrum Center Dr

Irvine, CA 92618

Dates: Opens Nov 6, 2026

Price: $24 - $45

Parking: Free parking at Irvine Spectrum Center


Irvine Spectrum's holiday rink has been a seasonal tradition at the Giant Wheel Court, with Skate with Santa sessions and themed skate nights. Join in on Saturday, December 5 from 10am - 11:30am for a special skating session with the one and only Santa Claus! Enjoy live DJ skate nights on Fridays and Saturdays.


Parent Tip: Make it a full outing with a ride on the Giant Wheel and the carousel, both steps from the rink.



OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Dates: November 27, 2026 to January 3, 2027 (select nights)

Price: Skating is included with the Winter Pass (from $45.99) and Platinum Pass (from $101.99); the Snow Pass (from $25.99) doesn't include skating; kids 2 and under free

Parking: At the OC Fair & Event Center; check the website for rates


Families ice skating with skate aids at Winter Fest OC in front of a lit holiday village at night

Winter Fest OC turns the fairgrounds into a winter wonderland with snow play, ice tubing, rides, light displays and an outdoor rink under the stars. If skating is the plan, choose a Winter or Platinum Pass, which includes unlimited skating and skate rentals.


Parent Tip: Personal skates aren't allowed, and the smallest rental size is a child's 8, so very young toddlers may be better off playing in the snow. See our full Winter Fest OC guide for more tips.



Mountain, Inland Empire and San Diego Rinks Worth the Drive


Planning a holiday road trip? These rinks pair skating with mountain air, wine-country farm fun or ocean views.



28950 CA-18

Skyforest, CA 92385

Dates: Ice skating in the winter season; check the website for 2026–27 dates and hours

Price: Skate rentals included with a Day Ticket, Annual Pass or Fantasy Forest Nights ticket

Parking: At SkyPark at Santa's Village


Up in the San Bernardino Mountains near Lake Arrowhead, this rink sits inside SkyPark at Santa's Village, so you can skate under the pines and visit Santa on the same trip. Read our Santa's Village guide for tickets and more.


Parent Tip: Socks are required, and young kids must wear a helmet, which the park provides. Skaters need to be able to walk confidently on their own.



Peltzer Farms,

40275 Calle Contento

Temecula, CA 92591

Dates: November 19, 2026 to January 18, 2027; closed Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 25

Price: $20 ages 11 and up; $14 ages 10 and under; skate rental $2; helmet rental $4; skate gliders free

Parking: Farm parking lot at Entrance 3


Set in a big white tent on Peltzer Farms in Temecula wine country, this rain-or-shine rink runs timed sessions on weekday evenings and throughout weekends and holidays. It's one of the most budget-friendly rinks on our list.


Parent Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in and sign the waiver. Skaters under 18 must be with a parent or guardian, and sessions sell out fast, so reserve online.



2875 Dewey Rd

San Diego, CA 92106

Dates: November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027

Hours and prices: $15 - $25

Parking: At Liberty Station; check the website for details


This outdoor rink in Point Loma's Liberty Station raises money for Rady Children's Hospital, so every skate does a little good. It's a fun add-on to a San Diego holiday weekend.


Parent Tip: Buy tickets in advance, since sales are final and popular holiday sessions can sell out.



1500 Orange Ave

Coronado, CA 92118

Dates: November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027

Price: $35 to $45 general admission depending on date and time, skate rental included; $5 off for resort guests, military and first responders with ID

Parking: Not included or validated; standard resort rates apply, with $10 off self-parking when you shop or dine at the resort


Skating on the beach next to the Hotel del's famous red turret is a once-a-year treat. The rink sits on the oceanfront Windsor Lawn and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from December 18 through January 3, with shorter weekday hours earlier in the season.


Parent Tip: Anyone under 12 must be with a skating adult, and toddler double-runner skates are available for sizes J8 to J12. Bring helmets for little ones, since the rink doesn't provide them.


Skaters at night on the beachfront ice rink at Hotel del Coronado with the lit red turret behind them
Photo: MarkValen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tips for Outdoor Ice Skating With Kids


  • Book ahead: Most rinks sell timed sessions online, and weekends and winter break fill up first.


  • Dress in layers: SoCal nights get chilly on the ice. Pack gloves, a warm hat and thick socks.


  • Ask about skate aids: Penguin or seal skate helpers, gliders and toddler skates make a huge difference for beginners.


  • Go early or on weekdays: Afternoon weekday sessions have more open ice and shorter lines.


  • Check the weather: Some rinks close or pause sessions in heavy rain, so check social media before you leave.


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Takeaway


From downtown LA's Pershing Square and L.A. LIVE to Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, Costa Mesa and Coronado, Southern California has plenty of outdoor ice skating rinks for the 2026–27 season. Pick one close to home for a weeknight skate, or turn a farther rink into a holiday day trip.


Whichever you choose, book timed tickets early, bundle up and don't forget the hot cocoa afterward.


Frequently Asked Questions


Where can you ice skate outdoors in Los Angeles in 2026?

In Los Angeles, you can skate outdoors at the Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square (Nov. 12 to Jan. 3), the LA Kings Holiday Ice Festival at L.A. LIVE (Nov. 27 to Jan. 3) and Frost on 5th in Santa Monica (Nov. 5 to Jan. 18). Thousand Oaks, Arcadia and Orange County have rinks too.


When does the Pershing Square ice rink open in 2026?

The Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square opens daily starting Thursday, November 12, 2026, and runs through January 3, 2027. An opening celebration with skating performances, carolers and a tree lighting takes place Thursday, November 19, from 5 to 7 p.m.


How much does outdoor ice skating cost in LA?

Prices vary by rink. Frost on 5th in Santa Monica is $22 with skate rental, the LA Kings rink at L.A. LIVE starts at $25 plus fees, and The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is $20 or $25 with rental. Some rinks haven't posted 2026 prices yet.


What is the largest outdoor ice rink in Los Angeles?

The LA Kings Holiday Ice Festival rink at L.A. LIVE is about 9,660 square feet and is billed as the city's largest outdoor ice rink. It returns November 27, 2026 through January 3, 2027, with a Holiday Village, light tunnel and daily Santa visits.


Are outdoor ice rinks in LA good for toddlers?

Yes, with a little planning. Many rinks rent skate aids or toddler skates, and kids under 12 usually need a skating adult. Check minimum skate sizes before you go, since some rinks start at a child's size 8, and bring a helmet for little ones.



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Pinterest graphic: Outdoor Ice Rinks in and Near LA, 2026–27 Season Guide, with skaters at L.A. LIVE, Santa Monica, Costa Mesa and Coronado, from FUN WITH KIDS IN LA


Angela M. Cantoni, Editor and Founder of FUN WITH KIDS IN LA

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