SponsoredNothing quite says fall is coming to a close and winter is here like the opening of the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink. Tucked away in St. Rose of Lima Park, just across from Downtown Commons and Golden 1 Center, the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is just a short walk from the Old Sacramento Waterfront, the State Capitol, delicious restaurants, holiday shopping, and light rail.
Back for its 27th season, the ice rink will be expanded from its previous 5,300 square-foot oval shape to a 6,800 square-foot rounded square, which will accommodate 25 percent more skaters. and provide a better experience for skaters and bystanders. Throughout the season, there will be a variety of fun family-friendly events happening at the ice rink, like pictures with Santa!
Other events happening this season include:
- 2nd Saturday Holiday Shoppe on Saturday, Dec. 8: Shoppers can get ahead of their holiday shopping during this Ice Rink market where local vendors will sell handmade goods including handcrafted décor, specialty spices, luxury soaps and more, from vendors including Identity Boutique, Prickly Pear, Miguel Gomez, Chef’s Olive Mix and many more.
- Silent Skate on Ice on Thursday, Dec. 20: The first-ever Silent Disco at the Ice Rink will be brought to skaters by Malt & Mash. Attendees will be transported to an on-ice dance party with headphones synced to three music stations they can alternate between.
Ice Skating In Downtown Sacramento
Produced by Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink has been an urban holiday tradition since 1991, attracting more than 40,000 skaters annually. We were lucky enough to be invited to a special event for bloggers at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink this year and had a blast testing out the new shape of the ice rink, the skates, and even the skate aids to help kids navigate the ice without falling down!
Check-in at the rink is super easy — just look for the big red Tuffshed, where you will be greeted by a friendly cashier. This is where you will purchase your admission ticket (which includes skate rental), and any other items you may need, like socks or gloves. Once you receive your admission wristband, head over to the skate pickup window. If you don’t know your size — we had no idea how skate sizing works — that’s okay because the staff is trained to properly fit you.
Once we had our skates, it was time to hit the ice!
Even though it is harder than it looks, Natalie and Alaina picked it up pretty quickly. They were able to navigate the ice, glide around the rink, and even got in a good little workout trying not to fall. But yes, both hit the ice a few times and laughed their way through any ouchies 😉 Seriously, if you’re looking for something fun to do with the family, a couple hours at the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink will get the entire family outside, having fun together, and get you all in the holiday spirit. Plus, with a Starbucks and Estelle Bakery & Patisserie right across the street, it’s the perfect half day adventure!
Know Before You Go
- The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is located in St. Rose of Lima Park at 701 K Street, Sacramento, California 95814.
- It is open annually from November to January. Monday to Thursday from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm with special holiday hours.
- Skaters can enjoy the rink for $13 during regular hours, $15 during peak days, or $6 for children six and under.
- Bringing kids? The ice rink has skate aids available to rent for $5 that help even the most novice skaters find their groove on the ice.
- There are lockers available for rent so you have safe spot to store your goods before you hop on the ice.
- There are three parking garages close to the ice rink: the DOCO East Garage at 7th & K Streets, the City Hall Garage at 10th & I Streets, and the Capitol Garage at 10th & L Streets. You can also visit SacPark.org to find and reserve parking!
- You can book parties and private events at the Downtown Sacramento ice rink!
