California Christmas Anyone? Lace Up Your Skates at These Beachfront Rinks!
Now that we’re halfway through our advent calendars, there’s no time to waste planning the rest of your Christmas festivities. California may not receive the same snowfalls as Maine or New Hampshire, but Californians know how to go all-out for Christmas! With winter on the horizon, Southern California’s iconic beach backdrops are transforming into wintery wonderlands. Lace up your skates and slip on a beanie before hitting the ice at one of Southern California’s most picturesque skating rinks. From the southern shores of San Diego to the northern sands in Santa Monica, we’ve rounded up four oceanfront ice skating rinks in Southern California to get in the holiday spirit!
Pasea Hotel & Spa’s Oceanfront Ice Rink
California may not be known for its frozen lakes and icy vistas, but this waterfront skating rink might be an even better alternative! For a cool Yule holiday event, visit Pasea Hotel & Spa’s Oceanfront Ice Rink, open Dec. 14 through Jan. 1. Huntington Beach will come to life during this Christmas jubilee with oceanfront ice skating, holiday cocktails and fireside cocoa (don’t forget the marshmallows!). Skate to the beat underneath a cloak of twinkling lights, backed by a beautiful canvas of sea and sky.
Location: Huntington Beach
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Skating by the Sea at Hotel del Coronado
Skating by the Sea at Hotel del’s oceanfront rink is a beloved December tradition in San Diego. Tucked away on the Coronado Island peninsula, this dreamy rink is open from Nov. 17 through Jan. 7. Treat yourself to holiday-themed libations at their Frostbite Lounge, featuring plush seating and cozy firepits (all profits support Make-A-Wish San Diego). While the seaside property is beautiful any time of day, the rink comes to life after sunset with festive decor and twinkling lights.
Location: Coronado Island
Newport Dunes Ice Skating Rink
Located in the heart of Newport Beach, this festive 4,000-square-foot skating rink is one of Southern California’s largest. The rink at Newport Dunes is open for the skating season from Nov. 24 through New Year’s Day and is part of the resort’s Fire & Ice Festival. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with ice skating, fire dance performances, live music and a Christmas tree lot. Warm up off the ice at their Igloo Bar or fire pits and treat yourself to free hot cocoa, a festive cocktail or toasted marshmallows!
Location: Newport Beach
Ice at Santa Monica
Take in cotton candy skies underneath a tapestry of sparkling lights at Ice at Santa Monica. Open from Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, Santa Monica is going all out for Christmas with live performances, theme nights and fireside delights. With an hour time limit on the ice, holiday treats are essential to stay fueled! Take advantage of the rinkside fire pits and concessions; you’ll have your pick between toasted marshmallows and savory pretzels.
Location: Santa Monica
