Ice Skating in Los Angeles 2024-2025

The absence of snow is not a reason to give up this Christmas fun—skating outdoors

Best time: mid-November–mid-January

Heat is in the air! Riders wear T-shirts but skating at outdoor ice skating rinks is still a Los Angeles favourite pastime during the Christmas holidays. Among the most popular spots, you can visit the Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square. It is one of the largest rinks in the city, located right in the business part of the city. From all sides, it is surrounded by towers carrying their inhabitants to the clouds. It’s very beautiful and in the evening disco parties are held here, as well as curling lessons.

Every holiday season the centre of Santa Monica, at the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue, is occupied by an 800-sq.meter ice rink. This is a great place to come with the whole family and feel the taste of winter, celebrate winter holidays, have a party in a private cottage, or simply skate.

L.A. Kings Holiday Ice is perhaps the most glamorous ice skating rink in LA, an open skating rink in Nokia Plaza at LA Live, that's where all the local hipsters hang out. The skating rink accommodates hundreds of ice lovers, mostly residents of the area. Here you can often meet some celebrities. This skating rink is very popular with its Santa on skates and colourfully illuminated trees and evening parties.

In the winter, the cult ship Queen Mary in Long Beach turns into a Winter Wonderland. Here you will find an ice slide, ice sculptures, and a huge ice rink in front of the ship. The area is decorated with festive illumination and there are even ice shows every year.

Ice Rinks of Los Angeles have different seasons. The Holiday Ice Rink operates from mid-November to mid-January, and this must be the longest season. Others are open for a shorter period.

Practical info

What are some popular ice rinks for outdoor skating in Los Angeles?

Among the popular outdoor ice rinks for skating in Los Angeles are the Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square, L.A. Kings Holiday Ice, the Santa Monica ice rink, and the Queen Mary ice rink. The Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square and L.A. Kings Holiday Ice are popular among locals and visitors alike, while the Santa Monica ice rink is a great option for a family experience. The Queen Mary ice rink offers a Winter Wonderland experience complete with ice sculptures and an ice slide.

What is the best season for ice skating in Los Angeles?

Mid-November to mid-January is the best season for ice skating in Los Angeles. This is when the Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square has its longest season, and other rinks are also open. During this season, visitors get to enjoy the winter holiday season's festive decorations and theme while skating on the rinks. Although there may be no snow, the experience is still enjoyable when skating outdoors amongst the skyscrapers.

What other activities besides ice skating can you do at Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square?

At Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square, visitors can enjoy an evening skating disco or take curling lessons, which involve sliding stones on a sheet of ice towards a target. The rink's location in Los Angeles' business district provides a beautiful view of surrounding skyscrapers. During the winter season, you can expect festive decorations while enjoying skating on the rink, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Where can you find ice slides and ice sculptures while skating outdoors in Los Angeles?

While skating outdoors in Los Angeles, visitors can find ice sculptures and an ice slide at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. The area transforms into a Winter Wonderland during the winter season, complete with festive illumination and ice-themed activities. In addition to the ice features, visitors can enjoy skating on the huge ice rink located in front of the ship, providing a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

Are the ice rinks in Los Angeles open all year?

No, the ice rinks in Los Angeles are not open throughout the year. The Holiday Ice Rink at Pershing Square and other rinks are open only for specified periods, which visitors should confirm before planning their visit. The best time to visit is mid-November to mid-January, the winter season when the rinks are open, decorated with winter holiday themes, and provide a unique ice skating experience amongst the skyscrapers.