Family Guide to Union Square Ice Rink 2023

A holiday tradition, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square will be open from November 1, 2023 – January 15, 2024. One of the highlights of skating at Union Square is the Christmas Tree and also Macy’s holiday decorations.

Quick Links

Ice Skating at Union Square website [LINK]
Tickets [LINK]
Special Events [LINK]
Locker Rental, Skate Helper etc. [LINK]
Hours and Session Times [LINK]

General Admission

Admission at the Union Square Ice Rink includes 60 minute sessions of ice time and rental skates. Sessions start every 90 minutes. Admission prices vary for special events. [LINK]
Admission: Adults $20 | Kids 8 and under $15
Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Other Items for Rent or Purchase

Dress warmly and bring socks. If you forget them, you can purchase them at the rink. There are no restrooms at the rink either.
Locker Rental: $5
Skate Helper: $6
Gloves: $5
Socks: $5

Discounts at Union Square Ice Rink

We’ve scoured our sources and so far, there are no discounts for Union Square Ice Rink.

Special Events at Union Square Ice Rink

Simba Saturdays

“Simba Saturdays” roar to life with guests will gliding across a golden-hued wonderland transporting every skater to the heart of the Pride Lands. A roaring good time awaits with special giveaways for the first 100 guests at each session.

Whether skaters are mastering their roar or their rink moves, families of all ages will find magic on the ice.

Disney's The Lion King at BroadwaySF

Disney’s The Lion King at Orpheum Theater | Tickets at VividSeats.com and GoldStar.com.
Simba Saturdays: November 4, 11, 18, 25. December 2,9,16, 23, 30.
Session Times: 5:30 and 7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $20 | Kids 8 and under $15

Silent Skate Party

It’s a silent disco on ice that transports skaters to an on-ice dance party like no other!
Silent Skate Party: December 14, 2023
Session Times: 7 p.m. and 8:30 pm
Admission: $30 per person

Polar Bear Skate

As a nod to the popular Canadian tradition, this version of “taking the plunge” invites skaters to wear their wildest and most inventive beach attire, in hopes of walking away with cool prizes, awarded on theme, originality, and overall appearance.
Silent Skate Party: January 1, 2024
Session Times: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Admission: $25 per person

Flashback Fridays

Let’s throw it back to the musical hits of everyone’s favorite decade—the ‘80s—at “Flashback Fridays. These special sessions feature 80s+@103.7 personalities on-hand spinning hits by Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Madonna, Lionel Richie, and more! Skaters are encouraged to don their favorite legwarmers and unitard, and come party at this totally tubular event!
Flashback Friday Dates: November 10, December 8 & January 12
Session Times: 7 pm and 8:30 pm sessions
Admission: Adults $20 | Kids 8 and under $15

A portion of ticket proceeds generously benefits the community through the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

Please double-check the event information on the event website as sometimes events are canceled or details changed after they are added to CelebrateFamily.us.   Let us know about any changes at events@celebrate-family.com

Image credit/image courtesy of Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Great America WinterFest 2023

WinterFest brings holiday cheer to California’s Great America as the park is magically transformed into a winter wonderland and holiday festival. This amazing event features millions of lights, creating a Christmas event for the entire family.

Enjoy the tree lighting every evening and a special visit from Snoopy!

Great America WinterFest tickets

Great America Winterfest tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. For best prices, purchase online before you go to the park. Tickets online start at $32.99 and get cheaper if you are buying 4 or more tickets. Another option is the Winterfest Bring a Friend for $24.99 for Gold Pass members.

What is Great America WinterFest

With more than 30 rides and holiday attractions, such as sending letters to the North Pole, checking out Santa’s workshop and baking cookies in Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, and all the scrumptious holiday fare at numerous dining locations—WinterFest has something for guests of all ages and appetites.

Wintefest also has ice skating, holiday shows and a holiday market for gifts and souvenirs.

Great America WinterFest Dates

Winterfest is open 4 pm – 10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sundays. Check the calendar at Great America because the Winterfest will be closed for 49er home games. Winterfest will also be open every day from December 15 – December 31, 2023 (except for December 24 & 25).

This amazing event features millions of lights, creating a Christmas event for the entire family. Select Nights through Dec 31, 2023.

Great America WinterFest Ticket Discounts

Discount tickets can be purchased online at Great America, also GoldStar and Groupon sometimes have discounted tickets. Winterfest 2023 is also free with the purchase of 2024 Gold Pass.

Great America Chaperon Policy

Guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old in order to be admitted to, or remain in, the park after 4:00 p.m. local time to close.  Source: CA Great America

Image credit/image courtesy of CA Great America. Updated Dec 6, 2023

Where to Find Sensory Friendly Santas 2023

Sensory Friendly Santa dates for the Bay area. 15+ dates for special needs and autism spectrum families to share time and get photos with Santa this holiday.

I still love visiting Santa with my kids.  And luckily for me, they indulge me.  So it is with great pleasure that I created this list of dates for Sensory Friendly Santa visits for those families with children that are ‘special’ in their own way.

Sensory-friendly Santa visits are scheduled for December 2 to December 22, 2023, depending on the location.  The visit is free (or free with admission), but parents MUST register in advance (for most dates) to save a spot. 

There are of course keepsakes and photo packages for sale at the event. Please RSVP to reserve your spot today! I’ve included links with the dates and times.

What is the Difference Between a Sensory Friendly Santa Photo Visit?

Dates with sensory-friendly Santas generally have less noise and fewer distractions. But more importantly, fewer people scheduled, and a shorter wait in line.

When Are Sensory Friendly Santa Dates

Most locations are having Caring Santa visits on December 3, 2023.

Sensory Friendly Santa Dates 2023

Location Name | LinkDate
Cypress School Primary Campus | PetalumaDecember 2, 2023
Broadway Plaza | Walnut creekDecember 3, 2023
Eastridge Center | San JoseDecember 3, 10 & 17, 2023
Great Mall | MilpitasDecember 3, 2023
Stanford Shopping Center | Palo AltoDecember 3, 2023
Stoneridge Shopping Center | PleasantonDecember 3, 2023
Stonestown Galleria | San FranciscoDecember 3, 2023
Sunvalley Mall | ConcordDecember 3, 2023
Village at Corte Madera | Corte MaderaDecember 3, 2023
Westfield Oakridge | San JoseDecember 3, 2023
Westfield Valley Fair | Santa ClaraDecember 3, 2023
Fioli** | WoodsideDecember 10, 16, 17, & 22
Christmas in the Park | San JoseDecember 10, 2023
**Free with admissionUpdated Dec 1, 2023

Sensory Friendly Santa Visits or Soothing Santa Visits are the partnership of Cherry Hill Programs and Autism Speaks.  Expect that the visits will take place in a more subdued and calm manner.

Best Bets for 2023 is Eastridge Center in San Jose. Eastridge will host Sensory Santa visits on December 3, 10 & 17, 2023 from 9 am – 11 am.

Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside is also hosting on multiple dates, December 10, 16, 17, & 22. Santa visits are free with admission (Adult $41 | Child 5-17 $31 | Child (under age 5) Free). If you are going to Fioli, you might get free or discount passes at Discover and Go (under Museum Passes on your local library’s website.

CelebrateFamily.us Best Bet

Find other holiday events for kids, tweens, teens, and families at CelebrateFamily.us

How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical | San Jose

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical opens at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts from November 28 – December 3, 2023. Ticket Link

Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Discount Codes

Thanks to How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, and their sponsors, we’ve got discounts to not only How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, but also the Tech Interactive, and CMT San Jose’s production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Don’t miss out on these discounts!

How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

>>Get BOGO 50% off* tickets to the Family Night on
Broadway performance on Thursday, November 30th at 7:30 pm!
Enter code: MISCHIEF before selecting seats by clicking ‘Unlock’.
*Valid on select seats in the balcony only, while supplies last. Ticket Link

Everyone attending this performance is invited to FREE pre-show activities in the Ridder Lounge from 6 pm – 7:15 pm, and a post-show talkback with members of the cast.

The Tech Interactive

Get 10% off General Admission Tickets with code: GRINCH
Terms and Conditions: Valid Tuesday – Sunday between November 25–January 15. 4 tickets maximum allowed with discount. Not valid with other offers or promotions.

CMT’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

10% off tickets with code: CMT-GRINCH10 for performances from Dec. 1 – 10 at the Montgomery Theater

See How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series.

Please note that Broadway San Jose admits guests aged 5 and up. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket.

RATING: Recommended for ages 5-10
RUNNING TIME: 85 minutes with no intermission

Upcoming Broadway San Jose Productions

Peter Pan June 25 – 30, 2024

Disney’s Frozen August 21 – September 1, 2024
Image credit/image courtesy of Broadway San Jose

Image credit/image courtesy of Broadway San Jose

Disney’s The Lion King

Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to the Bay Area.

Experience the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

Disney’s The Lion King will be at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco from November 22 -December 30, 2023, making it a great Christmas present for the whole family! Get your tickets as soon as possible. Ticket prices usually increase the closer we get to the closing date.

The Lion King San Francisco Tickets

Ticket prices are $66-$290.50 through BroadwaySF. The best seats sell out early to season ticket holders.

Vividseats is the official secondary ticket reseller for BroadwaySF. Tickets at Vividseats are as low as $31 (as of Nov 28). Ticket Link

What is the Best Age for The Lion King

Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up.

How Long is The Long King

Show time is 2 hours, 30 minutes, including one intermission.

Are There Any Shows for Special Needs Theatergoers?

The 1 pm show on December 3, 2023, is a signed performance.

Image credit/image courtesy of Disney’s The Lion King