Be sure to bring along a change of clothes! Southland ice rinks on a sunny day have more in common with a Slip 'n' Slide than with a frozen mountain lake, and falling with a splash is only funny when you know dry clothes are waiting.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Los Angeles

Kids of all sizes love Ice at Santa Monica. Photo by the author

1. ICE at Santa Monica — Santa Monica

November 8, 2024 - January 20, 2025 
The seasonal ice skating rink by the sea, ICE at Santa Monica, is a local favorite. It even has a 400-square-foot rink just for tots (with very cute plastic penguins to help littles keep their balance). The rink has been a regular part of the beach city's winter scene for over a decade, set up for the holiday season in a parking lot on the corner of 5th and Arizona steps from Third Street Promenade. Skate rentals come with the price of admission. Lockers and other skating accessories are available for additional costs. 

Pizza and hot chocolate can be purchased at ICE. Fire pits and s'mores are available to book in advance. Skating lessons are offered on Sunday mornings, and ICE is available for private parties.  ICE will also be holding many special events this year that range from Taylor Swift's birthday to a New Year's Eve countdown skate party. Tickets can be purchased online. 

2. Holiday Ice Rink — Pershing Square, DTLA

November 21, 2024 - January 12, 2025
The Pershing Rink is back! The annual outdoor holiday ice skating rink has been an LA institution for over 20 years and is the city's largest outdoor rink at 7,200 square feet. Families glide under the sun and stars, enjoying free concerts on many days. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Lockers are also available for an additional cost. Look for special events like Wicked Wednesdays (featuring music from the Broadway Cast Recording), and curling lessons.  

RELATED: Snow Play Near Los Angeles: Places LA Families Can Pretend It's Winter 

LA Kings Holiday Ice Rink offers great holiday photo ops with that giant, sparkling tree in the middle. Photo courtesy of LA LIVE

3. LA Kings Holiday Ice — DTLA

November 29, 2024 - January 10, 2025
LA Live offers one of LA's best seasonal ice rinks, adorned by a giant, family photo-worthy Christmas tree in the center. The ice quality is solid, the setting is festive and fun, and all of the entertainment of the LA Live complex is right there. Note that although the address is listed as Olympic Blvd., the rink faces Chick Hearn; the closest parking is Lot W, entrance B, on Chick Hearn (price varies depending upon arena events). Skates are available for rent starting in a size 7t. 

4. Kidspace Sock Skating Rink — Pasadena 

November 8, 2024 - January 5, 2025
When you think of outdoor ice skating rinks, you probably think of skates that glide across those frosty surfaces. As part of the annual Winter Frolic at Kidspace, kids can opt for something different while still getting their outdoor skating fix—a no-ice Sock Skating Rink. No skates are needed for this one! Yet, it still provides outdoor winter holiday fun. Plus, there are tons more winter activities for children at Kidspace. The Sock Skating Rink is an additional fee after museum admission. 

Awesome Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Orange County

5. Spectrum Ice Rink — Irvine

November 9, 2024 - January 5, 2025
The Spectrum's seasonal ice rink is open for business in Giant Wheel Court, welcoming OC families who want to glide across the ice in the SoCal sunshine and give new meaning to Orange Slushy. Check the rink's website for specific seasonal times and closures, as times vary on some days; admission is for one session between ice cleanings. Parties and season passes (with no blackout dates) are available. "Jump the Line" tickets are also available.  

6. Winter Fest OC — Costa Mesa 

November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2024 
Winter Fest OC is more than just an ice skating rink—it is a giant ode to the holidays with tube sledding, snow play, immersive light experiences, light shows, rides, carnival food, and more. But it does include ice skating! 

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Worth a Drive

7. Silver Bells Arena at Santa's Village — Lake Arrowhead

Select weekends all winter (see website for 2024 schedule) 
This rink is a bit of a hike from LA, but it's the most magical one in the Southland. Skypark at Santa's Village is a Christmas wonderland nestled in the mountains, and like every good Christmas wonderland, there is a beautiful outdoor ice skating rink. You'll have to pay a pretty penny to enter the park, but once you do, ice skating and skate rentals are included in the price of admission. If you want your family to experience a holiday skate session that will become a core memory, this is it.  

Originally published in 2011. Updated by Kylie Williams