San Ramon, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2024) – The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink is back at City Center Bishop Ranch, promising a season filled with festive events and special appearances by Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi herself.
The rink officially opens on Friday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Yamaguchi, accompanied by skating performances and caroling from San Ramon Valley High School students. The rink will remain open through Jan. 5, 2025.
Highlighting the festivities, a tree lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 22 at 6 p.m., featuring performances by the Monte Vista band, local singers, dancers, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Yamaguchi will host two exclusive events: a meet-and-greet on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m., where attendees will receive an autographed Kristi Yamaguchi Barbie doll, and a skating clinic on Monday, Dec. 23 at 9 a.m., where participants can learn skating techniques from the figure skating legend.
Rink Information and Tickets
Operating hours are weekdays from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and weekends from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tickets, which include skate rental for a 90-minute session, are $26 for general admission and $20 for children ages 3-10. This year introduces a $75 Season Pass for unlimited access, subject to availability. Rink-side fire pits are also available for reservation, adding a warm touch to the skating experience, with prices ranging from $50 to $100.
Special Events Calendar
City Center Bishop Ranch has an array of holiday events planned:
- Family Photo Nights (Nov. 14 & 21, 5 & 7 p.m.): Families can have their holiday photo taken under the rink’s shimmering lights.
- Elf Night (Nov. 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m.): Meet Buddy the Elf for a photo opportunity.
- Santa Visits (Nov. 29 & weekends through Dec. 22, 12-4 p.m.): Santa will greet guests in front of the Christmas tree, offering a free gift to visitors.
- Elsa Night (Dec. 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.): Meet Elsa from Frozen for a magical photo opportunity.
- Ugly Sweater Night (Dec. 4, 5 & 7 p.m.): Compete for a $25 restaurant gift card by wearing your best ugly Christmas sweater.
- Grinch Night (Dec. 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m.): Snap selfies with the Grinch as he roams the rink.
- Pajama Party (Dec. 11, 5 & 7 p.m.): Guests in PJs can win a $25 gift card.
- Glow Night (Dec. 18, 5 p.m.): Skaters receive glowing necklaces for a bright evening on the ice.
- Barbie Day (Jan. 1, 2025, 5 p.m.): Celebrate the New Year skating to songs from the “Barbie” soundtrack.
- K-Pop Night (Jan. 2, 2025, 5 & 7 p.m.): Enjoy skating to hits from BTS, BLACKPINK, and more.
- Sabrina Carpenter Night (Jan. 3, 2025, 9 p.m.): Skate to songs by Sabrina Carpenter.
- Taylor Swift Day (Jan. 4, 2025, 5 p.m.): Dance to Taylor Swift tracks while gliding across the ice.
Supporting Literacy with Always Dream Foundation
Proceeds from the rink benefit Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, which has raised $160,000 to date. The foundation focuses on promoting literacy by providing books to children from low-income families and encouraging family reading.
New Seasonal Pop-Up Stores
City Center is also featuring two new pop-up shops: Urthwear, offering eco-friendly streetwear, and Five Little Monkeys, a toy store specializing in non-plastic, creativity-focused toys.
For more details and ticket reservations, visit CityCenterHolidayIceRink.com.
More Photos of the Rink
