SAN RAMON, CALIFORNIA — Get ready to clip on those skates! One of San Ramon’s favorite holiday traditions has an official return date, and there’s a new addition this year that could make rainy-day skating a lot more appealing.
The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink at City Center Bishop Ranch will celebrate its opening on Friday, November 6, with a ceremony from 6 to 7 p.m. The season runs through January 3, 2027.
According to City Center’s announcement, opening night will feature skating performances, carolers and Yamaguchi herself cutting the ribbon.
A holiday tradition returns
For my family, the rink has become something of a yearly ritual.
As I wrote in our review last year, we’ve skated there every year since it debuted.
On our last visit, the grandparents settled into chairs around a fire pit while my wife and I took turns skating with the kids. It felt a little bit like hanging out in Tahoe, except 20 minutes away instead of requiring a drive to the mountains.
What’s new this year
This season, the rink is adding an overhead canopy for the first time. Organizers say it will allow skating rain or shine. Walnut Creek has been doing that for years at the Walnut Creek on Ice rink, and it’s very helpful as the rainy season arrives in full.
The official ticket page lists standard admission at $23 for a 90-minute session, including skate rental. Select weekday sessions cost $16, and opening night has a special $35 ticket.
The fire pits are returning, too. Reservations start at $50 and include a kit for four s’mores. We brought lots more marshmallows to make our own.
Those are a separate reservation to factor into the outing if you’re bringing along relatives who would prefer to watch from somewhere cozy.
A chance to learn from Kristi
Opening weekend also includes a skating clinic with Yamaguchi on Saturday, November 7, from 9 to 10 a.m.
City Center says the clinic includes skate rental, an introductory lesson with a skating instructor and personal tips from the local Olympian.
The rink is at 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon. Advance tickets are recommended, and the rink will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
For families planning a holiday outing, the calendar is officially open. Now comes the crucial question: who’s ready to skate, and who’s claiming a seat by the fire?
