Skate into the Holiday Spirit at Union Square Ice Rink

Union Square Ice Rink on Singles Night in 2014

Once a year, ice skating becomes one of the travel modes supported by the SFMTA. That’s right, walking, bicycling, transit, taxi and ice skating. ‘Tis the season for our annual sponsorship of the Union Square Ice Rink.

Served by a multitude of transportation options as well as the season-matching red carpet transit-only lanes, the ice rink is a great attraction for all audiences that inspires merriment citywide.

In addition to skate rentals and a plaza full of ice, the rink also provides activities such as curling lessons and the ever popular Drag Queens on Ice. Check the events calendar on the ice rink web page to see what’s in store.

Later this month and in December we’ll be there showing off our new mobile ticketing app MuniMobile! Starting next week, the push of a button will give you access to ride Muni’s cable cars, buses or trains. Buy your fare instantly or in advance so you have more time on the ice.

Union Square also happens to be the best spot to see the clanging caravan of soon-to-be decorated cable cars. The Powell Lines will carry the holiday spirit on full display as individual cars are dressed up through the annual holiday decorating program. The sponsored cars raise money for the Cable Car Senior Holiday Luncheon and give San Francisco sightseers the chance to catch these SF icons decked out in tinsel and sparkles. 

Cable Cars decorated for the holidays, December 2013

After November 27, when you’re finished with a spin on the ice, take a stroll down Winter Walk. Returning for a second year as a neighbor to the ice rink, Winter Walk was created in partnership between our Central Subway project and the Union Square Business Improvement District. It’s a fun pedestrian-only, shopping-friendly boulevard filling two blocks of Stockton between Geary and Ellis.

Bring your mittens, wear your walking boots and make a night of experiencing the epicenter of the city’s holiday festivities at Union Square. A stop by the glitzy and glamorous square belongs on everyone’s wish list – and worth checking out twice!