Embrace the magic of winter in sunny Orange County with some fantastic outdoor ice skating options! While Orange County may not see snow in the winter, it doesn't hold back on offering incredible outdoor ice skating opportunities. From oceanfront views to seasonal events, these rinks make for memorable holiday fun. Here’s where to lace up your skates and enjoy the best outdoor ice skating experiences in Orange County.
OC Ice Rink at the Irvine Spectrum Center - Irvine
Now through January 5, 2025, the Irvine Spectrum Center brings holiday cheer to life with its open-air ice skating rink. Located in the heart of Irvine, this seasonal rink is perfect for family gatherings, friends’ outings, or even a festive date night. Enjoy special events like “Skating with Santa” on December 7th and themed Thursday nights featuring live DJ music. The rink is set under the open sky, so you can skate while soaking up the holiday lights and festive atmosphere.
Winter Fest OC - Costa Mesa
From November 22 to January 5, Winter Fest OC at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa transforms into a winter playground. Their outdoor ice skating rink is perfect for skating with friends and loved ones. Beyond skating, Winter Fest OC offers a snow play area, a massive tubing slide (Snowflake Summit), and classic carnival games.
Winterscape Holiday Festival Ice Rink
San Juan Capistrano’s Winterscape Holiday Festival, happening at Rancho Mission Viejo Riding Park from December 10th to 23rd, brings a new festive ice rink to the area. Visitors can also try their hand at curling, enjoy live music, and take photos with Santa. The festival also includes the enchanting Festival of Trees display, Zorb Ball races, and a variety of food vendors. It’s the perfect family-friendly holiday destination that combines ice skating with lots of other outdoor winter activities.
Indoor Ice Skating in Orange County
If looking for a more permanent setup, Orange County also has great indoor options for ice skating year-round:
- Aliso Viejo Ice Palace: This local favorite offers public sessions and skating lessons for all ages. It’s perfect for families, with equipment rentals and even a dedicated skate school.
- The Rinks Anaheim ICE: This state-of-the-art facility features both NHL and Olympic-sized rinks, making it a choice for skaters of all levels.
- Yorba Linda ICE: Known for daily public skating sessions, this complex boasts well-maintained rinks and offers skate mates for those new to the ice.
- Lake Forest Ice Palace: A popular, modern ice rink offering public skating sessions throughout the week during select times.
Whether you're twirling on the ice or simply enjoying the company of loved ones, Orange County's ice skating spots offer a delightful way to celebrate the season. But if you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit, grab a hot cocoa and skate under the stars with these outdoor ice skating rinks in and around Orange County. Lace up your skates and glide into the winter wonderland of Southern California! Here we go!
Events Calendar
This winter, bring some festive fun to your holiday season by visiting one (or more!) of these great ice skating spots in Orange County! Stay tuned for updates as the holidays approach, and check out our events calendar for more things to do in Anaheim and the OC this season!
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