Once a year several spots around the Southland are transformed into scenes from a Canadian hockey film, if you squint really hard and just let someone slam you into the glass. Otherwise, you’ll simply find yourself skating along on temporary ice skating rinks while the sun beats down on you and palm trees sway in the background. Also? Most likely nobody else can ice skate, either, so you don’t have to worry about making a fool out of yourself. Everyone else is doing it.
The only way I'll ever ice skate.
Most famously and traditionally, Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles plays winter this year until January 18. The location is home to the Winter Holiday Festival on December 12 and 13.
No need to leave the Valley (San Fernando) if that’s where you’re staying. This is the first year that Woodland Hills Ice operates at the Westfield Topanga Mall until February 2010. Special events, birthday parties, and open until midnight on Christmas Day.
Over yonder on the West Side, there’ll be no swimming in the pool at the W Hotel for a while. That’s because they ingeniously turned it into a skating rink! The outdoor restaurant/bar will serve up wintry goodies, too. Frozen until January 24. In Santa Monica, meet your friends at 5th and Arizona for some ice skating by the ocean until January 31.
If you’re in more southern areas of Southern Cal, there are opportunities to trip the ice fantastic down there, too. Seaside Ice Rink Redondo Beach boasts a large parking lot and proximity to the fabulous Portofino Hotel.
Photo: Pershing Square website
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4 Responses
Tracy, what a great list! And I loved your Twitter tease, since I TOTALLY fall down…a lot. Uptake is lucky to have you here!
Carrie
Mommy Adventure Club
I learned how to ice skate at Topanga Plaza. Been a few years since the rink was taken out.
This is hands down the best of the outdoor rinks in Los Angeles. The staff are friendly and helpful, the ice is smooth and large enough to never feel crowded. The coaches are top notch figure skaters and hockey players. The skating classes are convenient and affordable. They offer birthday parties, fundraisers, fieldtrips and holiday parties! For small children they rent Baby Skates starting in toddler size 4 and handrail walkers for them to hold onto. They promote safety and the use of helmets! We live on the westside but this place is well worth the drive!
I lived in Los Angeles for over a decade, but I had no idea there were so many venues for ice skating open during the holiday season. Thanks for sharing this list, I’m sure it’s something me and the kids will put to good use!