Downtown Santa Monica's beloved seasonal ice rink returns Friday for its 17th season, transforming a city block into a winter wonderland just blocks from the Pacific Ocean.
Ice at Santa Monica, presented by Disney+ and Hulu, opens with a grand opening celebration Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. at 1324 5th Street. The free kickoff event features complimentary ice skating on a first-come, first-served basis, a live DJ, on-ice skating performances, giveaways and a "snow" surprise.
The rink will operate daily through Jan. 19, 2026, from noon to 10 p.m. Admission is $22 for a 60-minute session, including skate rental.
Since launching, the outdoor rink has evolved into one of Santa Monica's most cherished winter traditions. The venue sits at Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue, offering the novelty of ice skating near the beach in Southern California.
The rink has drawn tens of thousands of visitors over the years, becoming a festive gathering place where residents and tourists celebrate the holiday season together. The tradition was temporarily halted during the COVID-19 pandemic and technical problems kept it dark longer than anticipated. When the rink returned in late 2022, organizers used the hiatus to plan major upgrades.
The venue now features an ice surface exceeding 8,000 square feet of real ice, plus a dedicated 720-square-foot kids' skating area. The 2023 season introduced a new reusable aluminum foundation for better efficiency and sustainability, along with transparent rink boards, fire pit lounges and food and merchandise kiosks that transformed the space into a winter village.
This season's highlights include Taylor Swift Birthday Celebration on Dec. 13, a New Year's Eve East Coast Countdown on Dec. 31, and Disney+ and Hulu Themed Nights every Tuesday. Classical Sundays presented by KUSC will feature live music at noon and 1:30 p.m. sessions.
For more information, visit iceatsantamonica.com or call 310-807-4822.