Frolicking on the ice around the Bay Area

"While the Bay Area might not be known as a hotbed for sports played on ice, there's a magical transformation that takes place each year around the holidays. The number of ice skating rinks nearly triples, even though temperatures rarely drop below freezing. For at least two months a year, the outdoor pop-ups are hosting children learning to skate for the first time, lovers sharing a romantic date night and friends of all ages taking a spin while holiday tunes fill the air."

"Last season, she hosted an ice skating clinic for kids and holiday events that benefited her Always Dream foundation dedicated to providing books to low-income families. Skaters glide around the Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon in December 2023. The rink benefits Kristi Yamaguchi's Always Dream organization, whose mission is to ensure children from low income families have access to high-quality books at home. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group)"

"Each year, Bishop Ranch's restaurants and breweries up their seasonal game with holiday beers and cocktails, while coffee and hot chocolate can be found at the center's cafes, including Philz. Holiday pop-up stores are often erected while the ice skating rink hosts ugly sweater competitions, Disney-themed costume nights and Taylor Swift nights. And don't miss a visit with Santa, who can be found posing for photos and giving out gifts at the ice rink beginning on Black Friday."

Bay Area outdoor pop-up ice rinks nearly triple in number each holiday season despite mild temperatures, creating festive community spaces for skating and seasonal activities. Kristi Yamaguchi opens her holiday rink at City Center Bishop Ranch in San Ramon, hosting events and clinics that support her Always Dream foundation to provide books to low-income families. Bishop Ranch complements the rink with seasonal food and drink offerings, pop-up stores, themed nights such as ugly sweater and Disney events, and Santa visits starting on Black Friday. The rinks attract beginners, romantic dates, and groups of friends for holiday entertainment.

Read at www.mercurynews.com