Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink opens 33rd season. It helps ‘sense of community’
The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink opened Thursday to skaters for its 33rd season. To Michael Ault, there are reasons it’s become such an institution.
Two of the reasons: The “sense of community” events like this help create and the traditions they bring, as Ault, executive director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership said while he and others from his organization walked to a noontime meeting Friday
“Because of the length of the run, we now have people that came down as kids that are now bringing their families back,” Ault said.
Anyone who’s grown up in the Sacramento region since the 1990s might be familiar with the holiday ice skating, which is held at Ali Youssefi Square at 702 K St., across from Golden 1 Center and Downtown Commons.
The skating, which began in 1991 and had a pandemic-era break, continues to be popular. Amelia Chew, who manages the ice rink for the partnership, said that about 60,000 people skate at the rink in the three months it’s open. This year, it’s open through Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The rink can attract notable people. Sacramento City Councilmember Karina Talamantes came to the rink on Thursday for a ribbon-cutting for the season. Also at that event was John Rinehart, who is president of business operations for the Sacramento Kings, one of the rink’s sponsors.
Former Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi made an appearance last year. It’s also not unheard of to see Kings players at the rink. One person walking in the Downtown Sacramento Partnership group said they’d skated with former Kings reserve Scot Pollard, a fan favorite.
Chew, who spoke while watching over the rink Friday, said a few Kings players had skated there over the years, including former star DeMarcus Cousins, who brought his children when he was on the team.
“He was very timid, obviously, because he was in season,” Chew said of taking to the ice.
The rink offers more than recreation. It anchors The Kay, the business district still recovering from COVID-19 and undergoing long-term redevelopment tied to the arena next door at DoCo.
On Tuesday, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership debuted “a new, energy-efficient LED lighting system along K Street ... marking a major investment in the vitality and character of the city’s downtown core,” according to a news release. Scott Ford, who was walking in Ault’s group, said that the new lighting system can be used yearround and programmed for seasonal and holiday displays.
Aside from the efforts around improving the lighting at the rink, there is also work by staff to help nearby businesses. At the ticket window, the rink gives out a list of local businesses that includes Gabello Salon, Bumble Bear Coffee and, just off the square, Beach Hut Deli.
Max Buckler, who’s managed this Beach Hut Deli location for two years, said that when the rink is being set up, it can hurt business. But he noted that once the rink is operational, there’s a bump.
“I love it,” Buckler said. “It’s an awesome opportunity for us to get more families to come in and it’s just a fun thing for the community.”
Hours at the downtown rink are 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The rink is closed on Mondays, except on MLK Day, Jan. 19. General admission is $15. Kids 6 and under skate for $8. Admission includes skate rental. Tickets are sold at the rink.
More information is available at downtownsac.org.
Other rinks in the capital region
While the Downtown Sacramento rink may be the region’s most familiar, it’s not the only one drawing families this winter.
In Historic Folsom, the city’s holiday rink launched its 15th season Friday.
Located in the heart of the plaza, the Folsom Ice Rink draws crowds for 90-minute skating sessions and seasonal events under string lights. It’s open weekdays from 2 to 8 p.m. and expands to morning hours on weekends.
The rink also offers extended sessions during school breaks and encourages visitors to book tickets in advance at FolsomIceRink.com.
Roseville is also entering the ice rink scene for the first time this year.
The city will debut its outdoor rink Dec. 7 at Vernon Street Town Square, operating daily from Dec. 7 through Jan. 4.
The venue will run limited weekday hours, with longer sessions on weekends. Tickets range from $10 to $18, with children under 5 skating for free. More information at godowntownroseville.com.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 3:34 PM.
