Downtown Sacramento ice rink returns to Ali Youssefi Square in 2026

The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink officially returns to Ali Youssefi Square at 7th and K Streets for its 34th season, welcoming skaters from November 4, 2026, through January 18, 2027. Operated by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, the outdoor winter attraction brings skate rentals, holiday hours, and newly introduced figure skating and hockey lessons back to the heart of the city.

When the Zamboni fires up for Sacramento’s seasonal outdoor rink, it marks more than just a drop in local temperatures. Spanning more than three decades as a downtown holiday fixture, the rink draws more than 40,000 skaters annually, according to figures released by the Downtown Sacramento Partnership. Located half a block from the Golden 1 Center, the venue sits squarely within the DOCO district, positioning itself as a central hub for winter foot traffic, dining, and holiday shopping.

Schedule and Holiday Hours at Ali Youssefi Square

For most of the season, the rink operates on a standard schedule. Doors open Tuesday through Thursday from 2 PM to 9 PM, and Friday through Sunday from 10 AM to 10 PM. Mondays are closed to the public, except for select holidays.

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink reopens for the holiday season

Extended operating hours kick in during major holiday stretches to accommodate larger crowds. From November 21 through November 29, and again from December 18 through January 3, the rink expands its hours to run daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. Specific holiday hours apply on Thanksgiving Day (10 AM to 4 PM), Christmas Eve (10 AM to 9 PM), Christmas Day (Noon to 9 PM), and New Year’s Eve (10 AM to 9 PM). Operations conclude for the season on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, with hours running from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Because rain can disrupt outdoor ice conditions, visitors are advised to call 916-743-4669 to confirm operations before heading out.

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink Livestream

Ice Skating Admission Fees Include Skate Rentals

General admission is priced at $15, while children ages 6 and under enter for $8. Both rates include skate rentals, with sizes ranging from Youth 8 up to Men’s 15. Additional gear rentals are available on-site, including helmets for $2, ice scooters for $5 per 30 minutes, and lockers for $2.

New to the lineup this season are instructional programs aimed at expanding skill levels on the ice. The Sacramento State Figure Skating Club is leading beginner figure skating lessons on select Tuesdays and Sundays, while the UC Davis Club Hockey Team is running introductory hockey classes on select Mondays and Saturdays. These $30 group sessions include the lesson, skate rentals, and rink access for up to two hours following the class.

Kids ice skating — Photo: sacramentolifeandliving.com

Michael Ault, executive director at the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, noted that the addition of structured lessons provides broader learning opportunities for visitors of all experience levels, as reported by FOX40.

Theme Days Offer Free Skating for Military

The 34th season also brings back a schedule of theme days and community support initiatives. Veterans Day on November 11 features free skating for veterans and active-duty military members with valid identification. Other recurring favorites include Princess & Superhero Day on November 14 and Drag Queens on Ice on December 11.

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink opens for its 34th season

Organizers have also scheduled two distinct charitable donation weeks. From November 16 to November 29, skaters bringing shelf-stable food items to support the River City Food Bank receive $5 off their admission. A second donation drive runs from December 14 to December 27 in partnership with First Step Communities, offering the same $5 discount for visitors who donate requested items such as blankets, socks, and casual shoes.

Visitors Access Downtown Parking via DOCO Garage

The closest parking structure is the DOCO East garage, accessible from 7th Street off J Street, with reservations available in advance through SacPark.org. Public transit users can take the SacRT light rail to the 7th & I station, located a two-minute walk from the square, or arrive via Amtrak at Sacramento Station for a 10-minute walk through Old Sacramento.