It’s that time of year – days that feel a bit dark, cool chilly evenings, holiday songs in the air. Time to strap on some ice skates and pretend it’s cold enough to snow. There are a few rinks not far afield from Hancock Park this season to put some blades to the ice – and skate!
Pershing Square: 532 S. Olive St. The long-time favorite (now in its 11th year) is a winter wonderland in the evening surrounded by the well-lit towers of downtown. The rink which sits at the center of Pershing Square is accessible by Metro’s Red Line, so if you don’t want to drive and pay for parking, you can hop on the Purple Line at Wilshire and Western. Skating is reasonable at $6/one-hour session and $2 skate rental, so you’ll have a enough money left over to traipse across to the Biltmore Hotel across the street and splurge on drinks or dessert. Hours 12pm-10pm Mon-Fri, and 10am-10pm Sat-Sun, but they close often to resurface the ice so check the website if you have limited time. Lunchtime concerts Dec 17-23, and weekend concerts 8pm-10pm Dec 22-23 and 29-30 make Pershing Square a go-to spot for some festive winter fun.
Holiday Ice Rink Culver City: 9300 Culver Blvd. The Culver City rink is just a quick jaunt down Venice Blvd to Washington in Culver City where the rink sits beneath the Culver Hotel. The hours vary daily (so check their website) but are generally in the 10am- 11pm range, and they’re even open on Christmas day from 11:30am-9:30 pm if someone you know gets new skates from Santa. The rink is also rentable for private parties, and its “Presenting Sponsor” is one of our local businesses, Melrose Mac (on Melrose at Highland.) Call (310) 280–1067 for more info or visit the rink website. Tickets $10 adults, $6 children and skate rental is $4.
Holiday Ice at LA Live: 800 W. Olympic Blvd. Another new venue, Nokia Plaza near the Staples Center downtown is serving up an ice rink and companion Supper & Skate deals at participating L.A.Live restaurants nearby (Trader Vics, ESPN Zone and LA Market.) Two sessions per day are offered from now till January 2nd, Mon-Fri 5pm-11:30pm, and Sat-Sun 3pm-11:30pm, (with closure for resurfacing at 7:30pm.) Check the website for specific dates as closed for private parties and events on occasion Admission and skate rental are $13/person, and $6/person for kids, seniors and military.
About Julie Grist
Julie co-founded the Larchmont Buzz with fellow buzzer Mary Hawley in 2011 and served as Editor, Publisher and writer for the hive for many years until the sale of the Buzz in August 2015. She is still circling the hive as an occasional writer.
