Love it or hate it, the holiday season has officially begun with the opening of the outdoor skating rinks today at Union Square and Justin Herman Plaza. Get the details on each of the rinks here.

Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square

Location: Union Square

Hours: 10am-11:30 daily (with the exception of Dec 31st, the rink closes at 9:30pm that night)

Costs: $10 for adults & $6 for kids (8 and under) for ninety minute session that start on every even hour, $5 for skate rental

Nearby Shopping: Macy’s Bloomingdales, Barney’s, H&M, Apple Store, Westfield City Center (full list here)

Extras: Union Square include the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting on Nov 23rd. Don’t forget to get a picture at the ice rink photo booth ($2).

Closes: January 21st

Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center

Location: Justin Herman Plaza near the Ferry Building

Hours: 10am-10pm Sunday-Thursday, 10am-11:30pm Friday & Saturday

Costs: $9.50 for adults & $6 for kids (10 and under), 50 cent surcharge on weekends, $3.50 for skate rental

Nearby Shopping: Banana Republic, Williams-Sonoma, Barcelino, Ann Taylor, Gap (full list here)

Extras: The Embarcadero Center rink is the largest outdoor skating rink in San Francisco. On Nov 18th, come for the Winter Carnival & Embarcadero Center Building Lighting with entertainment and activities including a performance by characters from Disney on Ice presents Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3.

Closes: January 6th

Photo Credit: Union Square Ice Rink

• Tag: Christmas, embarcadero, events, holidays, ice skating, Union Square