Although the season’s holidays are over, you can still celebrate the winter spirit at Sharks Ice San Jose holiday public ice skating.
Open daily on a variable basis, Sharks Ice’s “Holiday Ice” offers a little slice of winter magic to every visitor. Beginning on Nov. 24, 2024 and running until Jan. 5, 2025, the season offered novice and pro skaters alike the chance to share an ice rink, moving to a, dare I say, spectacular music playlist. Now that the season is over, the same amenities are generally offered.
I went with a group of friends over winter break on Jan. 4, one comfortable with skating, another who was slightly less skilled, and I, who always needed buckets to lean on as a kid.
As someone who has never been accused of being a great, or even decent, skater, Sharks Ice has still always been a place of comfort. No matter your skill, there is always a judgement-free air to the space. The worst you will deal with is one of your falls being immortalized in the background of a stranger’s video, but there is usually someone there to help you get back up if you need.
Greeting skaters who barely look old enough to walk, and are still somehow leagues better than me, and those old enough to be your grandmother, the rink is one of the few places that is truly for everyone.
With tickets going for $16 per two-hour session for those 13 and older, and skate rentals for $8, skating is truly made accessible, costing about the same as a meal out.
However, because of its accessibility, the rink is often very crowded, meaning the ice goes through a lot of wear and tear. Less than an hour into our session, the floor had gashes in it, making it a falling hazard even for my most skilled friend. So, get there early, and try to book a time slot avoiding peak hours.
If you would like to take advice from someone whose greatest accomplishment in skating is not falling during their last session, here are a few things I recommend: Never wear jeans, they will be the death of you — the last thing you need is restrictive pants on the ice. Instead, opt for leggings or looser pants you can move in. Wear long fuzzy socks — your ankles will thank you. If you are prone to falling, wear gloves. Above all, know that you can ask for help.
I highly recommend, if you are in need of a place for a date, the friend or romantic kind, go out to Sharks Ice or any ice rink, because somehow being utterly terrible at something still feels fun at a place like this.
