Outdoor ice skating rinks in the Bay Area

It's time to get out those skates and gloves, and pretend we live in cold country. Here are three outdoor ice skating rinks in the Bay Area:

Justin Herman Plaza (adjacent to Four Embarcadero Center and across from the historic Ferry Building)
Dates: November 12, 2008 through January 4, 2009
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday – Thursday10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. on Friday - Saturday

Session: 90 minute sessions starting on every even hour
Information: (415) 837-1931 or its website
Cost: $8/adults, $4.50/seniors/children ages 10 and under Monday – Friday until 6:00 p.m. (50 cents more at other times)Skate rental: $3.50
Birthday parties: $250, includes admission and skate rental for up to ten people, a decorated party area, birthday cake and soft drinks. Skating guests in excess of ten will be charged an additional $12.50 each.

Union Square Ice Rink
Union Square, downtown San Francisco
Dates: November 12, 2008 through January 4, 2009
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday – Thursday

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. on Friday - Saturday

Information: (415) 781-2688 and its website
Cost: $8/adults, $4/children ages 8 and under, Monday – Friday until 6:00 p.m. (50 cents more at other times)

Skate rental: $4.00

San Jose Downtown Skating
Downtown San Jose: 120 Market Street
Dates: November 14, 2008 through January 9, 2009
Hours: vary – check the website
Session: no set session –skate all you want, though no in/out privileges
Information: (408) 279-1775 and its website
Cost: $15/over age 13; $13/ages 12 and under

Skate rental: included in admission