Embrace this winter by enjoying Kristi Yamaguchi’s Holiday Ice Rink, the Snow in the Bay event, and the Garden D’Lights in Walnut Creek with family and friends.
These are among the many festivities students can enjoy this month to get into the holiday spirit.
Let’s jump into the specifics of these winter activities.
The Kristi Yamaguchi Holiday Ice rink recently opened last month at the San Ramon City Center. Yamaguchi is a former gold medalist figure skater and current author.
A portion of the proceeds from the rink will go to Yamaguchi’s Always Dream foundation, which provides children from low income families with high quality books.
The rink is 15 percent larger compared to last year and the platform has tripled in size, according to the City Center’s website. Many improvements to the rink also have been made to ensure greater comfort and safety for skaters.
At the rink, luxury reserved private cabanas with fire pits were added this year, and from Friday through Sunday patrons who rent cabanas have access to a beverage bar.
There are two nights at the rink called S’mores Nights, where people who rent cabanas will be given all the ingredients to create the perfect s’more. S’mores night will take place on Dec.18 and Jan. 1.
The rink is also providing early bird pricing so skaters receive a $2 discount if arriving at the rink before 4 p.m. between Monday and Thursday.
There will be a themed dress up night on Dec. 27, when skaters can wear their favorite pajamas on the ice. People wearing the six most popular pajamas will be selected during the 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. sessions to win a $100 gift card to a City Center restaurant.
Young kids will be especially excited on Dec. 19 when they will see Frosty the Snowman on the ice. Photos can be taken with him from 7-9 p.m.
The rink closes on Jan. 7.
Brave Church will host Snow in the Bay this Sunday, when the San Ramon Valley Boulevard church will be transformed into a winter wonderland.
The event will include real snow for people to participate in snowball fights, build snowmen and make snow angels. Kids also will be able to hop aboard the Polar Express train ride and capture moments with Santa himself. To make sure you stay warm in the snow, there will be plenty of hot cocoa.
Another popular holiday pastime is visiting the many illuminated houses throughout the city. One of the most popular places to see lights is the neighborhood across Alcosta Boulevard from Iron Horse Middle School. Enter on Overlook Drive and from there all the houses will be brightly decorated.
Ascot Drive near Montevideo Elementary School also is filled with uniquely decorated houses with both sides of the street lit up.
The Ruth Bancroft Garden of D’Lights on Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek is another winter festivity. At this garden there will be three acres of illuminated succulents, plants, and light installations.
This winter promises many festivities, from Yamaguchi’s Holiday Ice Rink and “Snow In The Bay” to decorated houses and the illuminating beauty of Garden of D’Lights.
So, what will you be doing this holiday?
