West Hollywood also transformed the park into a winter wonderland in December 2023. (photo by Jon Viscott)

West Hollywood is skating through January with a special treat for residents. An ice rink is opening in the city’s park Friday, Jan. 10, for all looking to capture a bit of wintery fun.

“For more than a decade, we’ve had the idea of bringing an ice rink to the city of West Hollywood to give us that special winter feeling, though ice skating in the California sunshine is a unique winter experience, to be sure,” Mayor John Erickson said. “It’s a unique recreational opportunity to encourage residents, visitors and people of all ages to enjoy West Hollywood Park … on ice!”

JJLA, the event company that also helps the city put on its annual multi-day WeHo Pride, is serving as the vendor. The rink will be open through Jan. 26 on the West Hollywood Park Great Lawn.

“As someone who grew up with four actual seasons in Ripon, Wisconsin, I love the idea of bringing the magic of ice skating to a community that doesn’t typically experience snow or freezing weather. Ice skating conjures up a wonderful feeling of wintertime and, just as we saw last year when West Hollywood hosted a roller rink in West Hollywood Park, I think people will love coming together on ice skates for our ice rink experience,” Erickson said.

The mayor added that if the community embraces the pop-up, he’d love to see it become an annual event.

While an RSVP is not required, guests can book in advance at go.weho.org/icerink. Sessions are 90-minutes and cost $15 for children ages 3-14 and $20 for people 15 and older. Skate rentals are included. In conjunction with the event, a winter village, photo opportunities and a general store are also open to visitors.

The park will host a “Winter Wonderland” celebration on Jan. 25 from 1-4 p.m. which will add to the skating fun with activities, creative crafts, music, games and, of course, hot chocolate and festive treats.

On Jan. 26, the city will have a polar plunge pool party from 4-6 p.m., with activities set for the heated recreational pool. In addition to swimming, children and adults alike can enjoy arts-and-crafts, apple cider, games and give aways. To register, visit anc.apm.activecommunities.com/weho/activity/search/detail/38071?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true.

“The temporary ice rink at West Hollywood Park should be a fun venue for the community,” Councilman John Heilman said. “Ice skating is a popular sport in the gay community as well as with the Russian-speaking community in West Hollywood. I hope people will come out and enjoy the fun. The rink is also a great opportunity for community organizations to host fundraisers. And I know some people are already planning to invite friends to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions at the rink.”

West Hollywood Park is located at 647 N. San Vicente Blvd.