Skaters at last year’s Princess & Superhero Day were joined by characters, including Disney princesses Anna and Elsa. This year’s event took place Nov. 15. Photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership 

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink, presented by Dignity Health, is now open through Jan. 19. Located in Ali Youssefi Square across from DoCo and the Golden 1 Center, the rink attracts some 40,000 skaters each season. 

Ali Youssefi Square is at 705 K St., Sacramento.

“The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink represents what downtown does best: bringing people together to create lasting memories,” said Michael Ault, the Downtown Sacramento Partnership executive director. “It’s a cherished Sacramento tradition and we’re grateful to our community leaders and partners for their support in bringing this tradition to life year after year.”

The price to skate remains the same as previous years: $15 for general admission and $8 for children aged 6 and under. Skating admission includes skate rental and sizes run as small as youth 8 and as large as men’s 15. Skaters can enjoy the rink from 2 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays through Sundays (weather permitting). Skaters can call 916-738-0703 to find out if the rink is open during inclement weather.

Season events catered for youth skaters include annual Princess & Superhero Day, which took place Nov 15, and Crafting with Kindness, from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23 and Sunday, Nov. 30. Copper House Boutique will lead both craft days with their jewelry-making lessons.

Donation Weeks have been implemented this year to help spread holiday cheer. The ice rink has teamed up with Western Health Advantage and First Step Communities to organize donations for those experiencing homelessness in the Sacramento area.

The ice rink will collect much needed items and accept donations all day during Donation Weeks, which run from Monday, Nov. 17 through Sunday, Nov. 30. Skaters who bring something to donate will receive $5 off skate admission. Suggested items to donate include winter hats, gloves, scarves and blankets.

In an effort by the Downtown Sacramento Parnership to increase pedestrian activity and safety along K Street, including in Ali Youssefi Square, new LED lighting has been installed from DoCO to the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center.

“These lights embody our commitment to reimagine downtown block by block, paying homage to the marquee lights which have lined K Street for generations and enhancing Sacramento’s central promenade for its next era of opportunity,” Ault said.

Along with supporting increased pedestrian activity throughout the evening hours, the new lighting also supports bicycle and public transportation use and embraces the foundational principle of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) by improving sightlines and increasing activity after dark, according to the partnership.

Better lighting encourages more foot traffic, which in turn promotes safety, supports local businesses and builds community pride.

The dynamic system will be capable of changing colors to mark holidays, community celebrations and Kings, Republic, Athletics and Hornets’ victories.

“When we invest in placemaking, we invest in people,” said Scott Ford, Downtown Sacramento Partnership deputy director. “Downtown Sacramento is truly a neighborhood that belongs to all residents and guests of our community. We want to ensure we are creating and maintaining an environment which is a positive reflection of Sacramento to the rest of the world.”