Annual ice skating rink in heart of Historic District slated to open Nov. 8

he sights and sounds of the holiday season are beginning to return to Historic Folsom as construction crews get to work on assembling the city’s beloved seasonal ice rink. Each year, the Historic District Plaza at 905 Sutter Street transforms into a festive skating destination, and this week the process is in full swing with crews installing the framework, refrigeration system, and lighting that will soon bring the rink to life for its scheduled opening on Friday, November 8.

The Folsom Historic District Ice Rink has become one of the city’s most recognizable holiday traditions, drawing families, friends, and visitors to the heart of Folsom for nearly two decades. The rink sits at the center of the historic turntable plaza — a landmark that connects the community’s past with its present — and has helped make the district a hub of seasonal activity from November through mid-January each year.

According to the Folsom Historic District Association, the rink will again offer daily skating sessions in 90-minute intervals, Monday through Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday beginning earlier at 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online in advance at HistoricFolsom.org, with many peak sessions expected to sell out as the holidays approach.

As final touches take shape over the coming week, crews will prepare the surface for freezing and fine-tune the refrigeration and lighting systems to ensure the rink is ready for the thousands of skaters who will take to the ice this season. The rink serves as both a family-friendly recreation spot and a catalyst for the district’s bustling holiday atmosphere, as nearby shops, restaurants, and galleries extend their hours to welcome the steady stream of visitors.

Much of the ice rink has been assembled this week in preparation for its opening Nov. 8. Folsom Times photos by Bill Sullivan

Special themed events and social skate nights will also return throughout the season, offering families, couples, and groups of friends a chance to experience the rink in new ways. These evenings — featuring holiday music, local sponsors, and community participation — have become part of the experience that keeps residents coming back year after year.

For many, the opening of the Historic Folsom Ice Rink marks the unofficial start of the holidays in Folsom. The rink provides a place where longtime residents meet up with neighbors, where new families discover the community’s small-town character, and where visitors get a glimpse of what makes Folsom’s historic district so unique. The glow of the rink, the hum of conversation, and the steady rhythm of skates on ice have become familiar signs that the season has arrived.

Businesses in the district say the rink’s return brings a noticeable boost each winter. The steady flow of families and visitors contributes to the success of local dining, retail, and entertainment, helping to keep the area vibrant well into the new year.

As the countdown to November 8 continues, the finishing work will soon give way to testing, ice preparation, and final setup before opening day. When it’s ready, the Historic Folsom Ice Rink will once again provide a familiar and festive place for the community to gather — a seasonal landmark that continues to bring people together year after year.

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