Never mind the year-round sunshine. It’s time to pull out your furry earmuffs and wooly mittens because Irvine Spectrum Center’s ice rink is open for business, signaling that the holiday season is underway.
The outdoor rink wraps around a 75-foot-tall holiday tree decorated with 23,000 ornaments and more than 40,000 lights. It is located near the Giant Wheel, itself a beacon of 50,000 lights in motion.
Last year, 20,000 skaters took to the ice, with more expected this year.
If you don’t have your own ice skates, you can rent a pair at the rink. Try double-bladed skates for young beginner ice skaters to give them confidence.
Even if you don’t skate, or are simply too humble to show off your triple salchow, the scene will be sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Every 30 minutes the towering tree turns into a light show with synchronized festive music.
The rink opens at 2 p.m. every day except Christmas Day.
