You’re standing in the middle of a concrete jungle, palm trees are swaying, and it’s a crisp 65 degrees. Not exactly "Winter Wonderland" material by East Coast standards. But then you hear it—the rhythmic schtick-schtick of metal blades carving into a fresh sheet of ice. This is LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE, and honestly, it’s one of those local traditions that feels both completely absurd and perfectly "L.A." at the same time.
For the 2025-2026 season, the rink officially kicked off on November 28 and is sticking around until January 10, 2026. If you've lived here a while, you know the drill. It’s located right in Peacock Place (the area formerly known as Xbox Plaza) at 800 W. Olympic Blvd. It sits directly in the shadow of the Crypto.com Arena, which gives the whole experience a high-energy, big-city vibe you just don’t get at the smaller community rinks.
The Reality of Skating at Peacock Place
Most people think they can just roll up and jump on the ice. You've gotta be more strategic than that.
The biggest thing to get right? Tickets. Unlike a lot of modern events where everything is a digital QR code, General Admission for the LA Kings Holiday Ice is strictly a walk-up affair. You buy them at the on-site box office. This leads to lines. Long ones. If you're coming on a Saturday night before a Kings game or a concert, expect a wait.
Pricing for this season is pretty straightforward:
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- General Admission: $27 (includes your skate rental).
- Kids (skate size 10 youth and under): $17.
- Seniors (62+) & Military: $22.
- LA Kings Season Ticket Members: $22 (for up to 4 guests).
Now, if you absolutely hate waiting, there’s a "Fast Pass" option for $50. This is the only ticket you can buy online, and honestly, if it’s a holiday weekend, it might be the only way to save your sanity.
Timing Your Session
The rink usually runs from 5:00 PM to 12:30 AM. They do sessions, so they'll clear the ice for the Zamboni to do its thing. If you want a smoother experience—literally—try to get on the ice right after a cleaning. There’s nothing worse than trying to glide on "popcorn ice" that’s been hacked up by a hundred beginners for an hour.
Parking: The Great DTLA Headache
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room. Parking in Downtown Los Angeles is, frankly, a nightmare. If you park in the East Garage (Lot E) or West Garage (Lot W) right at L.A. LIVE, you’re looking at $10 for the first two hours, but then it jumps to $15 for every 30 minutes after that. That can hit a $40 maximum faster than you can finish a lap.
Expert tip: If you're just here to skate, check out the flat rate after 9:00 PM. It’s usually around $15 if you exit before 4:30 AM. Alternatively, look at Lot C on the other side of Chick Hearn Court. You can often find spots there for $10-$20 on apps like ParkWhiz or StubHub, especially if there isn't a massive event at the arena. Or, just take the Metro E Line (Gold/Expo) to the Pico Station. It’s a two-block walk and costs way less than a gallon of gas.
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Is the Ice Even Real?
Yeah, it’s real ice. It’s not that plastic synthetic stuff.
Because it’s outdoors in Southern California, the quality of the ice changes throughout the night. In the early evening, if it’s been a warm day, the top layer can get a little "slushy." It’s basically like skating on a giant Margarita. As the sun goes down and the temperature drops, it firms up.
The rink is anchored by a massive Christmas tree right in the center. It’s the ultimate photo op, but it also creates a bit of a traffic jam. Everyone wants that "skating in front of the tree" selfie. My advice? Take the photo, then move to the outer edge if you actually want to pick up some speed.
Eating and "Supper & Skate"
One of the coolest perks about the LA Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. LIVE is the "Supper & Skate" deals. Basically, if you show your skate session ticket at participating restaurants around the plaza, you can snag some discounts.
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- Lazy Dog: Usually good for a casual vibe and decent burgers.
- Fleming’s: If you want to make it a fancy date night.
- Lucky Strike: Great for post-skate bowling and apps.
It’s worth asking your server before you order if they’re doing a special for skaters this year. Most of the spots on the plaza participate because they want that foot traffic once people get off the ice and realize they’re starving.
What Most People Get Wrong
People assume it's just for kids. It's not.
Actually, the late-night sessions (10:00 PM onwards) turn into a pretty solid date spot. The crowd thins out, the LED screens around the plaza are glowing, and the music is usually a mix of holiday hits and Top 40. It feels much more like a "night out" than a family outing at that hour.
Also, don't forget the socks. You’d be surprised how many people show up in flip-flops or heels and realize they have to buy a pair of $7 socks at the booth because nobody wants to put bare feet into a rental skate. Just... don't do that. Bring thick socks. Your ankles will thank you.
Why It Still Matters
In a city that often feels like it's missing a "center," L.A. LIVE provides that hub during the holidays. This rink has been a staple since 2009, and even though there are larger rinks (like the 7,200-square-foot one at Pershing Square), the Kings rink feels more "glitzy." It’s the professional lights, the proximity to the Lakers and Kings home turf, and the feeling that you’re at the heart of the action.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the Schedule: Always check the L.A. LIVE website before you leave. If there’s a double-header at the arena (Lakers in the afternoon, Kings at night), the plaza will be a madhouse.
- Dress in Layers: It’s L.A., so it’ll be 70 degrees at 4:00 PM and 55 degrees by 8:00 PM. Plus, once you start moving on the ice, you'll get warm fast.
- Lockers are Cheap: Don’t try to skate with a heavy backpack or a purse. They have lockers for under a dollar (usually around $0.75). Use them.
- Weekdays are Gold: If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday night, do it. You’ll actually have room to move without dodging a five-year-old on a plastic seal helper.
- Validation: If you eat at one of the restaurants, make sure to get your parking validated. It won’t make it free, but it'll take the sting out of the DTLA rates.
The whole experience is basically a rite of passage for anyone living in or visiting Los Angeles during December. It’s a bit chaotic, a little expensive, and totally memorable. Just get there early, park smart, and try not to fall in front of the tourists.