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Even though it's an activity that you can do year-round, ice skating seems to be something that's especially appealing around the holidays, and, with the addition of several temporary outdoor ice rinks, more prevalent this time of year. Unfortunately, you're not going to be able to go ice skating in Marin (although those of us who grew up in the county surely remember Raydine's in Corte Madera, at the site of what is now Gold's Gym on Lucky Drive), but there are several locations close by in the Bay Area where you can hit the ice this holiday season.

Fairfax Parks & Recreation Holiday Ice Skating

The Fairfax Parks & Recreation Commission will sponsor their third annual ice skating event on a synthetic rink in the Pavilion on Saturday and Sunday, January 2 and 3 from noon–5 pm. There will be lots of family fun, so make sure you purchase your tickets early! Prices: $5 for adults and $3 for kids for a half hour of skating. Rental skates are included in the price of admission. Hot cocoa and baked goodies will be available for sale as well. Tickets will be sold at the door, beginning at 11:30 am on both days. For more info, call Maria Baird, Community Resources Coordinator, at (415) 456-5652 or at www.townoffairfax.org.

Snoopy's Home Ice

In Santa Rosa you can find Snoopy's Home Ice at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena. Opened by the late Santa Rosa resident and Peanuts cartoonist Charles M. Schulz in 1969, the Redwood Empire Ice Arena offers daily public skating hours (check their schedule for details), skating lessons, birthday parties, and special events. The entire place is decorated with a Swiss theme and offers an alpine ambience. The Redwood Empire Ice Arena is also home to Snoopy's Warm Puppy Cafe, where you can sit by the fire and eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or just have a hot chocolate and watch the action on the Snoopy's Home Ice.