Winter Wonderland: Ice Skating in L.A. & Beyond

NOW TILL JAN 18: Pershing Square Park has become Downtown L.A.'s personal winter wonderland. For an entrance fee of just $6 ($8 if you need to rent skates) Pershing Square's ice skating rink might be the cheapest way to add some winter chill to the holiday season. If you close your eyes you might even feel that you're smack dab in the middle of Rockefeller Center ... only with palm trees.

NOW TILL JAN 24: This holiday season, Westwood's posh hotel has opted to convert its swimming pool into "Chill," the coolest ice skating rink in town. For $10 an hour (skate rental included), patrons can use the 1,300-square-foot ice rink made from synthetic hybrid ice. If you need to warm up--or just need some liquid courage before you hit the ice--the Snowy Snack Bar serves up special winter treats. Be sure to try the spiked pumpkin lattes, adult hot chocolates and hazelnut espresso martinis. Chill is open Mon-Fri 3pm-10pm and Sat-Sun 10am-10pm.

NOW TILL JAN 11 (including holidays): Why bundle up this winter when you can ice skate in your favorite tank top and jeans? Located within walking distance from the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club, King Harbor's Seaside Ice brings a white Christmas (you know, the one you've been dreaming of) to Redondo Beach. The beachfront venue is the perfect place to spend some quality holiday time with your family and friends. The seasonal ice installation is complete with live music, ice skating info sessions, Christmas movies and tons of twinkling lights. The venue offers specially-priced packages for classes, but tickets are $14 for adults and $16 for the kiddies. For more info, check out www.seasideice.com

NOW TILL JAN 18: Warm weather and sunny skies aren't stopping the Christmas cheer at the Irvine Spectrum Center. Families and compulsive shoppers alike can join in on the holiday fun at the outdoor mall's own ice rink. Admission to the OC rink is $11 per hour, plus an extra $4.50 to rent skates. Not only is the venue the only outdoor ice rink in Orange County, but it's also home to the world's smallest custom Zamboni machine. For more info, check out www.skatespectrum.com

ONGOING: This full-size ice skating rink has been a Pasadena favorite since 1984. Located across the street from Paseo Colorado, the indoor ice skating rink is open year round (including holidays). Public skating sessions are available throughout the week during the afternoon with additional evening sessions on Fri-Sat from 8pm-10:30pm. If you're looking for some professional help before you break the ice, walk-in lessons are available Sat-Sun from 1pm-3pm. Admission is $7 for an hour of ice time, plus an extra $3 for skate rental.

ONGOING: Just because Culver City's indoor ice skating rink is open year-round doesn't mean it isn't filled with Christmas cheer. The Saturday Moonlight Skating sessions--open to adults 18+ from 11pm-1am--are the perfect holiday date spot for you and your sweetie. Public skating sessions are available throughout the week and the venue also hosts holiday and corporate events. Be sure to check www.culvericearena.com for more details.

NOW TILL JAN 31: Only in Southern California can you strap on a pair of ice skates mere steps from the beach. Admission is $10 for 90 minutes of skating time and skate rental (although they really don't keep track of how many minutes you've been on the ice.) If you need to warm up after skating, or just need a caffeine fix, bring your admission bracelet to a participating Starbucks and receive a free hot tall beverage. The venue is open Mon-Thu 10am-10pm and Sat-Sun 10am-12am.

DEC 1 - DEC 31: Move over Pershing Square, there's a new holiday ice rink in Downtown Los Angeles. ?L.A. Kings Holiday Ice at L.A. Live? at the Nokia Plaza is poised to spread some warm holiday cheer with a super cool rink. Located across the street from the Stapes Center, the new ice rink can accommodate 200 Olympic hopefuls. Skate with Santa sessions are available for the kids Mon-Sun from 6pm-7pm, with an extra session on Sat-Sun from 3pm-4pm. Admission is $10 an hour including skate rental. For more information, check out www.lalive.com