

I know Halloween is barely over and your bathroom sink probably still has evidence of grease paint in it, but the ice rinks at Union Square and Justin Herman Plaza both opened for the holiday season today. The Union Square one debuted with a 9:30 a.m. ceremony featuring Giants mascot Lou Seal, as well as a special performance by the cast of The Lion King, currently making a return engagement at the Orpheum Theater.

The Union Square rink is technically called the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink, and per Bay City News, it'll be open now through January 16 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. daily. As usual, ice skating sessions last 90 minutes, and if you want your money's worth, you should get there early to buy tickets for your chosen session, all of which start on even-numbered hours. Tickets are $12 ($7 for kids 8 and under), and skate rentals are $6. The rink will play host to special skate nights like Simba Saturdays, throughout November and December, with the 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. skate session dominated by music from The Lion King, and Flashback Fridays (the second Friday of November, December, and January) featuring 80's music. Drag Queens On Ice this year will be happening on December 8 at 8 p.m.

The Embarcadero Center rink at Justin Herman Plaza also made its debut this morning, and keeps slightly different hours through January 8. It opens every day at 10 a.m. and closes at 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and at 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Skating there is a dollar cheaper for adults, $11, and the basic 90-minute session schedule is the same. You may occasionally find it closed for private party bookings, or due to inclement weather. More info here.