Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the day you may (or may not) have been waiting for has finally arrived, the grand opening of Holiday Ice Rinks in Union Square and Justin Herman Plaza. And though you may ask yourself why we need two ice rinks downtown or even why we need an ice rink at all in 60° weather, we think the more important question is, "What are the differences between the two?" Well, we're here to help:

Days Open

Union Square: Nov. 11 - Jan. 18

Justin Herman: Nov. 11 - Jan. 3

Advantage: Union Square, though hats off to the Embarcadero Center for conserving a bit more energy

Hours of Operation

Union Square: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, open until 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with 90 min. sessions starting on every even hour

Justin Herman: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, open until 11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with 90 min. sessions starting on every even hour

Advantage: Tie

Admission

Union Square: $9 for adults / $4.50 for kids 8 & under Monday-Friday until 6 p.m., $9.50 for adults / $5 for kids 8 & under Friday at 6 p.m. thru Sunday

Justin Herman: $9 for adults / $5.50 for kids 10 & under Monday-Friday until 6 p.m., $9.50 for adults / $6 for kids 10 & under Friday at 6 p.m. thru Sunday

Advantage: Embarcadero, because 9 yr-olds shouldn't be considered 'adults'.

Skate Rentals

Union Square: $4 with a $1 surcharge for hockey skates

Justin Herman: $3.50

Advantage: Embarcadero, because they're cheaper and we're not sure why anyone needs hockey skates in Union Square. Also, all their skates are NEW this year. Win.

FINAL VERDICT

Though both are sure to be packed with tourists and Holiday-happy locals alike, we have to give the slight advantage to the Embarcadero Ice Rink for 3 reasons: bigger rink, new skates and a (slightly) less touristy location.