There’s something quite magical about skating in Manchester at Christmas time. Whether you're fanatical about the impending festivities or a bit of a bah humbug, the much-loved pastime is sure to get you into the spirit.
Whilst many will be busy booking up pumpkin patch visits ahead of Halloween and planning for Bonfire night, skating sessions and Christmas events across Greater Manchester are filling up fast - so you might want to think about getting your skates on.
There’s plenty of ice rinks in the city centre and further afield to test out your balancing act, and if you’ve got little ones who might be a bit wobbly on the ice, then fear not, as many are set up for this with penguins and skating aids to keep them steady and on course. Below you’ll find some suggestions for a festive skate in and around Greater Manchester.
Read more: 30+ things to do with kids in Manchester this Halloween and October half term
Tinsel Town at the Trafford Centre
Last year’s Tinsel Town experience was a hit with families, so this year is expected to be just as popular. Promising a ‘sensational outdoor experience’, Tinsel Town last year encompassed a 600-sqm covered ice rink as well as a ‘winter wonderland of rides’, including ‘the UK’s longest toboggan slide’.
The ice skating costs £13.75 for under 13’s (must be accompanied by an adult), while adult tickets are priced at £16.50. All under 2s go Free. The fun fair is priced at £2.80. Tinsel Town kicks off on Friday, November 18. Tickets can be purchased here.
Skate Manchester at Cathedral Gardens
Cathedral Gardens will once again play host to a huge ice rink this Christmas. The Skate Manchester rink has been installed for half term and Halloween, but will soon be in the full festive spirit.
Skate Manchester will run from October 21 to January 2, and this year has a brand-new ice path allowing visitors to skate around the Christmas tree. Tickets for children aged 3-9 and 10-12 both cost £13.70, while adults cost £15.70 and family tickets are priced at £47,20. You can book tickets here .
Planet Ice, Altrincham
While there’s plenty of Christmas-themed skating opportunities taking place around Greater Manchester this year, there’s also ice rinks, like the one in Altrincham, where experienced skaters can get in some practice. It’s also a great spot for those new to ice skating to learn the ropes.
A public skating session costs £11.80 and on weekends runs from 11am to 4pm. It’s also worth keeping an eye on the rink’s ‘A Christmas Carol Matinee’ performance - a fun-filled version adapted by The Show & Skate class of amateur skaters and supported by their Professional On Tour Cast.
Guests are invited to journey with Ebenezer Scrooge and much-loved characters through a story of how a community can be transformed for the better through generosity, kindness and compassion. A heart-warming take just in time for Christmas, it takes place on December 13 and starts at 1pm. More information and tickets are available here.
Christmas by the Sea, Blackpool
Slightly further afield, but perfect to team up with the Illuminations, Blackpool’s brilliant Christmas village will return this winter complete with an ice skating rink, simulated snowfalls, festive tram rides on the Golden Mile and its 260ft Star Flyer. As was the case last year, the village will be situated on the Tower Festival Headland, and will include a free-to-use skating rink, as well as festive light installations to get people into the festive spirit.
The 40m rink is the centrepiece of our Christmas By The Sea village and stands in the shadow of the iconic Blackpool Tower. The synthetic rink is free to use for both residents and visitors, and you can find out about opening times and slots here .
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