Grab your skates, Mancs, you’ve pulled! (A date with the ice rink, that is). Popping up all over the city for the festive season, guests can glide their way towards December 25th to the tune of Wizzard’s I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday while enjoying a hot mug of mulled wine, with plenty of new and wintery scenes to skate around. Here’s our guide to the best ice skating rinks in Manchester this winter.
1. Skate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens
Where is it?
Cathedral Gardens, M4 3BG.
What makes it magical?
Situated right in the midst of the Christmas market fun, Skate Manchester offers a family-friendly skating experience for all to enjoy, with festive lighting, the buzz of the surrounding stalls to enjoy, and, of course, everyone’s favourite Christmas tunes. This year’s ice skating rink is massive, meaning there’s more room than ever before for the people of Manchester to glide across, and, of course, plenty of festive spirit to go around.
2. TinselTown, Trafford Centre
Where is it?
The Trafford Centre, M17 8AA.
What makes it magical?
Found at the Trafford Centre’s TinselTown outside the Great Hall, this ice skating rink is ideally located for Mancs to enjoy – with the Christmas shopping haven of Manchester residing just metres away. Glide away under a sky full of twinkling lights whilst festive music transports skaters to a whimsical, festive haven. Non-skaters will be able to enjoy a warming hot chocolate or mulled wine from the centre’s festive bar complete with towering Christmas tree.
3. Winter Funland
Where is it?
BEC Manchester, Longbridge Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 1SN.
What makes it magical?
Coming to the BEC this Christmas, Winter Funland Manchester will house a magical ice skating rink in the centre of its many festivities, with tons of Christmas shenanigans to get involved in. Meet Father Christmas, skate to your heart’s content, chow down on festive grub and sweet treats such as candy floss, enjoy. a huge array of family-friendly rides, or attend a fun circus-style show packed full of tricks and magical treats.
4. Planet Ice, Altrincham
Where is it?
Oakfield Rd, Altrincham, WA15 8EW.
What makes it magical?
While Planet Ice may be open all year round, there’s something particularly great about skating in the wintertime. Open all winter long, guests can borrow a pair of skates before having a festive glide around the ice, with penguins available for the less experienced among us (always a fun part of the day!).
5. Dunham Barn, Altrincham
Where is it?
School Ln, Altrincham, WA14 4TR.
What makes it magical?
Dunham Barn’s synthetic (and eco-friendly) skating rink will be open throughout December and at only £7 per person (plus booking fee) for an hour’s skate is a real festive treat. Skates, skate aids, hockey equipment are all included. As well as enjoying smaller skating sessions, you can take part in willow weaving workshops, visit a Santa’s Grotto and have a bite to eat at the café this festive season.