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
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.
đź“ŤSkate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens, M4 3BG.
2. Santa’s Village Ice Rink, Rochdale
This festive season will see an ice rink by Santa’s Village introduced to Rochdale, and will open for the first time at the Ignite Fire Festival. Located on Rochdale Town Hall Square, promising a magical experience for all ages and skill levels, it will run until January 4.
Each skating session lasts up to 45 minutes of frosty fun – and prices start from £9.50 for children and £13.50 for adults. Tickets can be booked here. There will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
đź“Ť Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ.
3. The Woodthorpe, Prestwich
The Woodthorpe, a well-loved venue in Prestwich owned by the Joseph Holt brewery, will transform its grounds into a pop-up skating rink on December 7 for what promises to be a magical winter wonderland experience – snow, or no snow. And to keep up the yuletide theme on what is being badged Festive Fun Day – two reindeers will also be at the pub (naturally with Santa in tow).
Unlike traditional rinks, this one is synthetic, meaning it doesn’t rely on cold weather or freezing temperatures to stay open — making it perfect for unpredictable British winters. The Festive Fun Day, which will run from 12 noon to 8pm, will also feature a Christmas market, with over 20 stalls offering seasonal treats, handmade gifts, jewellery, festive bakes – and even goodies for your dog.
đź“Ť The Woodthorpe, Bury Old Rd, Prestwich, Manchester M25 0EG.
4. Planet Ice
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!).
đź“ŤPlanet Ice, Oakfield Rd, Altrincham, WA15 8EW.
5. Christmas at the Trafford Centre
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Instagram post via @thetraffordcentre
Slide into Christmas on the shimmering ice rink at the Trafford Centre, surrounded by festive cheer and sparkling lights. Skate under the stars with friends and family, before warming up with a cup of hot chocolate, and polishing off your Christmas shopping. The ice rink is open 22 Nov – 4 Jan (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), and is located outside the Great Hall – you can book here.
đź“Ť The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8EH.