Skate Manchester
Skaters glide under festive lights across a covered, weatherproof ice rink set in the city centre. A 15-metre wind turbine replaces the traditional tree as a functional centrepiece that partially powers the rink. Spectators can follow the action from a dedicated viewing platform, while hot drinks and refreshments are available on site.
What to Expect
Covered ice rink featuring a wind turbine festive centrepiece.
Event Details
Duration
Skating sessions last up to 45 minutes.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Cathedral Gardens
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Tamarisk Events
Food & Drink
A selection of drinks is available to buy at the rink; no on-site food options are specified.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and groups who enjoy ice skating
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
££
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Low
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Adults from £17.50; children from £13.75; family tickets from £52. VIP Ticket: £6 more, with a dedicated boot hire desk, fast-lane entry to the ice, free bag check, and access to the skate-off ‘pit stop’ with complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, mulled wine and other house beverages. Community Sessions are £5. Locals get 20% off with code LCLOVE2026; students skate from £10 on Student Nights; kids skate free on Tuesdays. The page also mentions special offers for Blue Light workers and parents with little ones but gives no prices or terms. – Get tickets
- Accessibility: The spectator viewing platform has limited accessibility, with staff available to assist visitors needing support.
Tips & Advice
- Arrive 30 to 40 minutes before your session so you have time to swap shoes for skates and use the cloakroom before your time on the ice.
- Bring a card for payments, because the venue is cashless, and keep bags to a minimum because cloakroom space is limited and charged per item.
- Use the toilet before putting your skates on, because there are none at the rink, though the Christmas Market and Arndale Centre have them nearby.
- Have the QR code from your liveit.io ticket email ready, because you'll need it scanned to get into the rink.
- Visit on a Tuesday with the kids, when children skate free, or use code LCLOVE2026 if you're local for 20% off.
Special Events & Promotions
- Brand-new VIP Ticket upgrade: dedicated boot hire desk, fast-lane entry, free bag check and a skate-off pit stop with complimentary hot chocolate, coffee and mulled wine.
- Kids skate free on Tuesdays.
- Locals get 20% off with code LCLOVE2026.
- Student Nights, Quiet Skates, Community Sessions, themed nights and competitions through the season.
- New this season: change your ticket date and time up to 24 hours before your session.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a skating session?
Sessions last up to 45 minutes. Get to the rink 30 to 40 minutes before your session to put your skates on and store your things in the cloakroom.
What should I wear?
The rink is undercover but open to the elements, so it's cold. Wrap up warm, wear thick socks and bring gloves and spare socks. Gloves and socks are also sold at the rink if you forget.
Can young children skate?
Children under 3 can't go on the ice. Under-13s must be with an adult (18+) who also has a ticket, and one adult can supervise up to five children. You can hire skate aids for children under 130cm. Bob-skates are available up to shoe size 1, and helmets are free for all skaters.
Is there food and drink?
The rink sells a selection of drinks. For food, there's the Christmas Market next door and restaurants and cafes at the Corn Exchange and Printworks.
Can non-skaters watch?
Yes. There's a small viewing platform for spectators at no extra cost. It has limited accessibility, so ask a member of staff if you need help to view the rink.
More Christmas Events Near Manchester
More Christmas Events near Manchester
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.