Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland
Visitors can skate on an outdoor real-ice rink centered around a 30-foot Christmas tree and framed by a neon-lit woodland backdrop. The event features a funfair with dodgems, thrill rides, and children's attractions, alongside a festive pathway leading to Santa's Cabin. An alpine-style chalet café offers rinkside food, drinks, and outdoor fire pits for toasting marshmallows.
What to Expect
Home to the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink.
Event Details
Duration
The skating session provides 45 minutes on the ice.
Ages
All ages
Timed Entry
Yes
Organizer
Jamboree Entertainment
Food & Drink
The Chalet serves winter-warming food, sweet treats, hot and cold drinks including mulled wine and hot chocolate, and has outdoor fire pits for toasting marshmallows.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families with children and festive skating fans
Vibe
Festive and lively
Energy Level
High
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free entry. Separate tickets are required for skating and Santa's Cabin. Funfair ride tokens can be bought on site. Booking fees apply to tickets booked online. – Get tickets
- Parking: Free parking.
- Accessibility: Manual wheelchairs are permitted on the ice rink with a carer skating free to assist, and an accessible toilet trailer is located in the funfair.
- Pets: Dogs are allowed, but not on rides or ice skating. They must be kept on a short lead and cleaned up after.
Tips & Advice
- Book skating in advance for weekends and school holidays because some sessions sell out, although the box office opposite the rink also sells tickets on the day.
- Arrive about 20 minutes before your session so staff can fit your skates and you still get the full 45 minutes on the ice.
- Book Santa's Cabin ahead because walk-ups aren't guaranteed, and make a second booking if you're bringing more than four children.
- If you're running late for your skating session, go straight to the Event Box Office, where the team will try to move you onto the next available session.
- Follow the event's social media on bad-weather days, because closures are posted there and refunds are only given if the Event Manager closes the rink.
Special Events & Promotions
- The Chalet turns into an après-skate bar in the evenings, with live music nights and theme nights such as Fizz & Fondue and Acoustic & Aperol.
- Frequent Skater Pass: collect a stamp at the box office for each of five skating sessions, and your sixth visit is free.
- New this year: a woodland backdrop around the rink, with giant trees edged in colour-changing neon and glowing Christmas Bauble trees.
- Also new this year: The Chalet has a new alpine look, the funfair adds Jets and Train rides for children, and there are new Marshmallow Pits.
- Students pay the concession skating price with student ID, and skaters who bring their own skates can ask for a discount.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've never skated before?
Friendly ice marshals give first-timers tips, and the rail around the rink is always there for support. Bobo the Penguin and Buddy the Snowman stabilisers can be hired from the Event Box Office on a first-come, first-served basis. Numbers are limited each session, and height restrictions apply.
How young can children skate, and do they need an adult?
There's no minimum age, as long as the child can walk on their own. Under-9s must have an adult on the ice with them at all times. Children aged 9 to 11 can skate alone but need an adult on site. Children 12 and over can skate alone, though an adult should be nearby and reachable.
Can wheelchair users go on the ice?
Yes. Wheelchair users can go on the ice in their own wheelchair, and a carer skates free to push them around. Solely motorised wheelchairs and prams aren't allowed on the ice.
What food and drink is there?
The Chalet café and bar serves hot dogs, toasties, sweet treats, mulled wine and hot chocolate, and it's fully licensed. Outside the Chalet, the Marshmallow Pits have real fires for toasting marshmallows. Only food from the Chalet or the German Grill can be eaten inside the Chalet. There's covered outdoor seating beside the Grotto for food bought at the outlet centre's food court.
Can I take bags or my phone on the ice?
No. Bags aren't allowed on the ice, not even small ones under your coat, and phones aren't allowed either. Staff look after your shoes when you pick up your skates. Lockers and a cloakroom are available at the Event Box Office.
More Christmas Events Near York
More Christmas Events near York
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.