Winter is coming, and so is Manchester’s biggest ice rink! Get ready for a Halloween special followed by a sparkling festive wonderland, complete with an incredible ice path and a giant Christmas tree. Are you lacing up your skates this season?

Manchester is set to welcome back its beloved outdoor ice rink this autumn, transforming Cathedral Gardens into a vibrant hub of winter festivities. As the city prepares for a series of cherished seasonal events, the return of Skate Manchester promises an unparalleled experience for families and visitors alike, solidifying its place as a key attraction in the region’s festive calendar.

Opening its gates from October 25th and continuing through to January 4th, this iconic Manchester ice rink offers an extended period for residents and tourists to enjoy the magic of skating. Situated in the heart of the city, it stands as one of the UK’s top five largest outdoor ice rinks, providing ample space for both seasoned skaters and beginners to glide across the ice.

The initial weeks of its operation will embrace the spirit of Halloween, setting a uniquely atmospheric tone for early visitors. Before fully transitioning into a winter wonderland, the rink will offer a special themed experience, ensuring there’s a thrilling start to the season before the traditional festive celebrations begin in earnest.

Following its Halloween stint, the venue will undergo a magnificent transformation, emerging as a quintessential festive wonderland. Central to this enchanting setup is the return of the gleaming ice path, an innovative feature that allows skaters to gracefully weave around a dazzling seven-meter-tall Christmas tree, creating truly picturesque moments under the winter sky.

Rob Derry, Director at Tamarisk Events, the orchestrators behind this grand spectacle, expressed immense pride in the event. He highlighted their commitment to delivering one of the nation’s premier ice-skating attractions, underscoring their broader mission to establish magical and sustainable winter events that serve as a benchmark for global winter entertainment.

Beyond the festive allure, Skate Manchester is also deeply committed to community engagement. Organisers are actively collaborating with local community groups and charity partners to ensure accessibility for all. This initiative includes offering specially discounted prices for groups and school trips throughout the entire operating season, fostering a truly inclusive atmosphere.

The anticipation for this year’s Manchester ice rink is palpable, with its comprehensive program catering to various seasonal celebrations. From its initial Halloween special through to the peak of the festive season, Skate Manchester is poised to deliver memorable experiences, cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for winter fun in the city centre.