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Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season

Tickets are on sale now.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 29th August 2025

Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to Cathedral Gardens once again this festive season.

Skate Manchester has always been a festive staple of our city centre, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2025 too – including the return of the Scare Skate for Halloween.

Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns this spooky season, and families, friends, and festive fun seekers visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting, and themed props to ignite the fright factor. 

After Halloween, the magic continues as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland.

Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is returning to the city centre this festive season / Credit: Supplied

Skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.

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You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.

The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors, which includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students. 

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New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink. 

Super early bird tickets are now available to buy / Credit: Supplied

Skate Manchester is also one of the most sustainable events in the UK, thanks to being partially powered by the grid.

“We’re proud to bring one of the top five largest ice rinks in the UK to Manchester once more, as part of our mission to create magical and sustainable winter events that will set the standard for winter attractions globally,” commented Rob Derry, who is the Director at Tamarisk Events, the company that coordinates the event.

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“By being partially powered by the grid, Skate Manchester is one of the more environmentally responsible attractions of its kind, allowing visitors to enjoy the magic of skating with a lighter footprint.”

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Skate Manchester will be returning to the city on Saturday 25 October and running right up until Sunday 4 January 2026, with super early bird tickets now available to get your hands on, and discounted family tickets and student night tickets also available.

You can find more information and to book tickets here.

Featured Image – Supplied

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First look inside Gulliver’s World Land of Lights as magical lantern trail returns

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson First look inside Gulliver’s World Land of Lights as magical lantern trail returns

One of the North West’s most popular festive events is officially back open for a third year, with the return of Gulliver’s World Land of Lights. 

The huge lantern festival transforms part of Gulliver’s World in Warrington into a twinkling wonderland, filled with glowing ‘dreamworlds’. 

Visitors can wander the trail meeting all manner of lanterns inspired by the natural world. 

This year there are brand-new collections to discover along the trail, including a new dinosaur dreamworld. 

You’ll come face-to-face with beasts like zebras, giraffes and a flock of flamingos, plus mythical creatures and loads more. 

The woodland comes to life (and light) through lit-up giant flower lanterns, surrounding adorable woodland creatures like hedgehogs, foxes and squirrels.

And you can take a trip under the sea to meet a giant octopus, turtles and sharks.

Land of Lights is back at Gulliver's World for 2025
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver's World for 2025
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver's World for 2025
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver’s World for 2025

There are lanterns perfect for spooky season too, like a giant spider suspended on an illuminated web and cackling pumpkins.

All the way along the breathtaking trail you’ll pass plenty of beautiful photo opportunities, before warming up with cosy street food.

You’ll even be able to take your four legged friends along to enjoy the event, with select dates dog-friendly. 

Land of Lights in Warrington was officially opened last weekend by Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Mo Hussain.

Ross Partridge, Land of Lights festival manager, said: “What a wonderful opening weekend we have had!

“We’d like to thank Mayor Hussain for taking the time to visit our event and officially open it for us. 

“It was lovely to see him and all the wonderful people who came along to get a first look at this incredible lantern festival.

“It’s back for its third year and is a wonderful boost to the local economy over the winter period and provides guests with an enjoyable, family friendly activity that is suitable for all so make sure you don’t miss out.”

Find out more about Land of Lights and book tickets HERE. 

Featured image: The Manc Group

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Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event

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Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet has shared details of a huge late night shopping event, where major brands will be offering major discounts.

The outlet village is one of the top shopping destinations in the North West and a favourite with Mancs looking to save big on fashion, beauty and homewares.

And now there’ll be even bigger savings to be had with the return of the Late Night Shopping Event this week.

If you head across to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October, you could save up to an extra 30% on outlet prices.

And there are some big brands taking part, including adidas, Dr Martens, UGG, All Saints, and Levi’s.

Whether it’s a new handbag, a pair of winter boots, or early Christmas presents for the family, the event is the ideal time to get your shopping done. 

Highlights of the Late Night Shopping Event will include 20% extra discount at dozens of big-name stores like Calvin Klein, Russell & Bromley, Salomon and The Cosmetic Company, and even bigger discounts at brands like Dr Marten, Lacoste and Jack Wolfskin. 

And if you want a break from the shopping, you’ll be able to enjoy magical performances throughout the night. 

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet will be open from 10am until 10pm on both the 29 and 30 October. 

Away from the Late Night Shopping Event this week, there are plenty more reasons to visit Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet this season. 

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to slash prices even further in major late night shopping event. Credit: The Manc Group

They’ve just unveiled their ice rink ‘Oaks on Ice’, a 600 sq metre rink that has space for 200 skaters, with a unique ice path that leads to a viewing platform. 

It has a partially open top, bespoke light rings, and a festive garland for maximum magic, and sits at the heart of the Outlet’s dedicated Christmas events space. 

Other attractions include the Winter Village, Santa in the Sky, and the Big Wheel.  

“We can’t wait to see the look on people’s faces when they finally step on to the ice.” says Kenny Murray, General Manager at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. 

“It’s going to be a proud moment for us and we couldn’t be happier with how it’s looking. The stunning path leading round the tree will be a great moment for families to share.” 

There are new openings you might have missed too, like Nike, Abercrombie & Fitch, Lindt, Joe & The Juice, and Gail’s.

Find out more and see all the offers for the Late Night Shopping Event HERE.

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Featured image: Supplied

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