Manchester’s biggest outdoor ice rink will be returning to the city centre this winter

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Christmas tree in the middle of the Skate Manchester ice rink / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)

Manchester’s massive outdoor ice rink has been confirmed for a return to the city centre once again this winter.

We may still be awaiting news on the return of this year’s world-famous Manchester Christmas Markets, but what we do know is that the city’s biggest outdoor ice rink will be back in Cathedral Gardens for the festive season, and there’s also a flurry of other frozen events and activities planned for 2024 too.

Skate Manchester is a festive staple of our city centre, and 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 for another year.

Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will 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.

If you’re not too confident on the ice, however, the rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions that are tailored to meet the needs of all visitors.

Dedicated quiet and sensory-friendly sessions designed for a more relaxed environment are among these special sessions, along with discounted tickets for wheelchair users too.

“Skate Manchester marks the beginning of Christmas in the city for many Mancunians,” commented Kelly Baker, who is the Director of Managed Ice Rinks, the company that coordinates the annual event.

Manchester’s biggest outdoor ice rink will be returning to the city centre this winter / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)

“Hosting Manchester’s biggest outdoor undercover ice rink amongst the world-famous Christmas markets and celebrations is such a joy, and we can’t wait to welcome thousands of skaters onto the ice this festive season.”

Skate Manchester will return to Cathedral Gardens in Manchester city centre from 8 November 2024 through to New Year’s Day (1 January 2025), and tickets are now officially on sale – with prices starting at £14 for adults, £10 for children, and discounts for families available.

From Monday 2 – Sunday 8 December, 10% of all ticket sales will be donated directly Cash for Kids’ annual ‘Mission Christmas’ campaign.

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Book your tickets here.

Featured Image – Matt Eachus (via Supplied)