When the temperature drops and the lights start to twinkle, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a glide across the ice.
Whether you’re a pro on the ice or you spend your time clinging to the barrier, ice skating is heaps of fun for the whole family. Manchester has some magical ice rinks to visit this winter, from the festive charm of outdoor rinks to the enduring appeal of indoor ice arenas. Here’s where to go ice skating in Manchester this festive season.
Planet Ice Altrincham
When it comes to ice skating in Manchester, Planet Ice has you covered all year round. As the home of the Manchester Storm ice hockey team, the indoor rink hosts everything from public skate sessions to after-school skates and sub zero discos. You can even try your hand at ice hockey, with sessions for adults and juniors of all abilities.
Afterwards, warm up with a treat from the cafe – from burgers and chips to cosy hot chocolates, it’s the perfect way to refuel after all the skating – or falling down!
Where? Oakfield Road, Altrincham, WA15 8EW.
When? Open all year around.
How much? Prices start from £11.55 for adults and children aged 4 and above, £3 for under 4s.
Get it booked: planet-ice.co.uk
Skate Manchester
Manchester’s largest outdoor ice rink is back for the festive season, serving up atmospheric skate sessions in Cathedral Gardens. Alongside a fully covered, weather-proof rink, an outdoor ice path will lead skaters around a seasonal centrepiece – a giant wind turbine, with Octopus Energy partially powering the rink.
This year sees the introduction of a skate on/skate off Pit Lane, ideal for mid-skate hot chocolates and mulled wine breaks. With quiet sessions, toddler skates and student nights, there’s something for everyone.
Where? Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG.
When? Saturday 25th October 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.
How much? Prices start from £17.50 for adults and £13.75 for children aged 3 to 12.
Get it booked: skatemanchester.com
Trafford Centre
Credit: Trafford Centre Manchester
The Trafford Centre’s festive extravaganza returns from Saturday 22nd November 2025, bringing a fairground, outdoor ice rink and much more to the area outside The Great Hall. Get ready to skate under the stars surrounded by sparkling lights at this seasonal spot. Open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, there’s plenty of chance to check it out.
You’ll whizz around for 45 minutes on the ice before warming up with a hot chocolate or something stronger. With plenty of parking on-site, it’s perfectly accessible for visitors travelling from Manchester and beyond.
Where? The Great Hall, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester, M17 8EH.
When? Saturday 22nd November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.
How much? Prices start from £12.50 for visitors aged 13 and above and £10 for ages 12 and under if you visit during off-peak times.
Get it booked: gigantic.com
Santa’s Village, Rochdale
Looking for family-friendly skate sessions away from Manchester city centre? Head to Rochdale Town Hall for their festive pop-up, which kicks off on Friday 21st November 2025 to coincide with Rochdale’s Ignite Fire Festival. Nestled at Santa’s Village, the outdoor rink is covered, so you can don your skates and whizz around come rain or shine.
You can purchase a skate aid to help mini-skaters master the ice, while food stalls will be open on weekends and the run up to Christmas, so you can grab something seasonal to munch on after your session.
Where? Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AZ.
When? Friday 21st November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.
How much? Prices start from £13.50 for visitors aged 13 and above and £9.50 for children aged 4 to 12. It’s £5 for a skate aid for children under 120cm.
Get it booked: santasvillage.co.uk
