If you have never skated before, take a deep breath and relax. It’s easy! Our team of friendly ice marshals will be on hand to give you a few tips to set you on your way. And don’t worry, the rail around the rink is always there for support! We have Bobo the Penguin* and Buddy the Snowman* stabilisers to help skaters get started on the ice. These can be hired from the Event Box Office on a first come first served basis (*limited availability per session and height restrictions apply).
This is an outdoor event, and refunds will not be given due to inclement weather unless the Event Manager deems it necessary to close the ice rink, in which case alternative sessions will be offered for skating, subject to availability, or a refund given. We suggest keeping an eye on our social media for up-to-date information regarding closures due to bad weather.
Yes, you can. Click 'manage my booking' in your ticket confirmation email and follow the instructions to book your new date or time. If you have booked using a discount or radio voucher code, you will need us contact us at admin@yorkshireswinterwonderland.com and we'll be happy to assist you woht your exchange.
Where possible we will always try and get you onto the next available session. When you arrive at the event, head to the Event Box Office and one of the team will rearrange your tickets for you.
When you pick up your skates we will look after your shoes for you. For any other items you wish to have looked after, please go to the Event Box Office outside where our cloakroom staff will be happy to look after your belongings for £3 per item. Nothing other than your shoes can be left in our skate hire marquee.
Our skating times are:
Weekdays up until 12 December: 10:15am - 9pm
Weekdays from 15 December until 2 January: 9:15am –9pm
Weekends: 9:15am –9pm
Our last session is 8:15pm – 9pm.
Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day: last session 7:15pm
Closed Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve: last session 6:15pm
The ice rink is a leisure and family friendly rink. Skaters are not permitted to do jumps or spins, as this activity is dangerous for other skaters.
Yes, we have an Event Box Office located directly opposite the ice rink where you can purchase tickets on the day. We advise booking in advance on weekends and during the school holidays as some sessions do sell out.
Unfortunately we are not able to accept Max Cards as we are not affiliated with the organisation. We accept the following as proof:
- An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP)
- Registration on a disability register
- A Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award
- A Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Yes, students come under our Concession ticket price for ice skating. Please make sure to bring a form of student ID with you on the day of your skate.
If you have your own skates, you are welcome to use them, a 25% discount for having your own skates is available upon request. Please email admin@yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or book your tickets at the Event Box Office when you arrive.
Skate hire is included in the price of the ticket
Our sizes range from child size 8 through to adult size 15. Toddlers will be fitted with double-bladed shoe attachments up to child size 7. It is advisable to arrive 20 minutes before your booking time, so we can fit you with your skates to give you a full 45 mins on the ice.
There is no minimum age, but the child must be able to walk independently. If they can walk, they can skate!
Children under the age of 9 cannot skate alone, an adult must be on the ice with them at all times.
Children between 9 and 11 must be accompanied on site by an adult at all times but are able to skate alone.
Children 12 and over can be on site and skate alone but we advise an adult be nearby and contactable.
Yes, absolutely. The wheelchair user can go on the ice in their own wheelchair, and a carer is able to skate free of charge to push them around the rink Unfortunately, we do not accept solely motorised wheelchairs or prams.
No bags are allowed on the ice, not even small ones underneath your coat. We have lockers in the Event Box Office or in Skate Hire you can hire for £3 per locker.
For safety reasons, you are not allowed to take photographs whilst on the ice rink as the use of mobile phones on the ice is prohibited. However, spectators can take photos of you from the viewing platforms around the rink.
Chalet Opening Times:
Weekdays up until 12 December: 10am-9pm
Weekdays from 15 December - 2 January: 9am-9pm
Weekends: 9am-9pm
Chalet Christmas Opening Times:
Christmas Eve, Boxing Day: 9am-8pm
New Years Day: 10am-8pm
New Year’s Eve: 9am-7pm
Closed Christmas Day
We politely ask that only food purchased in the Chalet or the German Grill be consumed inside the Chalet. There will be some covered outdoor seating beside the Grotto that you are able to consume food purchased from the centres inside food court.
Yes, we will have a trailer unit situated in the funfair, along with an accessible/baby changing unit. There are also several toilet facilities inside York Designer Outlet.
Yes, we love dogs, and they are allowed at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, although not on the rides or ice skating! We ask you keep them on a short lead and clean up after them.
Do note though, only assistance dogs are allowed into York Designer Outlet Centre.
Weekdays 14 November - 12 December: 3pm – 8pm
Weekdays 15 December - 2 January: 10.30am - 8pm
Saturdays & Sundays: 10.30am – 8pm
Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Years Day 10:30am - 7pm
New Years Eve – 10:30am - 5:30pm
(closed Christmas Day)
This year the Miami is back - experience the exhilarating spins and tilts once again! For speedsters and thrill-seekers there's the ever-popular Waltzer as well as a 'twist-and-shout' Twister.
And everybody's favourite - the Brooklands Dodgems dating from 1937, a vintage masterpiece from the golden era of fairgrounds - makes a welcome return.
Younger visitors will be enthralled by our four children’s rides, including the beautiful vintage 1947 Muffin the Mule Autodrome and Toy Set.
There are also game stalls to test your skills – try Hook-a-Duck, or the Sharp Shooters Rifle Range and win a prize every time!
Advance booking is required to visit Santa. He will become very busy so walk ups availability cannot be guaranteed.
Up to four children may be included in a booking. More than four children requires a second booking.
Santa's Grotto is run by Great Grottos Ltd. Should you have any queries or issue with your booking, please contact bookings@greatgrottos.co.uk or call 01306 886 989.
Yes we do. We sell digital gift cards of any amount to use towards ice skating tickets. To purchase please email admin@yorkshireswinterwonderland.com
