There's something undeniably magical about ice skating at Christmas, and here in the North West we have some fantastic options when it comes to lacing up your skates.
Whether you fancy gliding beneath the Blackpool Tower, soaking up the festive atmosphere at Manchester's Cathedral Gardens, or escaping to the Lake District for a skate with stunning fell views, there's an option for every budget and ability.
And for those who'd rather stay local, Altrincham has its very own year-round rink right on the doorstep.
Here's our pick of the five best places to skate this festive season.
1. Another Place, The Lake
For a truly magical skating experience, head to Another Place, The Lake on the shores of Ullswater, where a 200-square-metre ice rink returns this winter against a backdrop of snow-capped fells and shimmering lake views. Open from 20 November 2025 to 10 January 2026, the rink is located under a clear roof with full glass windows, next door to a 16ft Christmas tree adorned with twinkling lights.
The stylish Lake District hotel welcomes not just guests but locals and visitors too, with sessions running throughout the week. After skating, warm up with woodfired pizzas, mulled wine and hot chocolate at The Glasshouse, or opt for the Skate and Pizza package at £30 per person. For a complete winter escape, the Stay and Skate package starts from £195 per night and includes skating sessions, access to the Swim Club and outdoor hot tub. Sessions in the Fellside Sauna are also available to book. With Ullswater on your doorstep and the M6 just 10 minutes away, it's Lake District luxury made accessible.
Another Place, The Lake, Watermillock, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0LP | anotherplace.co.uk
2. Skate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens
Manchester's city centre festive tradition returns to Cathedral Gardens from 25 October 2025 to 4 January 2026, featuring the UK's largest ice rink partially powered by the grid, making it the most sustainable attraction of its kind. This fully covered, weatherproof rink means you can skate whatever the weather, spinning around a dazzling seven-metre-tall Christmas tree on the gleaming ice path.
New for 2025 is the Pit Lane, where skaters can take a break for hot chocolate or mulled wine without leaving the action, plus VIP tickets offering fast-track entry and a cosy lounge area. The popular Scare Skate returns for Halloween, while dedicated quiet and toddler sessions provide a gentler experience for little ones. Students and community groups benefit from discounted rates, with tickets from just £5 on Community Takeover Mondays. Adult tickets start from £17.50 and family packages from £52, with 45-minute sessions running daily. Arrive 30-40 minutes early to get your skates on.
Skate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, M4 3BG | skatemanchester.com
3. Christmas By The Sea, Blackpool
Skate for free beneath the iconic Blackpool Tower at the Christmas By The Sea village, where a 20-metre synthetic rink offers festive fun from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. This is the only rink on our list that's completely free, including skate hire, making it perfect for families watching the pennies this Christmas.
Open daily from noon until 9pm (except Christmas Day), there's no need to book in advance - simply turn up and take to the ice. The rink accommodates up to 60 skaters at a time, with changing facilities, skate aids and disability aids all available. Whether you're attempting pirouettes or clinging to the rails, all ages and abilities are welcome. When you need warming up, cosy cabins nearby serve mulled wine and hot chocolate, while the wider Christmas village features simulated snowfalls, festive fairground rides and spectacular larger-than-life installations. Note that children under eight must be accompanied by an adult on the ice.
Christmas By The Sea, Tower Festival Headland, Blackpool Promenade, FY1 1AP | visitblackpool.com
4. Liverpool Winter Festival, Pier Head
Liverpool's stunning waterfront transforms into a sparkling Christmas village this winter, with the Liverpool Winter Festival taking over the iconic Pier Head from 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026. Entry to the festival is completely free, letting everyone soak up the festive atmosphere among the lights, markets, food stalls, Bavarian bar and live entertainment.
The centrepiece is an impressive 600-square-metre real ice rink where you can skate beneath the stars with the city's famous Three Graces as your backdrop. Hour-long skating sessions start from just £9.99 per person including skate hire, representing excellent value for a premium city-centre experience. Beyond the rink, book a visit to Santa's grotto or the Grinchmas experience, or celebrate in style inside your own Luxe Dome Pod. With spaces limited for the special experiences, booking early is strongly recommended. The combination of free entry, affordable skating and that unbeatable waterfront location makes this a must-visit destination.
Liverpool Winter Festival, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DP | liverpoolwinterfestival.com
5. Planet Ice, Altrincham
For skating on your doorstep, Planet Ice Altrincham offers year-round ice skating with none of the seasonal time pressure. While pop-up rinks typically limit you to 45 minutes, a weekend public skate session here lets you arrive from 11am and stay all day - outstanding value if you've got the stamina for it.
Beyond standard public sessions, Planet Ice offers Learn to Skate courses, ice hockey lessons and weekly disco sessions with a live DJ for those wanting to make a proper night of it. Over the festive period, look out for special events including Christmas Jumper Day on 12 December with two-for-one skating, and a special Christmas Day skate at a discounted £10 per person. Ice Card members enjoy double discounts on 25 and 31 December and 1 January. Prices start from £9.85 with skate hire at £2.70, and while you can buy tickets on the day, booking online is advisable. Three and five-day Learn to Skate camps are also available for children aged five and over.
Planet Ice Altrincham, Oakfield Road, Altrincham, WA15 8EW | planet-ice.co.uk
