Once again, the beloved Ice Cube at Christmas will bring a touch of winter enchantment to Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens, and Cookridge Street this festive season.
Starting from November 24, this annual event assures a delightful experience for all ages. It boasts an array of thrilling activities and attractions, including the cherished open-air ice rink, a variety of Christmas market stalls, and other winter-themed amusements.
Ice Cube will be accessible every day, from Monday to Friday, from 12 pm to 9:30 pm (with an extension till 10 pm on Fridays), and on Saturdays, it will be open from 11 am to 10 pm. Sundays will have timings from 11 am to 7 pm (except on Christmas Day and Boxing Day), until New Year’s Eve.
Taking the spotlight on Millennium Square, the magnificent outdoor covered ice rink spans an impressive 400 square meters. The transparent marquee-style roof ensures that sessions can take place regardless of the weather.
The hugely popular Penguin Club, designed for children under nine, will run every weekend at 10:30 am, as well as on selected weekdays during half term. It provides a safe, enjoyable, and friendly environment for children to take their initial glides on the ice, with the assistance of penguin skating aids.
For those seeking to boost their confidence on the ice, a limited number of one-to-one skating lessons will be available each weekend. The rink is accessible to wheelchair users and other disabled individuals during all skating sessions, as well as on dedicated accessible sessions every Thursday at 10:30 am.
Surrounding the Ice Rink, a selection of local and international festive food and drink will be served from charming Bavarian-style market stalls.
Options will include authentic German bratwurst sausages, Yorkshire pudding wraps, Canadian-style poutine, toasted marshmallows, churros, waffles, and much more.
A new addition for this year, the Ice Cube will also feature a range of local craft market stalls as part of the city-wide Christmas Markets experience, operated by Market Place Europe. This will comprise around 120 Christmas stalls across 13 different areas of the city centre.
The alpine-inspired Ski Bar, complete with the beloved 4-meter-high illuminated Ski Bear, will make a return, providing the perfect spot to relax and immerse in the magic of the season with friends and family.
Families and thrill-seekers alike can anticipate a festive funfair experience, with the return of the exhilarating 30-meter high Starflyer, along with the traditional Golden Gallopers carousel ride on Cookridge Street and the 110-foot Leeds Wheel of Light on Victoria Gardens. Additionally, there will be a selection of children’s winter-themed rides and games.
Roger Tuby of International Funfairs, who along with Stewart Robinson will be bringing a selection of rides and attractions for the event, said: “Our Ski Bar was a popular addition to our offering in the square. We are really excited to be returning to Leeds and with a variety of alpine style cabins serving tasty hot food and drink, as well as a selection of themed attractions, rides and games, we really believe there is something for all the family to enjoy this Christmas in Leeds.”
Situated in front of Leeds Art Gallery, the much-adored Thor’s Tipi will once again offer their Viking-inspired Christmas experience at Victoria Gardens. They will serve hearty winter treats, festive tipples, and host live music nights. More information can be found on the Thor’s Tipi website.
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi commented: “We’re delighted to be back in Leeds, working once again in close partnership with Leeds City Council and the brilliant Ice Cube event. It’s going to be a very exciting Christmas in Leeds City Centre and we’re proud to be part of it”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member economy, culture and education, said: “It’s always great to see the Ice Cube return to Millennium Square and for visitors to enjoy such a unique event.
“With Ice Cube and a brand-new festive market on the way, Christmas in Leeds is set to be bigger and better than ever, and we can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors during what is always a special time of the year.”
Admission tickets for the Ice Rink’s public ice-skating sessions are available for purchase starting Friday, October 20. Prices are £12 for adults, £11 for students and LEEDSCard holders, and £9.50 for children under 13. Breeze Pass holders will also enjoy an exclusive 10% discount off all admission prices.
Advance tickets can be bought online at www.icecubeleeds.co.uk. On-the-day tickets (subject to availability) will also be obtainable in person from the event ticket office located at the Carriageworks Theatre, which directly overlooks the venue.
For more details about the event and its attractions, as well as information on ice rink bookings and session times, please visit: www.icecubeleeds.co.uk.
