Excellent festive news for those of you who love a spin around the rink at Christmas: Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is back at York Designer Outlet for 2024 with 975 sq m of real ice to glide, slide and wobble around. Presented by HARIBO, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, with its glistening outdoor ice rink, thrilling funfair, magical Santa’s Grotto and cosy alpine cafe, is now open at York Designer Outlet and runs until Sunday 5th January 2025.
We attended the preview and were truly impressed by how much “wonder” they’ve brought to Wonderland this year! From giant polar bears to brightly lit giraffes, the entire space feels more magical than ever. With a variety of delicious food options, charming alpine market huts, and countless Christmas trees, the festive spirit has been dialled up to the max.
The ice rink itself has also had a glow-up, with the 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree topped with HARIBO’s Goldbear for the first time. The rink is the largest in the north of England and is surrounded by twinkling gingerbread men, candy canes and other festive objects that you can spot if you’re brave enough to take your eyes off the ice! Combined with a bit of Christmas shopping at the Outlet, it’s a cracking festive family experience that gets the thumbs-up from us.
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Hungry/thirsty/cold after your exertions? Fear not – overlooking the ice rink is The Chalet, a cosy alpine-themed, après-skate café and an ideal spot to warm up after a session on the ice or to watch the skaters glide past. Mulled wine, prosecco and hot and cold snacks are on offer, and you can even have your birthday party there. We went for the obligatory hot chocolate, topped with piles of marshmallows, and it was delicious.
Booking is recommended for skating at The Ice Factor and can be bought online from the website. Online booking fee applies. Tickets can also be purchased on-site once the event opens, subject to availability. Penguin and Snowman skating aids can be hired on-site for £5; pre-booking is not available.
A funfair and a visit to Father Christmas
While you’re there, why not tick your visit to Santa off the festive to-do list? Father Christmas and his elves will be in the cosy log cabin grotto, where a warm welcome and a special gift for children awaits. This year the funfair is bigger and better, with new modern rides and vintage Dodgems dating from 1937. There are children’s rides as well as game stalls offering prizes every time.
Good to know
– Pre-booking for ice skating and Santa is a good idea. There’s no need to book tickets if you’re spectating or browsing.
– Parking at York Designer Outlet is free (take the left-hand lane for the car park closest to the rink)
– Skate hire is included in the price
– Gloves are a good idea, as are thick socks
– If you want to avoid the speedy teenage skaters, going early in the day is a good idea.
– Younger children can wear skates that fit over their own shoes (cute!)
