Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is back for 2025, and it’s a big one! Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this much-loved festive event returns to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York from Friday 14th November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026 and promises skating, shopping, Santa and plenty of sparkle.
At the heart of the event is The Ice Factor, the largest outdoor ice rink in the North of England, surrounded by twinkling lights, a 30-foot-high Christmas tree and festive decorations galore. With eleven skating sessions a day and even an early morning slot at weekends, there’s plenty of time to get your skates on. There’s also a Frequent Skater Pass if you fancy returning again and again (the sixth session’s free!). 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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Family fun at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
When it’s time to warm up, head to The Chalet café, a cosy alpine retreat overlooking the rink. Enjoy mulled wine, hot chocolate piled high with marshmallows or something tasty from the German Grill bratwursterie.
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.
The funfair is back too, featuring much-loved vintage Dodgems (dating back to 1937) alongside thrilling modern rides like the Twist and Waltzer. There are gentle rides for little ones and plenty of game stalls with prizes every time.
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. Visits to Santa are £7 per child (plus £1.50 family booking fee) and can be booked in advance through yorkshireswinterwonderland.com.
🎟 Ticket information
– Skating aids (penguins/snowmen): £5 hire, available on-site only
– Adults £15.95 | Children £14.95
– Family tickets available (3–5 people)
– Parents & toddlers (Mon–Fri, term time): £15.95
– Autism/quiet sessions: Tuesdays 10.15am until 16th December
🗓 Event details
Dates: 14th November 2025 to 4th January 2026
Location: McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA
Closed: Christmas Day
Website: www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com
✨ Win a family ticket!
To celebrate the opening, we’ve teamed up with our friends at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland to offer one lucky family the following prize:
Ice skating for a family of four at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
– Visit our Facebook page and follow the instructions, like the post about this competition and comment ‘win’. You’ll need to like/follow the Little Vikings page to be eligible to win, too.
– Follow us on Instagram and follow the instructions
– Email hello@little-vikings.co.uk with your name and postcode
The competition closes at midnight on Sunday 5th November 2025, and the winner will be notified shortly thereafter.
😊 Good to know
– Online booking is recommended
– On-site tickets available (subject to availability)
– Tokens for funfair rides can be purchased on-site
– Free parking at York Designer Outlet
– Perfect festive day out for families of all ages
– Take gloves and wear thick socks!
