Ice rink to be part of Manchester’s Christmas markets

Manchester's Christmas markets will have an ice rink this year
Manchester's Christmas markets will have an ice rink this year

An ice rink will be part of this year’s Manchester’s world-famous Christmas markets.

For the first time, alongside the traditional fairground, Festive Cathedral Gardens will be home to a glittering ice rink.

To get into the festive mood, families will be able to skate against the beautiful backdrop of this historic site which will be transformed into a winter wonderland.

The location offers a spacious and more open option for families and young people to enjoy the Christmas Markets away from the hubbub of the main market sites.

The rink at Cathedral Gardens will open on 3 pm on 4 November, the same night as the Christmas Lights Switch-on part in Albert Square.

Alongside the ice rink families will be able to enjoy a traditional funfair which includes a Ferris wheel, a traditional carousel, a Helter Skelter, and a tea cup ride – open from Thursday, 10 November, the same day that Manchester’s world-famous markets open.

The family zone at Festive Cathedral Gardens (Mark Waugh)
The family zone at Festive Cathedral Gardens (Mark Waugh)

There will also be a range of refreshments available from hand-crafted Windmill House including cookies, waffles, bratwurst, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesman, said: “Manchester’s world-famous Christmas markets are up there with the best in the world, and this year they are getting even better.

“Last year the family zone was added to the Christmas Markets for the first time.

“This year we’re bringing you a Manchester first – and ice rink in the iconic shadows of the Cathedral and National Football Museum.

“The Christmas Markets are something that the whole family can enjoy and we expect thousands of people to get their skates on and dive – hopefully not head first – into the festive season.”

Christmas Ice Rink, Festive Cathedral Gardens

Friday, 4 November 2016 – Saturday, 8 January 2017

Open daily 11 am – 9 pm (closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

Christmas Lights Switch-on, Albert Square

Friday, 4 November.

Show starts at 7.30pm

Manchester Christmas Markets

Open Thursday, 10 November until Tuesday, 20 December.