Skate Manchester, the city's largest outdoor ice rink, has reopened at Cathedral Gardens, between the Christmas Markets zone and the National Football Museum, as the festive season begins.
The rink, which launched on Friday evening on the same day Manchester Christmas Markets opened across 10 city centre locations, has been a major attraction in recent years and has established itself as the highest Google-rated ice rink in the UK.
New flexible tickets and festive programme
This year, ticket holders can change their session date and time up to 24 hours before their visit, meaning plans can change without losing out. Organisers said the attraction will combine the rink's quintessential festive atmosphere with a curated programme of events, themed nights, competitions and inclusive skate sessions.
Skaters get 45 minutes on the ice, and it is recommended to arrive 30-40 minutes in advance to get skates on and store belongings in the cloakroom. The rink will feature a glowing spiral Christmas tree as part of this year's attraction.
Opening times and ticket prices
Skate Manchester is open to the public from Friday November 6 2026 until Sunday January 3 2027, excluding Christmas Day. From November 6 to December 6, the rink is open daily from 11am to 9pm, with the last skating session beginning at 8pm. From December 7 to January 3, opening hours extend from 10am to 9pm, with the last session starting at 8pm.
Standard tickets, which include skate hire but exclude the non-refundable booking fee, are priced at £15-£21 for adults and teens (13+), £13.75-£15.50 for children (12 and under), and £44-£59 for family tickets. There are also deals such as parents and mini skater sessions, student nights, kids skate for free on Tuesdays, community sessions, and discounts for local residents and Blue Light workers.
Rob Derry, director at Tamarisk Events, which coordinates Skate Manchester, said: "Skate Manchester has established itself as the highest Google-rated rink in the UK, located in the heart of Manchester next to the world-renowned Christmas Markets - it's the perfect way to enjoy a Mancunian Christmas. Booking now means skaters can enjoy Early Bird discounts and our all-new fully transferable tickets."
Skate aids are available to hire at the rink for £5 on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to terms and conditions.
