Credit: Supplied
The penultimate bank holiday of the year has passed, so many are already looking ahead to the next one which is at Christmas time. A staple of Manchester’s festive celebrations, Skate Manchester has announced that it will be returning to Cathedral Gardens for the autumn and winter season.
This year will also see the return of the hugely popular Scare Skate and after Halloween, the magic will continue as the rink transforms into a festive wonderland, complete with the return of the gleaming ice path that lets skaters spin around a dazzling seven-metre-tall Christmas tree.
Credit: Supplied
Skate Manchester is the largest ice rink in the UK that is partially powered by the grid making it the more sustainable attraction of its type in the UK. With the return of Skate Manchester for another year, Mancunians and those visiting the city can enjoy a fully covered and weatherproof rink for skaters.
When does Skate Manchester return?
Skate Manchester at Cathedral Gardens will run from October 25, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
Credit: Supplied What to expect at Skate Manchester Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’
New this year is the Skate on and Skate off ‘Pit Lane’ available during skating for those needing a break and a hot chocolate or mulled wine, plus a VIP ticket option allowing for a fast-track entry into the rink.
Scare Skate returns for 2025
Following success in previous years, Scare Skate returns in 2025. Friends and families visiting the rink this season can expect Halloween-themed music, lighting and themed props to ignite the fright factor.
Credit: Supplied Dedicated quiet and toddler skate sessions
The rink will also offer a variety of skate sessions tailored to meet the needs of all visitors. This includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed environment. Quiet toddler sessions cost £15 for a parent and a toddler and will run from Monday to Friday, 2pm-3pm.
Discounted tickets
Plus, discounted tickets and weekly events for students will also be available between October 25 and December 6. These include:
- Community Takeover Mondays: £5/ ticket after a form is submitted, running from 5pm to 9pm
- Concession discounts (students & blue light workers): 20% off regular off-peak ticket price
- Student Wednesdays: £12 per ticket (includes one drink), running from 5pm to 9pm. Valid student ID required.
Credit: Supplied Skate Manchester opening times
From October 25 to December 6, the rink will be open daily from 11am to 9pm (doors open at 10.30am), with the last session starting at 8pm. From December 7 to January 4, opening hours extend from 10am to 9pm (doors open at 9.30am), with the last session starting at 8pm. Skate Manchester will be closed on Christmas Day (December 25).
Skating sessions last up to 45 minutes, and it is recommended that you arrive 30 to 40 minutes before your session to get ready to take to the ice.
Credit: Supplied Ticket prices for Skate Manchester
Adult tickets (for those aged 13 or over) start from £17.50 per session and tickets for children aged 3 to 12 years old start from £13.75 per session. Family tickets (1 adult + 3 children or 2 adults + 2 children) start from £52 and skate aids will be available to hire at the rink for £5 on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is also the option to upgrade tickets to VIP, which includes a dedicated boot hire desk, fast-lane entry to the ice, free bag check, and access to Skate Manchester’s cosy VIP pit lane complete with a hot chocolate, coffee, mulled wine and other beverages. VIP tickets start from £23.50 for adults, £19.75 for kids and £76 for a family.
Starting from today, super early bird tickets are available to purchase online here.