Ice Cube Leeds 2023: When does the Leeds ice rink open, what are the prices, how can I book a ticket and what events are taking place?

The ice rink will be surrounded by a variety of local and international festive food and drink served from Bavarian-style market stalls. Food options include authentic German bratwurst sausages, Yorkshire pudding wraps, Canadian style poutine, toasted marshmallows, churros, waffles and many more.

New additions for this year include a selection of local craft market stalls as part of the city-wide Christmas Markets experience, operated by Market Place Europe, which will feature around 120 Christmas stalls across 13 different areas of the city centre.

The alpine-inspired Ski Bar, complete with the four-metre-high illuminated Ski Bear will be back on the square, providing the ideal spot to relax and indulge the magic of the season with friends and family.

The event will be bringing some winter magic to Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street this festive season.

Deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member economy, culture and education, coun Jonathan Pryor, said: “It’s always great to see the Ice Cube return to Millennium Square and for visitors to enjoy such a unique event.

“With Ice Cube and a brand-new festive market on the way, Christmas in Leeds is set to be bigger and better than ever, and we can’t wait to welcome residents and visitors during what is always a special time of the year.”

When does Ice Cube open in Leeds?

The event takes place from November 24, 2023, and will include activities for all ages, featuring the popular outdoor ice rink, a range of Christmas market stalls and other winter themed attractions.

Ice Cube will be open every day from Monday to Friday 12pm to 9.30pm (10pm on Fridays), 11am to 10pm on Saturdays and 11am to 7pm on Sundays (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) up until New Year’s Eve.

The ice rink will cover 400sqm and will include a marquee-style roof so that visitors can enjoy it whatever the weather.

The Penguin Club for children aged under nine will be available every weekend at 10.30am and on selected weekdays during half term, allowing children to take their first glide on the ice in a safe, fun and friendly environment with the assistance of the penguin skating aids.

There will also be a limited number of one-to-one skating sessions available every weekend for those who wish to build their skills on the ice.

The rink is also open to wheelchair users and other disabled visitors across all skating sessions as well as dedicated accessible sessions taking place every Thursday at 10.30am.

What are the prices and how can I book a ticket to Ice Cube?

Ice Rink admission tickets are priced at £12 for adults, £11 for students and LeedsCard holders and £9.50 for children under the age of 13.

Breeze Pass holders will also benefit from an exclusive 10 per cent discount off all admission prices.

You can buy tickets on the Ice Cube Leeds website and in person from the event ticket office located at the Carriageworks Theatre directly overlooking the venue.

What events will be taking place at Ice Cube Leeds?

As well as the Christmas Markets experience and Ski Bar, there will also be the popular Thor’s Tipi nestled in front of Leeds Art Gallery, bringing their Viking-inspired Christmas experience to Victoria Gardens with delicious winter treats, festive drinks and live music nights.

Director of Thor’s Tipi, Amanda Monaghan, said: “We’re delighted to be back in Leeds, working once again in close partnership with Leeds City Council and the brilliant Ice Cube event.

“It’s going to be a very exciting Christmas in Leeds city centre and we’re proud to be part of it.”

Families and thrill-seekers alike will also experience a festive funfair with the return of the 30-metre-high Starflyer, along with the traditional Golden Gallopers carousel ride on Cookridge Street and the 110ft Leeds Wheel of Light on Victoria Gardens as well as a selection of children’s winter-themed rides and games.

Roger Tuby of International Funfairs said: “Our Ski Bar was a popular addition to our offering in the square.

“We are really excited to be returning to Leeds and with a variety of alpine style cabins serving tasty hot food and drink, as well as a selection of themed attractions, rides and games, we really believe there is something for all the family to enjoy this Christmas in Leeds.”