ILLENNIUM SQUARE LEEDS

The popular Ice Cube at Christmas will once again be bringing some winter magic to Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street this festive season.

Taking place from November 24, the annual event promises a joyful experience for all ages featuring an array of exciting activities and attractions including the much-loved outdoor ice rink, a range of Christmas market stalls and other winter themed attractions.

Ice Cube will be open every day, 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 magnificent outdoor covered ice rink takes centre stage on Millennium Square. Spanning 400sqm, the stunning transparent marquee-style roof will ensure sessions can take place whatever the weather.

The hugely popular Penguin Club for children aged under 9 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.

For those looking to build confidence on the ice, a limited number of one-to-one skating lessons will be available every weekend. The rink is open to wheelchair users and other disabled persons across all skating sessions as well as on dedicated accessible sessions taking place every Thursday at 10.30am.

Surrounding the Ice Rink there will be an array of local and international festive food & drink served from charming Bavarian-style market stalls. Options will include authentic German bratwurst sausages, Yorkshire pudding wraps, Canadian style poutine, toasted marshmallows, churros, waffles and much more. New for this year, the Ice Cube will also feature a selection of local craft market stalls as part of this year’s 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 beloved 4m-high illuminated Ski Bear will be back on the square, providing the ideal spot to unwind and indulge the magic of the season with friends and family.

Families and thrill-seekers alike can also look forward to a festive funfair experience with the return of the thrilling 30m high Starflyer, together 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, who along with Stewart Robinson will be bringing a selection of rides and attractions for the event, 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.”

Nestled in front of Leeds Art Gallery, the much-loved Thor’s Tipi will once again be bringing their Viking-inspired Christmas experience to Victoria Gardens with hearty winter treats, festive tipples and live music nights. More information can be found on the Thor’s Tipi website.

Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi commented: “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”

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council and executive member economy, culture and education, 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.”

Ice Rink admission tickets for all public ice-skating sessions go on sale from Friday 20 October and are priced at £12 adults, £11 for Students and LEEDSCard holders and £9.50 for children under 13. Breeze Pass holders will also benefit from an exclusive 10% discount off all admission prices.

Advance tickets are available to purchase online at www.icecubeleeds.co.uk. On the day tickets (subject to availability) will also be available in person from the event ticket office located at the Carriageworks Theatre directly overlooking the venue.

For further event and attraction details and ice rink booking information including skating session times, please visit the Ice Cube website. 

More information on the wider Leeds Christmas Market experience can be found on the Visit Leeds website. #LeedsChristmas