THE finishing touches are being made to Leicester’s festive ice rink in Jubilee Square, and seasonal skaters can start planning their visits to the city’s popular Christmas attraction.
Opening from 5pm next Thursday (7 Dec), the fully roofed ice rink means there’s no need to worry about the weather, and non-skaters can relax and watch the world glide by in the Alpine-style bar area.
And there’s still time to grab a bargain for the ice rink’s two preview days – on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 December – when all sessions will cost a flat rate of £5 per person.
The ice rink will then be open for skating every day over the festive period, except Christmas Day itself, until Sunday 7 January, with lots of slots available at peak, off-peak and quiet times to suit all tastes. Super off-peak pricing has been extended this year, meaning there’ll be more opportunities to skate for just £5 at selected sessions.
Opening hours are 10am to 8.45pm daily, with the last admission for skating at 8pm. The Alpine Bar will be open until 10pm.
Last admission for skaters on Christmas Eve will be at 4pm.
DJ Takeover nights will make a return to the rink on most Friday and Saturday evenings with a live DJ performing from the centre of the ice. Theme nights include a 90s Disco on Friday 22 December, Indie Anthems on Friday 29 December and an R&B Night on Friday 5 January.
Revellers can also take to the rink for Ibiza on ice on New Year’s Eve.
A student night will be taking place on Monday 11 December.
For a more peaceful experience, there will be special quiet sessions on 26 and 28 December, and again on 2 and 4 January, at 12.15pm when there will be no loud music.
Skate hire and a 45-minute session on the ice will cost just £5 at super off-peak times. Off-peak tickets will cost £11.50 for adults and £10.50 for children/concessions. Standard price tickets will cost £13.50 for adults and £11.50 for children/concessions.
Little ones won’t be left out of all the fun with skating aids available for hire for younger skaters, making the ice rink great fun and safe for all the family. Tickets for skate aids can be purchased for £5 in the ice rink at the skate collection point, on a first come, first serve basis. Only card payments will be taken inside the ice rink.
Wheelchair users can also join in the fun on the ice rink at any session.
Tickets are available now from Leicester’s dedicated Christmas website at www.ChristmasInLeicester.co.uk and in person from the Visit Leicester Centre, located at the King Richard III Visitor Centre opposite Leicester Cathedral.
Tickets should be bought in advance to avoid disappointment, and will not available to purchase at the ice rink itself.
The Jubilee Square ice rink will be at the heart of Leicester’s Christmas events.
It will be joined in Jubilee Square by the popular 110-ft high Wheel of Light Ferris wheel, which offers unrivalled views over the city centre. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket booth on site. Prices range from £7 for a standard ticket, £5 for children under 1.4metres tall, or £20 for a family of four. Wheelchair access is available to one of the gondolas – assistance will be provided for anyone using this gondola.
The Wheel of Light will be open from Monday to Friday 12noon to 9pm, and from midday till 10pm on weekends.
Elsewhere in the city, Santa’s grotto will be waiting to welcome visitors of all ages at Town Hall Square from Saturday 2 December until Saturday 23 December. Admission to the grotto is free and all children visiting Santa in the Square will receive a gift.
People can also enjoy the traditional Nativity scene in Town Hall Square, with lights, music and a recording of local schoolchildren telling the Christmas Bible story.
The Emergence light installation will be open from Wednesday 13 December until Saturday 23 December, at the bottom of New Walk. The audio-visual sculpture features over 10,000 LED lights intricately arranged within mirrored tunnel alcoves to create a spectacular visual display.
Just outside the city centre, Abbey Park will come alive with an enchanted outdoor light trail, bringing illuminations and interactive elements leading visitors on an enchanted experience. It runs until Christmas Eve, from 5pm to 8.30pm daily.
Deputy city mayor for climate, economy and culture, Cllr Adam Clarke, said: “The festive ice rink and Wheel of Light have become firm favourites over recent years and are wonderful additions to the Christmas offer in the city centre.
“However, there are also many other activities which can be enjoyed free of charge. The range of attractions on offer really do promise something suitable for all ages, abilities and tastes, and all help to create a wonderfully welcoming festive atmosphere for people visiting Leicester over the festive period.”
More information, opening hours and booking details where required, for all of Leicester’s Christmas attractions are available at www.ChristmasInLeicester.co.uk