Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland has opened its 20th season at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York, bringing back its award-winning mix of ice skating, family rides and festive experiences.
The launch followed last night’s lights switch-on, where 300 guests watched a neon-lit woodland scene illuminate the rink and nine-year-old Harper Wrigglesworth turn on the display to cheers from the crowd.
Hosted by YorkMix, the preview event featured characters from Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s The Adventures of Peter Pan, a countdown led by Town Crier Ben Fry and a performance from professional skaters Jack Gilbert and Ami-Lee before guests took to the ice themselves.
The 975 sq m rink, the largest of its kind in the North of England, returns with its signature 30ft Christmas tree and new electric woodland backdrop.
Alongside it, visitors can enjoy the funfair, including vintage Brooklands Dodgems and new children’s rides, as well as festive food and drink in the alpine-themed Chalet café and German Grill.
This year also sees the continuation of the Enchanted Woodland trail, leading to Santa’s log cabin Grotto, and the annual YorkMix Children’s Toy Appeal, with donations collected on site for local families.
Paul Tyler, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York said:
“Christmas at York Designer Outlet just wouldn’t be the same without Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland. For many families, the event has become a cherished fixture in their festive calendar, offering fun outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy.
"We love seeing the joy it brings, and it truly helps spread that festive cheer while people are also able to tick off their Christmas shopping list!
"The ice rink has become a real pillar of the community, bringing together families, couples, and individuals during the festive season to create lasting memories.”
The attraction runs daily except Christmas Day, with skating sessions, funfair tokens, and Santa’s Grotto bookings available online or on site, subject to availability.
Georgi Wood, Event Director, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland also comments:
“We are so excited to be celebrating the milestone of our 20th anniversary this year.
"So many people have grown up with a visit to the ice rink or funfair as part of their festive celebrations.
"As always we have introduced some new decorations around the site, and hope everyone will enjoy the spectacle of our electric trees beside the rink, making Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland the perfect place for the festive selfie and some great winter exercise!”
Booking Information:
Tickets for a 45-minute skating session at The Ice Factor are priced at £15.95 for adults and £14.95 for children and concessions. Family packages are available for families of three, four or five.
Tickets for parents and toddlers aged 4 and under are priced at £15.95 from Monday to Friday during term time.
Special packages are also available for parties, schools, clubs and youth groups, with discounts applying to groups of 20 or more.
Autism/quiet skating sessions are on Tuesdays at 10.15am until 16th December, in line with York Designer Outlet’s Autism Friendly Hours.
Booking is recommended for the ice rink, either through www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or directly at www.ticketsource.co.uk/theicefactor. Online booking fee applies. Tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. Penguin and Snowman skating aids can be hired on site for £5; pre-booking is not available.
Santa returns to his Grotto this year and reservations can be made either through www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or directly at www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/York. Tickets are priced at £7 per child with £1.50 family booking fee. A reservation is required to visit Santa but can be made on the day, subject to availability.
Funfair tokens for the funfair can be purchased on-site. For full details of prices and times visit www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com
For further information on McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York visit http://www.yorkdesigneroutlet.com/
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