At Skate Manchester, we believe everyone deserves a moment on the ice this Christmas. Families, kids, students, schools, community groups, Manchester locals and NHS heroes are all welcome. That’s why, when we return to Cathedral Gardens from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, we’re bringing our biggest range of discounts, concessions and community sessions yet.
Flexible Tickets for Everyone
All tickets are flexible: you can change your date or time up to 24 hours before your session. That means less stress for families, groups and anyone whose plans might change.
Here’s your complete guide to affordable ice skating in Manchester this winter.
A Rink for Everyone in the Heart of Manchester
Skate Manchester is built around community and accessibility. From adapted sessions for skaters with sensory needs to £5 tickets for schools and community groups, our offers are designed to make a festive day out in Manchester possible for as many people as possible.
Last season, we welcomed thousands of skaters from schools and community groups and gave more than 2,000 free tickets to community groups across the city. This year, we want to go even further.
Family Days Out in Manchester
Kids Skate for Free
Tuesdays, 4–6pm, until 18 December
Looking for things to do with kids in Manchester after school? On Tuesday afternoons, kids skate for free. It’s the perfect after-school treat and one of the best-value family days out in Manchester this Christmas.
Parent & Mini Skater
Weekdays, 2–3pm, until 18 December — £15 for both
A gentle session made for parents and little ones taking their first steps on the ice. Ideal for toddlers and pre-schoolers, and a lovely festive memory to make together.
Local Love: 20% Off Mondays and Tuesdays
Mondays and Tuesdays, until 18 December — code LCLOVE2026
Our thank-you to the Manchester community. Get 20% off your session on Mondays and Tuesdays. Just pop the code in at checkout.
SEND Sessions: Sensory-Friendly Skating in Manchester
Mondays, 3–4pm, until 18 December
Our SEND Sessions are relaxed, adapted skating sessions designed with accessibility and sensory needs in mind. They offer a supportive, welcoming space for children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities to enjoy the ice at their own pace.
Student Discounts in Manchester
Student Skate Nights
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3–9pm, until 18 December — £10
Manchester students skate for just £10 every Tuesday and Wednesday.
Student Group Pass
£50 for 6 skaters
Grab your mates. The Student Group Pass covers six skaters for £50 and is applied automatically at checkout.
20% Off Standard Sessions
Code STUDENT20, until 18 December
Students also get 20% off standard sessions. Valid student ID required.
Blue Light Discount: 20% Off for NHS, Police, Fire and Ambulance Workers
Code BLUELIGHT20
As a thank-you for everything you do, NHS, police, fire and ambulance workers get 20% off standard sessions.
School Trips in Manchester
Weekdays, 10am–2pm, until 18 December — £5 per pupil, teachers skate free
Looking for a festive school trip in Manchester? Our Schools Winter Experience gives pupils the chance to skate in the heart of the city for just £5 each, with teachers skating for free. Skate aids and helmets are available to help every pupil feel safe and confident on the ice.
A fundraising opportunity for schools and PTAs: schools and PTAs can set their own ticket price for families and keep the difference to support school trips, projects and initiatives.
Find out more and download our Schools Guide at skatemanchester.com/schools, or email schools@skatemanchester.com.
Community Takeover Mondays
Mondays, until 18 December — £5 per skater
Every Monday, we open the rink to Manchester’s community groups, youth clubs and charitable organisations for just £5 per skater. Whether it’s a youth club outing, a community celebration or a well-deserved treat for volunteers, it’s an affordable way to bring people together this Christmas.
To book, email community@skatemanchester.com.
Group Discounts
15% off for groups of 20+
Skating with a crowd? Groups of 20 or more get 15% off tickets. Bringing 50 or more? Get in touch and we’ll create a bespoke package for you. It’s perfect for Christmas parties, clubs, societies and work socials.
Easy to Reach from Across Greater Manchester
Skate Manchester sits in Cathedral Gardens in Manchester city centre, next to Victoria Station and moments from the Exchange Square and Victoria Metrolink stops. It’s easy to reach by tram, train or bus from Salford, Stockport, Trafford, Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside and Wigan.
Book Your Session
Whether it’s a family day out, a school trip, a community celebration or a student night with friends, there’s a way for everyone to skate this Christmas.
Book your Skate Manchester tickets →
For community and group enquiries: community@skatemanchester.com
For schools: schools@skatemanchester.com
FAQs
Are there discounts for ice skating in Manchester?
Yes. Skate Manchester offers discounts for students, NHS and blue light workers, schools, community groups and groups of 20+, plus 20% off Mondays and Tuesdays with Local Love.
Do kids skate for free at Skate Manchester?
Yes. Kids skate for free on Tuesdays, 4–6pm, until 18 December.
Does Skate Manchester have sensory-friendly sessions?
Yes. SEND Sessions run on Mondays, 3–4pm, and are designed with accessibility and sensory needs in mind.
How much are school trips to Skate Manchester?
School groups skate for £5 per pupil on weekdays, 10am–2pm, and teachers skate for free.
Is there a student discount at Skate Manchester?
Yes. Students skate for £10 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3–9pm, can book a Student Group Pass (6 skaters for £50), or get 20% off standard sessions with code STUDENT20.
Can community groups book at Skate Manchester?
Yes. Community groups, youth clubs and charities can skate for £5 per person on Mondays. Email community@skatemanchester.com to book.
Is there an NHS discount at Skate Manchester?
Yes. NHS, police, fire and ambulance workers get 20% off standard sessions with code BLUELIGHT20.