Never set foot on the ice? You’re in good company. Plenty of skaters at Skate Manchester are trying it for the very first time, and every one of them started with a wobble. If you’re planning your first time ice skating in Manchester this Christmas, this guide covers what to wear, how to find your feet, skating with little ones and the best times to visit.
Skate Manchester returns to Cathedral Gardens from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Here’s how to make your first session a great one.
Is ice skating hard for beginners?
Honestly? The first few minutes are the wobbliest. After that, most beginners start to find their rhythm, one small glide at a time.
Each session lasts up to 45 minutes. That’s plenty of time to go from holding the barrier to your first lap on your own, with a few laughs along the way.
What to wear ice skating
Our rink is covered and weatherproof, so rain won’t stop your skate. It’s still open to the air, though, so dress for a crisp winter day.
- Warm layers you can move in. A jumper and a jacket beat one bulky coat.
- Gloves. They keep your hands warm and protect them if you take a tumble.
- Thick socks, plus a spare pair. Skates fit better and feel comfier. Forgot? We sell gloves and socks at the rink.
- Trousers or leggings. Easier to move in than skirts or dresses.
- Travel light. Cloakroom space is limited (£2.50 per item), so leave big bags at home.
Before you step on the ice
- Arrive 30 to 40 minutes early. It gives you time to swap your shoes for skates without rushing.
- Have your ticket ready. Your QR code arrives by email from liveit.io. Flag the email or screenshot it.
- Know your shoe size. You’ll swap your shoes for skates at the skate exchange. Skate hire is included in your ticket.
- Grab a free helmet. Helmets are free for every skater. Pre-book online or ask on the day.
- Visit the loo first. There are no toilets at the rink, but there are plenty nearby at the Christmas Market and the Arndale.
- Bring your card. The venue is cashless.
Six tips for your first time on the ice
- Lace up snug. Your skates should feel firm around the ankle. Loose skates make balancing harder.
- Bend your knees. A slight bend lowers your centre of gravity and keeps you steady. Straight legs are the number one cause of wobbles.
- Look ahead, not down. Your body follows your eyes. Watching your feet tips you forward.
- Start with penguin steps. Small steps, feet slightly turned out. Once you feel steady, push gently and let yourself glide.
- Arms out, relaxed. Hold them slightly forward and to the sides for balance.
- Fall the smart way. If you feel it coming, bend your knees and go down to the side. To get up, kneel, put one foot flat, then the other, and stand slowly.
Skate with the flow of the crowd, and if you need a hand, our rink team is there to help you find your feet.
Ice skating with kids and toddlers
Taking little ones skating for the first time? Here’s what to know.
- Age: Children need to be 3 or over to go on the ice.
- Supervision: Under-13s need an adult (18+) on the ice with them, and both need tickets. One adult can supervise up to five children.
- Skate aids: Available to hire for £5, first come, first served. Child skate aids are for children under 130cm, and our team will measure them on the day.
- Bob-skates: Double-bladed skates for children up to shoe size 1. Ask at the skate exchange.
- Free helmets: For every skater, big or small.
Parent & Mini Skater runs weekdays, 2 to 3pm, until 18 December. It’s £15 for both and made for little ones taking their very first steps on the ice.
Kids Skate for Free on Tuesdays, 4 to 6pm, until 18 December. Adults pay for one session, and the kids skate free.
SEND Sessions run on Mondays, 3 to 4pm. They’re calmer, adapted sessions designed with accessibility and sensory needs in mind.
When to go: planning around Christmas in Manchester
The rink is open every day from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, except Christmas Day.
- 6 November to 6 December: 11am to 9pm, last session 8pm.
- 7 December to 3 January: 10am to 9pm, last session 8pm.
Best for beginners: weekdays in November. Weekday daytime sessions early in the season give you more space to find your feet.
Pair it with the Christmas Markets. The Manchester Christmas Markets run from 6 November to 22 December across 10 city-centre sites. Cathedral Gardens keeps its stalls open alongside the rink until 3 January.
Parade day. The Manchester Christmas Parade returns on Sunday 6 December and has traditionally started and finished at Manchester Cathedral, right next to the rink. Expect a busy city centre and book ahead.
After Christmas. Once the presents are open, the rink is still going. Skate between Boxing Day and 3 January for a festive day out before the decorations come down.
Plans change? No problem
Every ticket is flexible. You can change your date and time up to 24 hours before your session, so there’s no pressure if nerves, weather or life get in the way.
Ready for your first skate?
Wobbles welcome. Laughs guaranteed. Book your session at Skate Manchester, Cathedral Gardens, and start a new winter tradition.
FAQs
Is Skate Manchester good for beginners? Yes. Skate aids, bob-skates for young children, free helmets and a rink team on hand make it easy to find your feet.
What should I wear ice skating? Warm layers, gloves and thick socks. The rink is covered and weatherproof but open to the air, so it will be chilly.
Do I need my own skates? No. Skate hire is included in your ticket. You’re welcome to bring your own.
Can toddlers ice skate at Skate Manchester? Children aged 3 and over can skate with an adult. Parent & Mini Skater sessions run weekdays, 2 to 3pm, until 18 December.
Is the ice rink in Manchester indoors? Skate Manchester is a covered, weatherproof rink in Cathedral Gardens, so you can skate whatever the weather.
How long is a skating session? Up to 45 minutes. Arrive 30 to 40 minutes before to get your skates on.
Is Skate Manchester open over Christmas? Yes, every day from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, except Christmas Day.