The lights are going up, the Christmas Markets are on their way, and Manchester’s favourite winter tradition is back. Skate Manchester returns to Cathedral Gardens from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Rated 4.9★ by over 2,000 skaters on Google, it’s the highest-rated ice rink in the UK, and it’s right in the heart of the city.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, Christmas drinks with friends, a date night or a festive weekend away, here’s everything you need to know about ice skating in Manchester this winter, and everything else you can do while you’re here.
Manchester’s Ice Rink, in the Heart of the City
Skate Manchester sits in Cathedral Gardens, surrounded by some of the city’s best-loved landmarks, shops, bars and restaurants. You can go from the ice to a cocktail, a Christmas market stall or a cosy pub in minutes.
Ice Skating and the Manchester Christmas Markets
The Manchester Christmas Markets spread across the city centre, making it easy to pair a skating session with festive shopping, mulled drinks and seasonal food. Skate, browse, sip, repeat. It’s the Manchester Christmas day out that thousands of people come back for every year.
Things to Do Near Skate Manchester
Manchester Corn Exchange
Just across from Cathedral Gardens, the Grade II-listed Corn Exchange is one of Manchester’s most beautiful buildings. Under its stunning glass dome you’ll find a collection of restaurants serving everything from street food to sit-down dinners. It’s the perfect place to warm up after your session.
Manchester Cathedral
Right beside the rink, Manchester Cathedral is a festive highlight in its own right, with centuries of history, striking architecture and a calendar of Christmas services and concerts.
National Football Museum
Our neighbour in Cathedral Gardens, the National Football Museum, is a brilliant add-on for football fans of all ages. Pair it with a skate for a day out that has something for everyone.
Shambles Square
Tucked beside the Cathedral, Shambles Square is home to two of Manchester’s most historic pubs, Sinclair’s Oyster Bar and The Old Wellington. Their timber-framed buildings date back centuries. There’s no better spot for a festive pint.
Exchange Square and Shopping
Minutes from the rink, Exchange Square and the Manchester Arndale put the city’s biggest names in shopping on your doorstep, ideal for ticking off the Christmas list before or after you skate.
Printworks
Just around the corner, Printworks is packed with bars, restaurants and a cinema under one roof, making it a great choice for evening plans after a skate.
Northern Quarter Bars and Restaurants
A short walk away, the Northern Quarter is Manchester’s creative heart, full of independent bars, cocktail spots, coffee shops and some of the city’s best restaurants. Perfect for Christmas drinks, dinner or a night out after skating.
Deansgate and Spinningfields
Head south for Deansgate and Spinningfields, where you’ll find stylish rooftop bars, steakhouses and restaurants for a more glamorous festive night out.
Your Perfect Christmas Day Out in Manchester
- Morning: Coffee in the Northern Quarter, then shopping around Exchange Square and the Christmas Markets
- Lunch: Something delicious under the dome at the Corn Exchange
- Afternoon: Lace up at Skate Manchester in Cathedral Gardens
- Evening: Festive drinks at Shambles Square, then dinner in the Northern Quarter or on Deansgate
Flexible Tickets, Zero Stress
All Skate Manchester tickets are flexible. You can change your date or time up to 24 hours before your session, so if plans change, your skate doesn’t have to be cancelled.
Getting to Skate Manchester from Across Greater Manchester and Beyond
By Metrolink: Exchange Square and Victoria stops are moments away, with direct connections from Bury, Rochdale, Oldham, Altrincham, Sale, Trafford, Eccles, Salford Quays and Ashton-under-Lyne.
By train: Manchester Victoria is right next to Cathedral Gardens, with services from Bolton, Wigan, Rochdale, Leeds, Huddersfield, Preston and Liverpool. Manchester Piccadilly, serving Stockport, Sheffield, Macclesfield and beyond, is a short walk or tram ride away.
From further afield: Visitors from Warrington, Chester, Lancashire, Cheshire and West Yorkshire often make a weekend of it, pairing ice skating with the Christmas Markets, a show and a night out in the city.
Searching for “ice skating near me” in Salford, Stockport or Bolton? Skate Manchester is closer than you think.
Book Your Ice Skating Session
Sessions run from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Weekends and December dates are always popular, so booking ahead is recommended.
Book your Skate Manchester tickets →
See you on the ice!
FAQs
When does Skate Manchester open in 2026?
Skate Manchester opens on 6 November 2026 and runs until 3 January 2027.
Where is the ice rink in Manchester?
Skate Manchester is in Cathedral Gardens, Manchester city centre, next to Manchester Cathedral, the National Football Museum and Victoria Station.
Is Skate Manchester a good ice rink?
Skate Manchester is the highest-rated ice rink in the UK, with a 4.9★ Google rating from over 2,000 reviews.
Is Skate Manchester near the Christmas Markets?
Yes. Cathedral Gardens is in the city centre, within walking distance of the Manchester Christmas Markets.
What is there to do near Skate Manchester?
The Corn Exchange, Manchester Cathedral, the National Football Museum, Shambles Square, Printworks, Exchange Square and the Northern Quarter are all a short walk away.
Can I change my ticket?
Yes. You can change your date or time up to 24 hours before your session.