The fully covered and weatherproof rink Mancunians love is now back open
Tickets are available now, including discounted community, family tickets and student night tickets.
A jewel in Manchester’s festive entertainment, Skate Manchester has returned to the historic Cathedral Gardens. Open now until 3 January 2027, tickets are available to purchase online here.
Mancunians and visitors can enjoy all the festivities of Skate Manchester again this year, with its fully covered and weatherproof ice rink providing the perfect way to enjoy a Christmas excursion in the city for friends, family and loved ones.
Off the back of a hugely successful 2025 season, this year combines the rink’s quintessential festive atmosphere, with a specially curated programme of events, themed nights, competitions and inclusive skate sessions designed for an accessible and enjoyable experience for as many people as possible.
The rink has tailored sessions to meet the needs of all visitors, including dedicated quiet and toddler sessions designed for a more relaxed skating environment, along with discounted tickets and weekly events for students and the local community.
Putting the community at the centre of its offering, Skate Manchester has also launched a range of deals and sessions designed for families, students, local residents, community groups and those looking for a quieter skating experience.
This year Skate Manchester will be working in partnership with Octopus Energy, the rink’s Community Partner, to support its ambition of reaching 20,000 community groups and school partners. The initiative aims to make ice skating more accessible to local schools and community groups, providing opportunities for more people to enjoy the experience. The initiative has been made possible thanks to the generous support of Octopus Energy who are sponsoring the community and schools tickets.
Offering an affordable festive activity, local residents can enjoy 20% off skating on Mondays and Tuesdays until 18 December using code LCLOVE2026, while children can skate for free on Tuesdays between 4pm and 6pm.
Students can skate for just £10 on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, while families can enjoy dedicated Parents & Mini Skater sessions in the same period. There will also be £5 Community and school sessions, free skating for children on selected Tuesdays, accessible SEND sessions and 20% off for Blue Light workers. Group discounts will also be available for larger bookings.
Rob Derry, Director at Tamarisk Events, which coordinates Skate Manchester, said: “We’re delighted to bring Skate Manchester back to Cathedral Gardens for another festive season. Our aim is to create a magical experience for visitors while making ice skating accessible to everyone. Thanks to the support of our Community Partner, Octopus Energy, we’re proud to be opening up opportunities for thousands of local schoolchildren and community groups to enjoy the rink this winter. We look forward to seeing you all there!”
Rebecca Dibb-Simkin, Chief Customer Officer at Octopus Energy, said: “We’re so excited to be teaming up with Skate Manchester again this year to bring some festive energy to one of our favourite cities. Thousands of local kids and community groups can expect lots of winter magic, and that’s what it’s all about for us. We can’t wait to see everyone out on the ice having fun.”