Chill out this Christmas as Ice Cube returns to Leeds City Centre

Prepare yourself for a delightful winter adventure as the cherished Ice Cube at Christmas makes its return, bringing festive joy to Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens, and Cookridge Street starting November 22.

An ideal way to mark the holiday season, this event offers a variety of thrilling activities for people of all ages. Highlights include the beloved outdoor ice rink, delightful Christmas market booths, and a range of seasonal features to enjoy.

The event will take place every day, with hours ranging from 12 PM to 9:30 PM from Monday to Thursday (until 10 PM on Fridays), 11 AM to 10 PM on Saturdays, and 11 AM to 7 PM on Sundays, excluding Christmas and Boxing Day, leading up to New Year’s Eve.

The highlight of the celebrations is the famous 400-square-meter outdoor ice rink located in Millennium Square. This rink is protected by a stunning clear marquee, allowing people to enjoy skating no matter the weather conditions.

The Penguin Club continues to provide a great opportunity for kids under nine to learn how to skate in a safe and enjoyable setting, thanks to the charming penguin skating supports. Sessions are held every weekend at 10:30am, and there are extra classes available during school breaks.

Aspiring skaters have the opportunity to participate in individual skating lessons offered every weekend. All skating sessions are open to wheelchair users and individuals with disabilities, and there will be special accessible sessions held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m.

Outside of the ice rink, guests can enjoy a delicious array of holiday snacks. Bavarian-style market stalls serve up classic German bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, Canadian poutine, festive Philly cheesesteak, and a variety of sweet treats like churros, waffles, warm crumble with custard, and toasted marshmallows.

If you're in the mood to unwind and enjoy the holiday spirit, the Ski Bar is back with its charming alpine theme, featuring its iconic four-meter-tall glowing Ski Bear. It's the ideal place to cozy up with a drink and experience the festive vibe with family and friends.

Families and adventure lovers will have a blast as the 30-meter Starflyer makes its comeback on Millennium Square. You can also enjoy the timeless Golden Gallopers carousel on Cookridge Street, as well as the impressive 110-foot Leeds Wheel of Light in Victoria Gardens. Plus, there will be a selection of rides for kids and games with a winter theme to add to the festive experience.

Roger Tuby from International Funfairs, who is collaborating with Stewart Robinson to provide a variety of rides and attractions for the event, stated: "We are thrilled to collaborate once more with Leeds City Council to create a captivating winter wonderland atmosphere in the city. With the return of the beloved themed Ski bar and an amazing array of food, drinks, and rides, there’s genuinely something for everyone to relish this festive season."

Ice Cube will be a part of the updated Leeds Christmas Market, which will be located in City Square this year from Friday, November 22 to Sunday, December 22. For more details, check out the Visit Leeds website. #LeedsChristmas

To enhance the festive atmosphere, Thor’s Tipi will return to the area in front of Leeds Art Gallery, offering a warm, Viking-themed escape. Visitors can enjoy delicious winter cuisine, seasonal beverages, and live music on select evenings. For further details, check out the Thor’s Tipi website.

Amanda Monaghan, the Director of THOR’S tipi, shared her excitement, saying, “Christmas truly begins when THOR’S arrives! We’re thrilled to return to Leeds for our seventh year. This time, we have even more Christmas trees, extra twinkling lights, a new tasty mulled wine recipe, and, of course, our beloved roaring log fire. We can’t wait to greet you all!”

Councillor Salma Arif, who is in charge of adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture at Leeds City Council, expressed her excitement about the Ice Cube coming back to Millennium Square. She added, "We're delighted to host this event in our city, and with the Christmas market also making a comeback, it promises to be a fantastic festive season this year."

Starting October 3, you can purchase tickets for the ice rink. The cost is £12.50 for adults, £11.50 for students and LEEDSCard holders, and £9.50 for kids under 13. If you visit during off-peak hours—Monday to Thursday from 12:30 PM to 5:15 PM—you can get tickets for just £9.50 across all categories. Also, Breeze Pass holders can enjoy an extra 10% discount on all ticket prices.

You can buy advance tickets online at www.icecubeleeds.co.uk. If you didn’t get tickets ahead of time, you might still be able to get them at the ticket office on the day of the event, which is situated at the Carriageworks Theatre right across from the venue. Availability will depend on demand.

For more information about events, attractions, and to book ice rink sessions—including skating times—please check out: www.icecubeleeds.co.uk.