04 Oct 2024
Chill out this Christmas as Ice Cube returns to Leeds City Centre
Get ready for a magical winter experience as the beloved Ice Cube at Christmas returns, spreading holiday cheer across Millennium Square, Victoria Gardens, and Cookridge Street starting November 22.
A perfect way to celebrate the festive season, the event is packed with exciting attractions for visitors of all ages, including the ever-popular outdoor ice rink, charming Christmas market stalls, and an array of seasonal attractions.
The event will run daily with hours varying from 12pm to 9:30pm Monday through Thursday (10pm on Fridays), 11am to 10pm on Saturdays, and 11am to 7pm on Sundays (except Christmas and Boxing Day) up until New Year’s Eve.
The centrepiece of the festivities is the iconic 400sqm outdoor covered ice rink on Millennium Square, sheltered beneath a beautiful transparent marquee, ensuring skating sessions can continue regardless of weather.
For younger skaters, the Penguin Club once again offers children under nine the chance to learn to skate in a fun and safe environment with the assistance of the adorable penguin skating aids. The club runs every weekend at 10:30am, with additional sessions available during half-term.
Aspiring skaters can also take advantage of one-to-one skating lessons available each weekend. Whilst wheelchair users and other disabled persons are welcome across all skating sessions, dedicated accessible sessions will also take place every Thursday at 10:30am.
Beyond the ice rink, visitors can indulge in a mouthwatering selection of festive treats, with Bavarian-style market stalls offering traditional German bratwurst, Yorkshire pudding wraps, Canadian poutine, festive Philly cheesesteak, and sweet delights like churros, waffles, hot crumble and custard, and toasted marshmallows.
For those looking to take a break and savour the festive atmosphere, the alpine-inspired Ski Bar returns with its signature four-metre-high illuminated Ski Bear, providing the perfect spot to warm up with a drink and soak up the festive atmosphere with loved ones.
Families and thrill-seekers will find plenty of festive fun with the return of the 30m-high Starflyer on Millennium Square, the classic Golden Gallopers carousel on Cookridge Street, and the spectacular 110ft Leeds Wheel of Light in Victoria Gardens, along with a variety of children's rides and winter-themed games.
Roger Tuby of International Funfairs, who along with Stewart Robinson will be bringing a selection of rides and attractions for the event, said: "We are excited to be working in close partnership with Leeds City Council once again to bring a magical winter wonderland feel to the city. With the return of the popular themed Ski bar and a fantastic selection of food, drink, and rides, there's truly something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season."
Ice Cube at Christmas will run alongside and compliment the revamped Leeds Christmas Market which will take over City Square this year and run between Friday 22 November to Sunday 22 December. Further information can be found on the Visit Leeds website. #LeedsChristmas
Adding to the holiday cheer, Thor’s Tipi will be setting up in front of Leeds Art Gallery once again, creating a cozy, Viking-inspired retreat. Guests can look forward to hearty winter dishes, festive drinks, and live music evenings. More information can be found on the Thor’s Tipi website.
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi commented: “You know it’s Christmas when THOR’S rocks up! We can’t wait to be back in Leeds for our 7th year. Good things are happening, we’ve got more Christmas trees, more twinkly lights, a new delicious mulled wine recipe and of course our famous roaring log fire. We can’t wait to welcome you!”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “It’s great to see Ice Cube return to Millennium Square once more, and we’re thrilled to be able to host it in our city. Together with the return of the Christmas market, it’s looking like we’re going to have a wonderful festive season this year.”
Tickets for the ice rink are available from October 3. Admission is priced at £12.50 for adults, £11.50 for students and LEEDSCard holders, and £9.50 for children under 13. Off-peak prices of £9.50 are available for all ticket types Monday to Thursday from 12:30pm to 5:15pm. Breeze Pass holders will also benefit from an exclusive 10% discount off all admission prices.
Advance tickets are available to purchase online at www.icecubeleeds.co.uk. On the day tickets (subject to availability) will also be available in person from the event ticket office located at the Carriageworks Theatre directly overlooking the venue.
For further event and attraction details and ice rink booking information including skating session times please visit: www.icecubeleeds.co.uk.
ENDS
For media enquiries contact:
Leeds City Council Communications team
communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk