The ice rink returns to Jubilee Square this Christmas, bigger and better than before. With tickets now on sale for the popular attraction, we caught up with the organising team at the council to find out more.

Due to popular demand over the last couple of years, the winter ice rink is returning to Jubilee Square this December. With some new features including outdoor skating, plus extended opening hours it’s set to be a hugely popular attraction over the festive period. Here we find out all of the important information!

The ice rink is back for 2019, when is it set to open?
Yes we’re really excited to bring the ice rink back again this year opening on Thursday 5 December until Sunday 5 January 2020 and we’re aiming for it to be the most popular ever!

What are some of the exciting changes that have been made for this year?
We’ve some got some new, exciting additions for the ice rink. This year we’ve added a new outdoor ice trail to add to the skating experience and responding to demand, extended the ice rinks opening hours at busy times with a new 10am session. There’s new quiet sessions on the rink for those who need a calmer environment and a new preview price on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 December with all tickets at just £5!

ice skating leicester
credit Matt Short

Growing up in Leicester an ice rink was something that was always talked about, now we’ve finally got one how do you think it’s been received over the past couple of years?
Leicester’s loved the Christmas real ice rink these past few years and its really added to the special festive atmosphere in the city. With our 16,000 Christmas lights, 50ft Christmas tree by the Clock Tower, the Jubilee Square Ice Rink and the Wheel of Light all offering a really spectacular welcome to the thousands who come into the city over Christmas time, whether to skate, shop or socialise.

Will Jubilee Square be hosting any other attractions this Christmas?
Yes, the Wheel of Light returns next to the ice rink in Jubilee Square from 15 November. There’s a chance to meet Santa for free over in Santa in the Square, plus BID Leicester have brought back LightWeight where you can see your animated portrait move across a globe over at New Market Square. Before all that, starting the countdown to Christmas is the Christmas Lights Switch-On event on Thursday 21 November with music and entertainment on the main stage at Humberstone Gate, street performers across the city centre and a special Christmas Canteen with their award winning ranges of street food. Visit our Christmasinleicester.co.uk website for all the details on what’s happening across the city this year.

ice skating leicester
Credit Beth Walsh

Are there any special events being held at the ice rink?
This year we’ve added new quiet sessions on the rink for those who need a calmer environment for schools and families. We’re also arranging some special theme nights on the ice, we’ll be announcing these very soon so look out for these on the Leicester Festivals facebook page

How much are tickets and where can people buy them?
Tickets start at just £5 for the preview sessions on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 December, with off peak tickets £7.50 for children and concessions (including students) and £9 adults. There’s some great discounts available for group bookings, ideal for a Christmas social and an alternative staff night-out!

ice skating leicester
Credit Matt Short

Do tickets need to be booked in advance or can people walk-up?
Tickets are on-sale now on our website: christmasinleicester.co.uk and in person at the Visit Leicester Information Centre on Gallowtree Gate. You can also buy walk-up tickets on the day at the Jubilee Square Ice Rink box office located inside BBC Radio Leicester, but we’d recommend buying tickets in advance to make sure you get your preferred time slot on the ice!

 

Book tickets now from the Christmas in Leicester website.

 

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