Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland – the award-winning outdoor ice rink, funfair and Santa’s Grotto – returns to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York from Friday 14th November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026.

At the heart of the event is the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink at 975 sq m which uses the latest ice rink technology to provide a premium skating experience. With its signature 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree in the centre of the rink, illuminated trees, the rink-side cafe and terrace as well as a viewing platform, this magical setting makes for the perfect festive experience for all ages. The ice rink is open daily, offering eleven 45-minute skating sessions during the day, plus an additional 9.15am session at weekends. *Please be sure to check ice skating and funfair opening times on the event website before visiting.

The funfair will include modern rides once again this year such as the thrilling Twist, Waltzer and Miami, as well as the family favourite, the vintage Dodgems dating from 1937. In addition, there will be plenty to enthral younger visitors with children’s rides as well as game stalls offering prizes every time.

The Chalet café with its outdoor terrace provides the perfect spot from which to enjoy a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate and witness all the thrills and spills of skating up close. Inside the cosy alpine-themed, après-skate café, tasty winter-warming food and drinks as well as sweet treats will be available to purchase, and private parties can also be arranged.

The German Grill ‘bratwursterie’ is sure to tickle the taste buds with the scent of grilling gourmet sausages and mulled wine.

The snowy woodland walk with its picnic tables and illuminated gingerbread men makes a festive outdoor eating area, and a glittering light tunnel leads to Santa’s cosy log cabin grotto where a warm welcome and a special gift for children awaits. (Santa is an additional cost – please book separately).

And of course, York Designer Outlet is the perfect place to tackle the Christmas shopping, with favourite premium brands including Levi’s, Clarins, Columbia, French Connection, Sweaty Betty and many more for up to 60% less than the RRP. Those travelling in groups can also enjoy a special Christmas cheer with an additional 10% discount at participating stores when they pre-book online (yorkdesigneroutlet.com).

Booking Information:
Tickets for a 45-minute skating session at The Ice Factor are priced at £15.95 for adults and £14.95 for children and concessions. Family packages are available for families of three, four or five. Tickets for parents and toddlers aged 4 and under are priced at £15.95 from Monday to Friday during term time. Special packages are also available for parties, schools, clubs and youth groups, with discounts applying to groups of 20 or more. Austism/quiet skating sessions are on Tuesdays at 10.15am until 16th December, in line with York Designer Outlet’s Autism Friendly Hours.

Booking is recommended for the ice rink, either through www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or directly at www.ticketsource.co.uk/theicefactor. Online booking fee applies. Tickets can also be purchased on site once the event opens, subject to availability. Penguin and Snowman skating aids can be hired on site for £5; pre-booking is not available.

Santa returns to his Grotto this year and reservations can be made at www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or directly at www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/York. Tickets are priced at £7 per child with £1.50 family booking fee. A reservation is required to visit Santa but can be made on the day, subject to availability.

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is situated at the rear (South Entrance) of York Designer Outlet, which is located to the south of York at the intersection of the A64 and A19. Follow the yellow directional signs! There is ample free parking adjacent to the event. The No.7 Park and Ride bus runs regularly from York city centre to the Designer Outlet.