Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland, the award-winning outdoor ice rink, funfair and Santa’s Grotto, will be returning to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York from Friday 14th November to Sunday 4th January 2026.
This season marks the event’s 20th anniversary since its debut as The Ice Factor on the Eye of York near Clifford’s Tower in 2005. The outdoor ice rink moved to York Designer Outlet in 2010, expanding the attraction to include a funfair and Santa’s Grotto, and has operated every year except 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.
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. It has a 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.
The ice rink is open every day except Christmas Day, offering eleven 45-minute skating sessions during the day, plus a 9.15am session at weekends and during holidays. A Frequent Skater Pass enables skaters to collect a stamp from the box office over five sessions and enjoy the 6th visit for free.
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 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. 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, leading to Santa’s cosy log cabin grotto where a warm welcome and a special gift for children awaits.
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).
Paul Tyler, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York comments:
“Christmas at York Designer Outlet just wouldn’t be the same without Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland. For many families, the event has become a cherished fixture in their festive calendar, offering fun outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy. We love seeing the joy it brings, and it truly helps spread that festive cheer while people are also able to tick off their Christmas shopping list! The ice rink has become a real pillar of the community, bringing together families, couples, and individuals during the festive season to create lasting memories.”
Georgi Wood, Event Organiser of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland also comments:
“We are so excited to be celebrating the milestone of our 20th anniversary this year. So many people have grown up with a visit to the ice rink or funfair as part of their festive celebrations. As always we will have some fun decorations and theming around the site, making Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland the perfect place for the festive selfie and some great winter exercise!”
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, and an Early Bird discount of 20% off these prices (excluding schools and clubs) is available now until 30th September, by using the code SKATE20 at checkout, 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 will be returning to his Grotto this year and reservations are open now either through www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or directly at www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/York. Tickets will be 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.
Grotto Opening times are:
Weekdays
14 to 27 November: 11am – 5pm
28 November: 10am – 5.30pm
1 to 4 December: 11am – 5pm
5 December to 19 December: 10am – 5.30pm
Weekends
15 November to 21 December
Saturdays: 9.30am – 6pm & Sundays 9.30am – 5.30pm*
*16 December until 5pm
22 to 23 December
10am – 6pm
Christmas Eve
10am – 3pm
Funfair
Tokens for the funfair can be purchased on-site. For full details of prices and times visit www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com
For further information on McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York visit www.yorkdesigneroutlet.com
You can also find more on social media:
www.facebook.com/yorkshireswinterwonderland
