What is Christmas without a bit of ice skating? Strapping on your boots and gliding among the twinkly lights, the city full of festive cheer, as you try to stay upright is basically a tradition in Birmingham. So of course we’re excited about the return of Ice Skate Birmingham to Centenary Square – considered one of the best outdoor ice skating rinks in the UK.
Just as much as Frankfurt Christmas Market, the ice skating rink in the city centre is a staple of Birmingham festivities. Work has already begun to bring Ice Skate Birmingham back for Christmas 2023, with it due to open on November 2 – the same day as Birmingham’s Christmas market. It’ll stick around a bit longer, however, remaining open until January 7, 2024.
The rink will remain open daily (apart from Christmas Day), between 10am to 10pm, so there’s no excuse to miss out this year. Boxing Day ice skating anyone? Tickets cost £13 for adults and £11 for children, with each ice skating session lasting 45 minutes. If your little ones are a bit wobbly on their feet, you can also rent some skating aids for £5 each.
Promising to be “bigger and better than ever”, the big wheel is back this year as well to take you high into the sky. Not only does it provide tremendous views of Birmingham, but looking directly over the ice rink, you’ll be able to spot all the people ice skating below (tickets cost £7). If that doesn’t make you feel Christmassy, we don’t know what will!
Another returning feature of Ice Skate Birmingham is the Ice Lounge and Bar. Somewhere you can stop after a hard night’s ice skating and warm up on hot chocolate, mulled wine, cider and all manner of festive treats. Open 10am to 10pm, it’s also free for anyone to visit.
To learn more about Ice Skate Birmingham head here.