Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland is a much-loved tourist attraction located in York. Acclaimed by The Sunday Times as one of the top seven 'fabulously festive and magical' ice rinks in the country in 2023, it offers a truly enchanting winter experience for visitors of all ages.
The centrepiece of Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland is The Ice Factor, the largest outdoor ice rink in the North of England. Spanning an impressive 975 sq m, this rink is made of real ice and features a magnificent 30ft sparkling Christmas tree at its heart. Surrounded by illuminated trees, log cabins, and a viewing platform, the rink creates a magical setting for outdoor skating. Adjacent to the rink is a cosy alpine caf called The Chalet, which now offers a rinkside terrace for patrons to enjoy a mulled wine or hot chocolate while taking in the thrills and spills of skating.
Visitors can warm up inside The Chalet caf after a session on the ice, where they can indulge in delicious winter-warming food, drinks, and sweet treats. Private parties can also be arranged at this aprs-skate caf. Alternatively, in the Winter Woodland area, picnic tables are available for those who prefer to dine outdoors. The nearby Dog Haus cabin sells a range of hot dogs and festive drinks to satisfy any cravings.
Beyond skating, the Winter Wonderland offers a truly festive experience with its funfair and Santa's Grotto. The funfair boasts an exciting array of modern rides, including the Twist, Waltzer, and Miami, as well as the beloved vintage Dodgems dating back to 1937. For younger visitors, there are four children's rides and game stalls where prizes can be won.
No visit to Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland would be complete without a trip to Santa's Grotto. Visitors can walk through a snowy woodland to find Santa's log cabin Grotto, where they will receive a warm welcome and a special gift. Reservations are required to visit Santa.
For those seeking a festive retail experience, a boutique Christmas market offers unique gifts, while York Designer Outlet provides the perfect venue for tackling Christmas shopping.
Overall, Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland promises a fun-filled family day out, with something to delight everyone. Keep in mind that separate tickets are required for ice skating and Santa's Grotto, and tokens for funfair rides can be purchased on-site. The attraction is free to enter, and booking fees apply to online ticket bookings. Visitors are urged not to visit if they have any symptoms of Covid-19.
Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland is located at York Designer Outlet, St Nicholas Ave, York YO19 4TA. For more information and to book tickets, visit their website.