CHRISTMAS is just around the corner as work on the town centre ice rink nears completion.

Friends and families will be able to join in the winter fun as the popular ice skating zone returns to Victoria Square for the festive season.

The highlight of the festive calendar, the Winter Festival, will see the town centre brimming with Yuletide entertainment and attractions.

In addition to the ice rink, which is due to open on Saturday, Santa and his elves are due to arrive at the new grotto in the heart of The Albert Halls.

For £4 a visit, children will receive a festive activity pack.

The Mayor’s annual Christmas fair will also return on Saturday, featuring music, entertainment, games and a range of stalls.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Elaine Sherrington, will officially open the event at 10am.

Staff have been busy putting up the gazebo and hauling the large crates of skates into the arena in time for the event. The magical Winter wonderland, where nearly 200 people can strap on their skates, will open to families daily between 9am and 8.30pm from Saturday until Sunday, January 6.

The ice rink will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and some sessions will be allocated to group bookings only.

An indoor and outdoor viewing area will give people the chance to watch on as their friends and family members practice their pirouettes.

All abilities are welcome. The ice rink holds up to 180 people for general public skating but the parent and child sessions will be limited to 120 people.

Ice rink prices start at £4 for children, £7.50 for adults and £21 for a family ticket.

Visitors will also be able to warm up from the cold with a mulled win and a bite to eat inside one of the festival teepees.

From Saturday, families will be able to hop aboard Santa’s Express for a ride around the streets. The rides will run every weekend until Sunday, December 23, between 10am and 5pm.

To pre-book tickets, telephone the box office on 0843 208 1854 or email customerservices@quaytickets.com.