It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! There are so many events going on in Lancashire this year to make up for the lost time due to the pandemic in 2020. 

The Christmas countdown officially begins on November 28, which is the first day of advent, and there are lots of events in the area that are perfect for a family day out.

We can’t think of anything better than going ice skating this Christmas as well as enjoying Christmas markets, visiting Santa's Grotto and lots of good food and drink. 

Here’s a roundup of where you can go ice skating in Lancashire this year. 

Skate Manchester

Manchester's real ice rink returns to Cathedral Gardens as part of the city's festive winter markets. 

The rink is fully undercover meaning you can skate whatever the weather.

Sessions last for 45 minutes and there are skate aids available for little ones.

Where: The Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3BG

When: October 22 until January 3 2022, excluding Christmas Day

Book tickets via the website

Winter Funland, Trafford Park

Visit the Winter Funland and have a go on their gigantic real ice skating rink. 

There are skate instructors available and skate aids for children, meaning everyone can have a go.

There are also funfair rides and a circus show at the Winter Funland, all included in the ticket price. 

Where: BEC Arena, Longbridge Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1SN

When: December 19 to January 2

Book tickets via the website

Tinsel Town at the Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre will be transformed into an outdoor Christmas extravaganza complete with a covered 600 square metre ice rink.

You can also enjoy a warm mug of hot chocolate or mulled wine when off the ice. 

Bury Times: Tinsel Town is coming to the Trafford Centre (Trafford Centre)Tinsel Town is coming to the Trafford Centre (Trafford Centre)

Where: Outside The Orient entrance, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AA

When: November 19 to January 3 

Book tickets via the website.

Lancaster on Ice

Lancaster on Ice returns after a year off in 2020 to the historic Dalton Square. 

This open-air rink also has a Big Wheel, where visitors can see the views of the rink and Lancaster. 

Where: Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PL

When: November 27 to January 9

Book tickets via the website

Ice Skating Rink at Blackpool seafront 

Blackpool’s first-ever outdoor ice skating rink is opening in November 2021.

The rink spans 40 metres in length and is the centrepiece to the town’s winter wonderland.

Each session lasts 40 minutes with 20 minutes to change your skates on either side.

Is skating not for you? Cosy up in the log cabins with a hot chocolate or mulled wine and soak in the atmosphere.

Where: Blackpool seafront

When: November 19 – January 3, check exact times here.

See full details of time slots on the website

Ice Rink in the Sky at Escape To Winter Island 

This ice rink will be at Freight Island's first-ever winter festival.

Held on the concrete mezzanine level at Depot Mayfield, visitors can enjoy skating 'in the air' and also check out the Christmas entertainment from food and drink vendors.

Where: Escape to Freight Island, Depot Mayfield, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY

When: November 12 - January 9

Book tickets via the website