Christmas in Leeds: New alpine ski bar with chairlifts coming to Millennium Square

Taking over Millennium Square for the second year from November 25, with a string of attractions and stalls also on nearby Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street, Leeds’s coolest attraction will be open every day (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day) up until New Year's Eve.

Taking centre stage on Millennium Square, the 400 sqm real ice rink will feature a transparent marquee-styled roof to ensure sessions can take place whatever the weather.

The popular Penguin Club will be available every Saturday and Sunday at 10am, giving young children the chance to take their first steps on to the ice in a fun and safe environment with the assistance of the penguin skating aids.

For those looking to build confidence on the ice, a limited number of one-to-one skating lessons will also be available every weekend. The rink is open to wheelchair users and other disabled persons across all skating sessions as well as on dedicated accessible sessions taking place every Thursday at 10am.

Alongside the ice rink, there will also be a selection of local and international street food and drink available from Alpine inspired chalet style huts and Christmas themed stalls including the beautifully crafted Christmas Tree Bar positioned between the owls of Leeds Civic Hall.

New for this year is an exciting alpine inspired Ski Bar, complete with gondolas, chairlifts, skis and a four metre-high illuminated Ski Bear.

The event will also feature a family funfair extending to Victoria Gardens and Cookridge Street, where thrill-seekers can climb aboard the 30m high Star Flyer or check out the North Pole Funhouse alongside a selection of Children’s’ festive themed rides and games.

Coun Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“Following the success of last year’s event, it is great to see the Ice Cube@Christmas back in the city centre animating some of our key public spaces and providing a wide range of festive experiences and opportunities for the families, residents and visitors to enjoy.

“I look forward to seeing everyone out there enjoying a wonderful Christmas and celebrating all that Leeds has to offer.”