When Coventry does Christmas
Remember when…
Do you remember when you went ice skating with friends? Helping each other on the ice, singing Christmas songs as you glide around, and showing off your balancing skills? Then, enjoying a delicious, mulled wine afterward and laughing at some of the crazy moves Mark pulled just to stay on his feet, laughing until your stomach hurt?
Remember when you went on a date night with your partner? Skating around the ice, under the twinkling fairy lights holding hands, and thinking you were the next best thing to Torvill and Dean…until you lost your balance, toppled over, and pulled your partner down with you, and now you’re smiling at the memory of how much fun you had.
Remember when you took the kids to the ice rink for the first time? Helping them navigate their way around with the help of the penguin aid, taking pictures of the concentration on their face, seeing your youngest flying with no fear around the rink as your eldest holds on to the sides and your hand for dear life (and you thought they were too old to hold your hand)….
We remember too.
Which is why we’re excited to welcome you to Coventry City Centre – Skate into Coventry.
Opening on the 25th of November until the 8th of January 2023, this magical open-air ice rink helps you to relive old memories and make new ones. Bringing families, couples, and friends together under the twinkling winter stars – a fantastically festive ice-skating experience to remember.
Ice skating doesn’t care if you have two left feet…
…it cares that you have a good time.
Skate into Coventry opens this month with the final details being put into place by Coventry City Council, Visit Coventry, and Coventry Business Improvement District to bring the magic of Christmas alive.
Due to the success of previous events run by the City of Culture at Coventry Cathedral, the new central Broadgate location has been chosen to improve visibility, increase passing footfall, and support local businesses in the run-up to one of the busiest times of the year.
With the city centre slowly turning into a winter wonderland, Christmas cabins line the square, Christmas lights twinkle high above, and now, a giant magical outdoor ice rink is taking centre stage.
Showcasing a city rich in culture, history, and now Christmas, Skate into Coventry is a festivity of fun for everyone.
With lots of rosy-red cheeks, hot chocolate (with, of course, a helping of marshmallows on top), smiles, and laughter galore make sure to wrap up warm and get the whole family in the festive spirit.
More than just another ice rink
Coventry winter wonderland has so much to offer, from an array of food and drinks available from the festive market (our personal favourites are the hot dogs and loaded fries, delicious. Oh, and we can’t forget the selection of sweet stalls with candy floss and giant lolly pops – ice skating really does work up an appetite!) to a great selection of Coventry’s most popular restaurants overlooking the ice rink in Cathedral lanes (superb if you’re looking to shelter from the cold, especially after 45 minutes on the ice!)
And that’s not all!
Take in the sight of the City’s Christmas lights and enjoy the buzz of the festive season around you while toasting marshmallows over the designated (and managed) fire pits, enjoy live street theatre and Christmas carol singing, AND browse the selection of Christmas cabins selling unique and traditional items, fantastic stocking fillers, and high-quality Christmas gifts – perfect if you have some last-minute Christmas shopping to do or if you’re looking for a little treat for someone special.
Coventry City Centre is also home to some big-name retailers, and with extended opening hours in the run-up to Christmas, why not pack a day of shopping with a night of skating fun?
Getting the most out of your skating visit
- Skate into Coventry is suitable for ages 5+ (Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
- Please arrive in plenty of time to get your skates on – we’d advise at least 15 minutes prior to your booking slot.
- You will have plenty of skating time – 45 minutes, to be precise, with a 15-minute briefing and time to get on the ice.
- You’re welcome to bring your own skates, but we must rule out speed skates; we want nice leisurely skating, not ice rink races like the Mighty Ducks!
- There are accessibility sessions, so no one misses the excitement of the ice.
- Be careful with mobile phones and valuables. Ice is slippery; dropping your phone while taking a snap on the ice may result in a cracked screen.
- Avoid putting phones and sharp objects in your pockets – trust us, they hurt and break when you fall….we mean if, if you fall.
- Listen to your elders; wrap up warm it’s winter (gloves and thick socks are a must).
- The ice rink staff are super friendly and always available to give you a helping hand if you need it.
For further information, please visit www.visitcoventry.co.uk/skate.
Discounts available!
This year all GO CV and GO CV+ card holders qualify for an ice-skating discount! Promotional codes are for set sessions, and you can find all discount codes along with further information and timings HERE.
The important stuff
Open times
10.00 am – 9.00 pm
Penguins
Skating aids are available and suitable for children under 1.2m tall (note: you must book these in advance to guarantee availability).
Ticket Prices
All ticket prices can be found on the website. Make sure to read all FAQs for further information.
Trade in your shoes for skates and glide into a magical winter wonderland
Make memories that last a lifetime with the perfect festive activity this winter.
We can’t guarantee snow, but we can guarantee a feeling of Christmas cheer for the whole family.
Whether you’ve taken to the ice or you’re the designated photographer watching and smiling from the viewing areas around the rink, experience the magic of Christmas this year from the heart of Coventry City Centre.
This isn’t just any Christmas ice rink…
This is Skate into Coventry.