It may have been a mild autumn, but it's turned chilly at York Designer Outlet as construction of the outdoor ice rink at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland is underway.
The countdown is on for the opening of the award-winning event this Friday (15th November) with festive fun for all ages.
This Year, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland embraces the happy world of HARIBO.
The seasonal event welcomes the UK’s leading sweets manufacturer and one of Yorkshire’s largest employers as its headline sponsor to share some childlike happiness with York’s residents and visitors this Christmas.
Adding to the merry mix will be the 30ft high HARIBO-themed Christmas tree which will sit in the centre of the rink topped with the HARIBO Goldbear to delight skaters and spectators alike.
Acclaimed by The Sunday Times last year as one of the most 'fabulously festive and magical' ice rinks in the country, the 975 sq m rink is the largest in the North of England and is surrounded by an illuminated woodland, the rink-side cafe and terrace as well as a viewing platform.
This year Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland will be using upgraded ice rink technology to provide a better skating experience and will also offer two additional skating sessions per day, as well as a Frequent Skater Pass for those wishing to make the most of the seven-week season.
Skaters can collect a stamp from the box office over five skating sessions and the 6th visit is free.
Paul Tyler, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York, said:
“Christmas at York Designer Outlet just wouldn’t be the same without Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland.
"For many families the event has become a fixture in their festive calendar with fun outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to tick off the Christmas shopping list!”
As well as skating in the fresh winter air, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland offers fun for all ages at the fairground with a Ghost House joining some thrilling modern rides this year, as well as everyone’s favourite the vintage Dodgems, children’s rides and game stalls offering prizes every time.
New to the event this year is the outdoor German Grill where the scent of sizzling gourmet sausages and spiced drinks is sure to tickle the taste buds.
The festive retail offering at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is also increasing this year with the boutique Christmas market doubling in size from six cabins to twelve, offering gifts with a difference.
Georgi Wood, Event Organiser of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland said:
“We are delighted to welcome HARIBO as our headline sponsor for Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland.
"HARIBO likes to bring happiness to all ages and so do we, so a fun collaboration lies ahead!
"Goldbear will be the perfect festive topper for our Christmas tree and we’ll also have some fun new decorations and theming around the event, making Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland the ideal place for the Christmas selfie!”
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