Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland

York’s award-winning festive destination – Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York – is back for its 18th season with a new look. The popular attraction, which comprises the North of England’s largest outdoor rink of real ice, a Santa’s Grotto, as well as a funfair, had its ‘lights switch-on’ for the 30ft high Christmas tree last night, with the rink open for invited guests, before the first day of public skating today, Friday 17th November. A regular attraction at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York since 2010, this year’s Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland brings a new terrace overlooking the ice rink, exclusively for patrons of The Chalet café, enabling them to get closer to the thrills and spills of outdoor skating, and providing the perfect spot from which to enjoy a warming mulled wine or hot chocolate.

With its Christmas tree at the centre of the 975 sq m rink, The Ice Factor is surrounded by illuminated trees, log cabins, the cafe and a viewing platform, creating a magical setting for all ages to enjoy the perfect festive activity. This year’s event also introduces a larger snow-covered Winter Woodland complete with decorative candy canes, gingerbread men and illuminated reindeer. Visitors can stroll through the Winter Woodland to visit Santa and his Elves in his cosy log cabin Grotto, taking photos along the way in the sparkling light tunnel and in front of the giant letters adding JOY to those Christmas selfies!

Also in the Winter Woodland are picnic tables for those wishing to linger longer and enjoy festive refreshments in the snowy setting. Nearby is The Dog Haus cabin selling tasty Yorkshire bratwurst hot dogs and warming drinks. Alternatively, a range of winter-warming food and drinks is available inside The Chalet, a cosy alpine-themed, après-skate café selling mulled wine, hot chocolate, Yorkshire sausages, truffle parmesan fries, mouth-watering mince pies and an array of tempting sweet treats.

This year the funfair will be bigger and better than ever, with new modern rides including an exciting Twist, Waltzer and Miami joining the family favourite, the vintage Dodgems dating from 1937. In addition, there will be plenty to enthral younger visitors with four children’s rides as well as the Hook-a-Duck and Sharp Shooters game stalls offering prizes every time. For those seeking a festive retail experience, a boutique Christmas market makes its debut at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland this year, with six wooden cabins selling unique gift ideas including The Yorkshire Gift Company, Fairfax Distillery & Chocolates, Leo & Lil children’s clothing and toys, Nelly’s Fudge and Black Star Crystals.

And of course, York Designer Outlet is the perfect place to tackle the Christmas shopping, with favourite premium brands including Clarins, UGG, Tommy Hilfiger, Ted Baker, Sweaty Betty and many more for up to 60% less than the RRP. com). 50 for children and concessions.

Family packages are available for families of three, four or five. 50 from Monday to Friday during term time. Special packages are also available for parties, schools, clubs and youth groups, with discounts applying to groups of 20 or more.

uk/theicefactor. Online booking fee applies. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office on site, subject to availability.

Penguin and Snowman skating aids can be hired on site for £5; pre-booking is not available. uk/York. 50 family booking fee.

30am – 5pm. 00pm Tokens for the funfair can be purchased on-site.