A NEW FESTIVE TRADITION BEGINS IN VALLEY GARDENS
Thursday, 17th December 2026 – Sunday, 3rd January 2027
SAVE 20% ON SELECTED SESSIONS — BOOK BY 30th SEPTEMBER
Celebrate Winter in Valley Gardens
From 17th December 2026 through 3rd January, 2027 the beautiful Valley Gardens will be transformed into a spectacular winter destination, bringing together the excitement of real ice skating with the charm of the Christmas season.
Proudly supported by North Yorkshire Council and Visit North Yorkshire, Harrogate Ice Pavilion is set to become a distinctive new festive attraction, welcoming families, friends, schools, visitors and businesses throughout the Christmas holidays.
Whether you’re creating family memories, enjoying a festive date night, celebrating with friends or simply looking for something magical to do over the holidays, Harrogate Ice Pavilion offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
What to Expect:
- Covered ‘real’ ice skating
- Daily public skating sessions
- Parent / Family & Toddler sessions
- Disco Skate evenings
- Learn to Skate experiences
- School and Home Education group visits
- A festive atmosphere with seasonal music
- Corporate events and private hire opportunities
Set within the beautiful surroundings of Valley Gardens, Harrogate Ice Pavilion combines festive charm with an exceptional skating experience in the heart of one of Yorkshire’s most celebrated spa towns.
Join us from 17th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027 and make this Christmas one to remember.
Book early—popular sessions are expected to sell out.
Skate with us
As Christmas and the New Year approach, the Harrogate Ice Pavilion is the perfect spot to skate, celebrate, and reconnect! With a twinkling real ice rink and a lively atmosphere, it’s all about creating wonderful winter memories for families, friends, and groups.
Skate. Celebrate. Repeat.
Whether you’re a confident skater or stepping onto the ice for the first time, our sessions are designed for all abilities. Expect dynamic lighting, upbeat music, and an energetic winter vibe that makes every visit feel like a fresh start.
Perfect for Groups, Families & Date Nights
From family outings and relaxed sessions to parties, catch-ups, and evening DISCO skates, Harrogate Ice Pavilion offers something for everyone. Group bookings and private hire available.
Public Sessions
Perfect for little skaters aged 5 and up! Just a friendly reminder that kids between 5-8 should have an adult accompanying them. All Public Sessions last for 45 minutes. Suitable for skaters aged 5 and older. The minimum age for public sessions is 5 years. Kids under 5 (with family members, siblings and friends) are welcome to join our special Parent/Family & Toddler Sessions!
Parent / Family & Toddler Sessions
Dedicated skating sessions for younger skaters aged 2 to 4 years, along with their parents / guardians, family members and close friends. All sessions are 45 minutes in duration.
Relaxed Sessions
We’re excited to welcome a maximum of 50 skaters on the ice at any time! Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with mood lighting and softer music. Carers can join the fun for FREE with proof of eligibility. Wheelchairs are also warmly welcomed during these sessions! All sessions are 45 minutes in duration.
School & Home Ed Sessions
Come and join us for a fun-filled winter adventure designed especially for schools and home-educated learners! Glide on real ice with skate rentals and a whole lot of festive cheer in a safe and supervised setting. It's a fantastic opportunity to build confidence, coordination, and teamwork — all while making unforgettable memories together! 📅 Weekday afternoons during term time 🎓 Suitable for Primary, Secondary & Home-Educated groups
DISCO Sessions
Come join the fun at Disco on Ice! Our rink turns into the most exciting dance floor around — with lights twinkling, music playing, and good vibes everywhere! Don’t just sit back — skate into the beat. Book your session now! All DISCO Sessions last for 45 minutes and are perfect for skaters aged 5 and up. The minimum age for public sessions is 5 years. Little ones under 5 are welcome at our special Parent / Family & Toddler Sessions!
Private Hires
Get Ready for Some Fun on the Ice - Special Pre-Season Treat! Enjoy dedicated ice sessions for your company, family & friends, club, community group, or activity group – just 45 minutes on the ice! You'll have the whole rink to yourself (up to 100 skaters!). Plus, feel free to bring your favorite music playlist along! We also offer customized options just for you.
Book Skating
*SAVE 15% on sessions — BOOK by 31st October 2026!
The discount will be applied automatically in the cart.
*Excludes: School/Home Ed Sessions and Private Hires
Use the colour codes below to identify each session type. Then select the date you wish to attend. The times of sessions will appear, simply select the session time and add the number of skaters.
FAQs
What are the dates of the event?
Harrogate Ice Pavilion will be open to public from Thursday, 17th December 2026 thru’ to Sunday, 3rd January 2027. We will be closed on Christmas Day (25th December).
How Do I Find the Ice Pavilion?
We are located at the upper Tennis Courts within Valley Gardens, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 0JH.
Is It Real Ice?
Yes, the rink is ‘Real’ ice. Installed via a energy efficient aluminium piping system with circulating antifreeze (glycol) / water mix, that is cooled to temperatures between -6C and -3.5C.
Is the ice rink covered?
Yes, the ice rink will be housed within a event marquee, we will open some of the sides to view the park but the roof will protect skaters from bad weather.
How long are the skating sessions?
All sessions are 45 minutes in duration.
Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the start of your session to allow time for skate fitting.
For any guests who may be running late, please speak with a member of our team who will be able to assist you. Any late arrivals may result in you not experiencing the full session.
Can I rent ice skates, or do I need my own?
We have rental skates available to skaters who do not have their own. The rental skates are INCLUDED in the session price.
Skates are available from Child Size 7 (EU 25) up to an Adult Size 13 (EU 46).
Limited bob skates are also available for smaller skaters from Child Size 6. Bob skates are double blades that strap onto the shoe and are subject to availability. ONLY Available on dedicated Parent / Family & Toddler sessions.
What Is the Minimum Age for Public Sessions?
The minimum age to attend our Public Skating Sessions is: 5 years of age. But we do host dedicated Parent / Family and Toddler sessions for younger skaters.
A child ticket is anyone aged 5-17 and anyone who is skating must have a valid ticket.
Please note, all children aged 5-17 and under must be accompanied by a participating/skating adult aged 18 and over at all times during this attraction. Ice Skating is not recommended for those aged 2 and under. All access to the rink is at the discretion of the Ice Rink management team.
We advise parents to use their discretion on whether very young children will enjoy the experience.
Minimum Age is: 5 yrs. on Public Skating Sessions.
Any skaters younger than 5 years (skating is not recommended for those aged 2 and under, are welcome to attend our dedicated Parent / Family & Toddler Sessions.
Do Junior Skaters Need Adult Supervision?
All Junior (5-17 yrs.) have to be supervised by a responsible adult 18+ at ALL times. We do have a viewing area for non-skaters.
But, we recommend at least one adult per. x2 juniors also skate.
Can I have a birthday party at Harrogate Ice Pavilion?
Yes! While we don’t offer a traditional birthday party package with a dedicated party room or catering facilities, you can still celebrate a birthday on the ice with us.
Birthday groups are very welcome to book tickets together for one of our Public Skating sessions, subject to availability.
For something extra special, we also offer Private Hire, giving your group exclusive use of the ice rink for your session.
If you’re planning a birthday celebration and would like some advice on the best option for your group, please get in touch with the Harrogate Ice Pavilion team.
Is there parking available?
Free on-street disc parking is available directly outside Valley Gardens Harrogate on Valley Drive and Cornwall Road, though spaces have strict time limits (ranging from 1 to 3 hours). Unrestricted free parking can be found further up Cornwall Road or nearby on the Duchy Estate. Paid multi-storey parking is also available a short walk away at West Park Multi-Storey Car Park on Tower Street.
- Valley Drive & Lower Cornwall Road: Free disc-zone parking with time restrictions (check local signs carefully for 1, 2, or 3-hour limits).
- Upper Cornwall Road (near Sun Pavilion): Free spaces further up the hill with no time limits, though it fills up fast on busy days.
- Duchy Estate (Duchy Road / Kent Road): Unrestricted free street parking located an 8 to 12-minute walk from the gardens.
- West Park Multi-Storey: Located on Tower Street (HG1 1HJ), roughly a 0.2-mile walk from the park.
- Jubilee Car Park: Another central council-run option within easy walking distance of the town centre and entrances.
Are skate aids suitable for toddlers and young children?
Skate aids can be helpful for beginners, but they aren’t suitable for every young child. They are deliberately sturdy and relatively heavy to provide stability and are designed for the skater to push themselves — not for an adult to push the child around the rink.
As a general guide, we recommend skate aids for children around 1 metre (3 ft 3 in) tall or above, although height, strength and confidence all play a part. Your child should be able to stand, comfortably hold the aid and move it themselves.
And don’t worry if they’re too small for one! Generations of skaters have learned by staying close to the barrier, holding on for support and gradually building the confidence to let go.
If your child can’t comfortably move a skate aid themselves, staying close to the barrier with a parent or responsible adult nearby may be a better way to start.
Our team will always be happy to offer guidance when you arrive.
The rental cost for pre-paid reservations of a skate aid is on sale for £7.50
Skate Aids may only be used for children under 1.1m tall when wearing skates.
There will be a limited supply of skate aids available on a first-come first served basis from the skate hire. You can reserve these online when booking your session.
If the Skate Aid item is not available to add to your cart… sadly, all reservations for that session have been made.
What sizes of rental skates do we stock?
We have rental skates available to skaters who do not have their own. The rental skates are INCLUDED in the session price.
Skates are available from Child Size 7 (EU 25) up to an Adult Size 13 (EU 46).
Limited bob skates are also available for smaller skaters from Child Size 6. Bob skates are double blades that strap onto the shoe and are subject to availability. ONLY Available on dedicated Parent / Family & Toddler sessions.
Can I Wear My Own Skates?
Yes, figure skates and hockey skates are allowed. However the organisers reserve the right not to allow a person to use their own skates if they decide that they are not suitable. There is no discount to the ticket price for use of your own skates.
Do Spectators need to pay?
No, spectators and responsible supervision nominees can are welcome to attend for FREE!
Can I take skating lessons at the rink?
Yes, for any skaters wishing to learn the basics or have some assistance with their first steps on to the ice. We have BIS (British Ice Skating) coaches available for Private lessons and also Group Lessons (Skate UK – Learn to Skate) classes.
Details of the Skate UK – Learn to Skate group lessons and Private lessons will be posted shortly.
Are wheelchairs permitted on the ice?
Yes, but you must select a Relaxed Session at the point of purchase.
Please note all electric/motorised wheelchairs must be turned off on the ice rink.
What Evidence Do Carers Need to Provide?
We will need to see either evidence of being in receipt of DLA or a Registered Carer ID
Are Storage Lockers Available?
Sadly lockers are NOT available, we recommend you not to bring any valuables or large bags with you. If you need to have any supplies / items, please make sure a spectator is available to look after your items.
Shoes / Boots items will be kept behind skate hire, whilst you skate and returned to you when finished skating.
Our Event Partners & Supporters
Harrogate Ice Pavilion is proudly supported by North Yorkshire Council and Visit North Yorkshire, delivered by ICE Caledonia Ltd., with ticketing provided by LIVE IT.
Sponsorship & Partnership Opportunities
Put your organisation at the heart of Harrogate’s festive season.
Harrogate Ice Pavilion offers sponsorship, advertising, hospitality and community-partnership opportunities for local, regional and national organisations.
Build brand visibility, engage customers, reward colleagues or support community access through a partnership tailored to your objectives and budget.
Alternatively, contact our Partnership Team at: info@harrogate-ice-pavilion.com