Lancaster on Ice returns without giant wheel but promises fresh new look
Lancaster on Ice brings festive fun back to the heart of the city next weekend with its outdoor real ice rink, winter attractions and family-friendly entertainment.
This year's event will look a little different, with the much-loved big wheel not returning for the 2026/2027 season.
Instead, organisers have focused on delivering a “refreshed festive experience” centred around ice skating, winter fairground rides and affordable family fun.
At the heart of Lancaster on Ice remains its outdoor real ice rink, offering visitors an authentic skating experience in a magical festive setting.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Outdoor real ice skating
- Winter fairground rides
- Festive food and drink stalls
- A festive photobooth
- Seasonal entertainment
- Special Christmas events throughout the season
- Super Saver Sessions from just £11 per person, regardless of age
Located in Dalton Square, the attraction is just a 10-minute walk from Lancaster Railway Station, making it easily accessible for visitors travelling from across the region.
Each year, Lancaster on Ice welcomes visitors not only from Lancaster and Lancashire but from much further afield, including Manchester, Liverpool, Preston, Yorkshire and Edinburgh.
The attraction has become a festive destination for those looking for something different during the Christmas season.
Rather than spending the day bustling through crowded Christmas markets, visitors can slow down, enjoy time together on the ice, soak up the festive atmosphere and make lasting memories with family and friends.
New for this year are Super Saver Sessions, allowing skaters of all ages to enjoy the outdoor real ice rink for just £11 per ticket at selected sessions.
The initiative has been introduced to make the attraction more accessible to families, groups and visitors looking for an affordable festive day out.
Following his popular appearance last year, the Grinch will once again be taking to the ice on Christmas Eve, giving visitors the chance to skate alongside the festive favourite and capture memorable photographs.
Amy Kinnings, manager at Lancaster on Ice, said: "We're delighted to be bringing Lancaster on Ice back for another festive season. While visitors will notice a few changes this year, we're excited about the refreshed experience we're creating.
"The big wheel won't be returning, but our outdoor real ice rink remains the centrepiece of the attraction and we're confident visitors will enjoy everything else we have on offer.
"Every year we welcome guests from across the north west and beyond, including Manchester, Liverpool, Yorkshire and even Edinburgh. Being just a 10-minute walk from Lancaster Railway Station makes us a fantastic festive day out for visitors travelling from near and far.
“Lancaster on Ice offers something different during the Christmas season. Rather than battling through busy crowds, visitors can take time to relax, enjoy quality time with family and friends, skate on real ice and create special Christmas memories together.
“With our winter fairground rides, festive food stalls, photobooth, new Super Saver Sessions and the return of the Grinch on Christmas Eve, we're looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors this winter."
Lancaster on Ice officially opens at 3pm on Friday November 20.