FAQs | Christmas In Leicester
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FAQs

Jubilee Square Ice Rink – Frequently Asked Questions

Is it real ice?

Yes! The Jubilee Square Ice Rink is real ice and so wrap up warm. We’d recommend bringing a hat and warm gloves.

What dates and times is the ice rink open?

The ice rink is open from Thursday 7 December 2023 to Sunday 7 January 2024, every day except Christmas Day (25 December). Open from 10am – 8.45pm (last session 8.00pm). On Christmas Eve the last skate session will be at 4pm.

How long is the skating session?

Tickets cover a 45-minute skating session, but we ask that visitors arrive 30 minutes before their sessions begin in order to get their skates ready for the start of the session..

Where can I buy tickets?

Tickets are available to buy online at www.christmasinleicester.co.uk and in person at Visit Leicester Information Centre at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, 4a St Martins, Leicester, LE1 5DB (normal opening hours apply)

How much are ice rink tickets?

Tickets are priced:
Preview: £5 Thursday 7 December 5:15pm – 8:45pm & Friday 8 December 11am – 8:45pm

Adult Peak £13.50
Adult Off Peak £11.50
Child Peak £11.50
Child Off Peak £10.50
Concessions Peak £11.50
Concessions Off Peak £10.50
Family (2+2) Peak £47.00
Family (2+2) Off Peak £40.00
Group (4 adults) Peak £50.00
Group (4 adults) Off Peak £42.00
All Tickets Super Off Peak £5.00
Schools £5.00
Preview £5.00
Skate Aid £5.00

Are there family, group or school trip discounts?

Yes, there are group discounted tickets for family groups and adult groups up to 4 people. You may buy more than 1 group ticket at a time (each ticket will admit 4 people). For groups up to nine people please book these tickets direction on the website. For community and corporate group bookings of 10 +, please email Rachel.Fraser-Orton@leicester.gov.uk

Who is eligible for a concession?

Seniors and students are eligible for ticket concession. Please bring your valid ID or student card.

Is there a spectator area?

Yes, there is a free spectator area and viewing platform at our ice rink next to the Alpine Bar.

Do I need to print my ticket?

No, if you are unable to print your ticket then you can download it and we can scan it from your smartphone.

Can I get a refund or transfer my booked session time?

We do not offer refunds on any purchased tickets or extras unless a session is cancelled for unforeseen circumstances. If your session has been cancelled, you’ll be able to transfer your ticket to another session, subject to availability.

Are there skate aids for children?

Skate aids are available to hire for £5 each, available only to those of 1.2m high or under. Tickets for skate aids can be purchased in the ice rink only at the skate collection point, on a first come, first serve basis. Only card payments will be taken inside the ice rink.

Are there ice skates to fit children?

Yes, ice skates start from children’s size 8 and go up to an adult size 15. For very little feet we have a number of double bladed ‘Bob’ skates that fit over your child’s own shoes (please be aware that their shoes may get wet).

How old do you have to be to skate on the rink?

Our minimum skating age is 3 years old. You can skate on our rink up to any age, although you’re responsible for skating safely. Skating isn’t recommended for anyone with a serious illness, health concern, heart condition or pregnant women.

Can my children skate with me?

Yes, children aged 3 and over are able to skate on the ice, adults can borrow over shoe grips if they need to accompany a child but do not wish to skate. However, the accompanying adult would still be required to purchase a ticket. Children 12 years old and under must be accompanied on the ice by a parent or guardian who is 16 years or over. A ratio of 1 adult to 4 children will be accepted.

Is there a minimum height required to skate?

There is no minimum height required to skate. We suggest a skate aid is hired for little ones to help them find their feet on the ice. Parents and guardians must judge whether their children can skate safely.

Is the ice rink wheelchair accessible?

The ice rink is wheelchair accessible and manual and electric wheelchair users are able to go on the ice. Please buy the relevant tickets online (eg adult/child). Please also email info@visitleicester.info to advise your booking reference and session booked. We can then add a free carer ticket to your booking, should you require it.

Please note – electric wheelchairs will need to be in manual mode. It’s free for carers to accompany wheelchair users on the ice rink.

Are there any special sessions?

Quiet sessions are also available for those with additional needs who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere without the risk of sensory overload. For quiet sessions, music and effect lights will be turned off and the capacity of the rink reduced.

For further advice, please contact Visit Leicester www.visitleicester.info

Travel

Getting to Jubilee Square Ice Rink

The easiest way to plan your journey is to go to www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk. The website is a one-stop shop for travel information in Leicester & Leicestershire, with a journey planner that allows residents and visitors to consider the different travel options available to them.

Park & Ride

For a relaxing and quick ride into city centre, use the Leicester Park & Ride service. Go to www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/parkandride for service information.

Car Parking

There are two public car parks both located within easy walking distance to the ice rink – NCP St Nicolas Circle with 715 spaces and the John Lewis Multi-Storey car park located off Vaughan Way with 2000 spaces.

Walking

Jubilee Square is right in the heart of the city centre; just 5 minutes’ walk from the clock tower, 10 minutes from Haymarket and St Margaret’s bus station and 15 minutes’ walk from Leicester train station.

Cycling

There are cycle racks located around Jubilee Square.

Town Hall Bike Park provides FREE secure cycle parking 7 days a week. There are also on-street cycle parking racks on Jubilee Square.

See www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk for full walking, cycling & public transport options. Including a Leicester route-finder tool.

Bus and Coach

The Haymarket and St Margaret’s Bus Stations are both less than a 10 minute walk from Jubilee Square.

Leicester Rail Station

Jubilee Square is 15 minutes’ walk from the train station depending on your walking pace.

General Information

What is the ice rink size and capacity?

The ice rink is 40 metres by 17 metres, which allows a capacity of 225 skaters during a session.

Can I wear my own skates?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own hockey or figure skates to wear. Please note this will not reduce the price of your ticket.

What time should I arrive?

Please make sure you arrive at the site at least 30 minutes before your skating session is due to start. This allows enough time to get fitted with the correct size skates and to store personal belongings.

What happens if it rains?

Don’t worry! The ice rink is covered with a roof so there is no need to worry about getting wet. In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a session due to extreme weather conditions or act of God, we will re-book you for another session.

Where can I leave my belongings?

Bags of any description are NOT permitted on the ice, so we advise you to only bring the essentials with you. All bags must either be placed in the cloakroom provided (£2 charge) or with someone in your party who is not skating. Please do not bring large baggage or valuable items to the ice rink. We accept no responsibility for personal belongings.

Are there toilets at the ice rink?

There are toilets at the ice rink plus plenty of toilet facilities nearby. Please ask a member of the team for directions. For further Information and locations of changing places toilets can be found at www.leicester.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/roads-and-pavements/care-and-cleaning/changing-places-toilets/find-a-changing-places-toilet/

What do I do if I have lost something during my visit?

Please ask for the ice rink Duty Manager on-site as soon as you realise you may have lost something or email info@visitleicester.info

Can I bring food/drinks/alcohol?

No bottles, cans, alcohol or food are allowed into the skate hire area or on the ice. Glass is not permitted on the viewing platforms. Inside of the rink is a seating area with the Alpine Bar eelling a selection of sweet and savoury Christmas treats, hot drinks and alcohol.

And finally… Ice skating is great fun and should be an enjoyable experience for all. Here’s the serious bit…

  • Ice skating is a sport with inherent risks. Patrons skate at their own risk.
  • A first aid point is situated on site at the ice rink.
  • Ticket holders under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted on the rink.
  • All 11th Hour team members have Disclosure and Barring Service checked.

 

FAQ’s for Santa in the Square