As the festive season approaches, the West Midlands transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a spectacular array of ice skating experiences for 2025. From the heart of the city to historic palaces, pulling on your skates has never been more enchanting.
City Centre and Indoor Festive Glides
The centrepiece of Birmingham's Christmas celebrations returns to Centenary Square. Ice Skate Birmingham offers the city's largest covered rink, running from November 1, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Open daily from 10am to 10pm (except Christmas Day), this wheelchair-accessible venue features 45-minute sessions, penguin aids for beginners, and is complemented by a Big Wheel for panoramic city views.
For an all-under-one-roof extravaganza, head to the Winter Funland at the Birmingham NEC. Billed as the UK's biggest indoor Christmas funfair, it operates on selected dates from December 6 to January 3. Alongside its giant ice rink, families can enjoy unlimited fairground rides, a circus, and an extreme motorbike show.
Picturesque Skating with Historic Backdrops
For a truly majestic experience, Warwick Castle provides an outdoor rink set against the iconic Guy's Tower. The castle grounds, adorned with over half a million lights, host skating on selected dates from November 22 to January 4, 2026. Visitors can also meet Santa and explore a festive food village.
Further afield, Blenheim Palace in Woodstock presents 'The Great Skate' in its stunning Great Court. Surrounded by a Christmas market and twinkling lights, skating here is part of a wider festive offering including a light trail and alpine village. It runs on selected dates from November 14 to January 3, 2026.
Unique Skating Experiences for All Abilities
The Snowdome in Tamworth offers year-round skating that gets a festive makeover with music and decorations. Its Festive Skate sessions run from November 15 to January 3. This venue is uniquely home to the UK's only ice track, a separate circuit that circles the main rink, suitable for all ages and abilities.
For a multi-attraction day out, Winter Glow at the Malvern Three Counties Showground boasts a huge covered rink as part of the West Midlands' biggest festive experience. Running from November 21 to December 31, it also features a light trail, a 120ft big wheel, and UV mini golf.
With such a variety of magical settings, from urban centres to fairy-tale castles, securing your skate session in advance is highly recommended to ensure you don't miss out on this quintessential Christmas activity.
