Nottingham's premier ice venue unveils festive lineup featuring Santa's Grotto, K-pop skating, exclusive skating with Nottingham Panthers players and a major Cash4Kids fundraiser...
The National Ice Centre has launched its most ambitious Christmas programme to date, transforming the iconic Nottingham venue into a festive wonderland throughout December 2025.
With ice skating offering the perfect Christmas family activity, affordable family tickets start from just £35 for three people and £46 for four. From skating with professional hockey stars to a K-pop disco night and traditional public skating experiences, this year's calendar promises something magical for every age.
The festive season officially launched when Nottingham Forest Netball players illuminated the venue in November, marking the start of over 50 skating sessions running throughout December 2025.
Experiences include:
Santa's Grotto (21-23 December) – £20 per child
Step into a snow-dusted winter wonderland where children meet Santa, sip hot chocolate, craft festive artwork, write letters to the North Pole, and receive a special Christmas gift - all before hitting the ice for a magical skating session.
Themed Parent & Toddler Sessions
- Santa's Friends: 22 December, 9:30-10:30am
- Princess & Superheroes: 2 January, 10-11am
Under-5s skate free in these calm, enchanting sessions designed for tots and their grown-ups. Pushchairs are welcome on ice, and supportive equipment helps little ones find their balance.
UK First: K-pop Hits the Ice (15 December, 7-8pm)
Next month, the National Ice Centre becomes the first UK skating venue to host a dedicated K-pop disco night, responding to the explosive growth of Korean pop culture among British youth. Skaters will glide to chart-topping hits from BTS, BLACKPINK, and other K-pop sensations, with a pop-up store and photo card trading adding to the experience.
"We've had overwhelming requests from young people for a K-pop skating experience," says Kaylie Bickle, Ice Sports Operations Manager. "This is uncharted territory for UK ice rinks, and we're thrilled to be leading the way. The response has been incredible – we expect this session to sell out quickly!"
Skate with the Nottingham Panthers (19 December, 5:45-6:45pm)A rare opportunity for fans to glide alongside their hockey heroes. This popular annual session sells out quickly - early booking is essential for aspiring players and Panthers supporters alike.
The Great Santa Skate for Mission Christmas (22 December, 7-8pm)The venue has significantly expanded its support for Bauer Media's Mission Christmas: Cash4Kids appeal, with The Great Santa Skate returning on 22 December. Hundreds of Santa-suited skaters will take to the ice to raise vital funds for children across Nottinghamshire experiencing hardship.
The centre is also accepting donations of new, unwrapped gifts until 17 December, with collection boxes at the main entrance. More information on how you can help here.
Christmas Holiday Club (21-23 & 29-30 December) – £35 per day
Keep children aged 7-13 entertained with full days of supervised skating, crafts, games, and festive activities from 8:30am-5:30pm. The perfect solution for busy parents during the Christmas break.
Daily Festive Skating
Throughout December, the rink sparkles under twinkling lights as skaters glide to Christmas classics. Beginner-friendly lessons and public sessions ensure everyone, from first timers to confident skaters, can experience the joy of ice skating this season.
"Christmas at the National Ice Centre always feels special, and this year we've created our most magical line-up yet," says Bickle. "From charity skating and festive lessons to K-Pop and the return of Santa's Grotto – anyone can skate and we're excited to welcome Nottingham onto the ice this holiday season."
The centre's inclusive, affordable programming reinforces its position as a central festive hub for Nottingham families, offering memorable experiences for all ages and abilities.
For bookings and full programme details, visit national-ice-centre.com.
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