Preparations underway at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland as HARIBO Goldbear arrives at the ice rink

It may have been a mild autumn, but it’s turned chilly at York Designer Outlet as construction of the outdoor ice rink at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is underway.

The countdown is on for the opening of the award-winning event this Friday, 15th November 2024, with festive fun guaranteed for all ages.

This Year, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland embraces the happy world of HARIBO.  The seasonal event welcomes the UK’s leading sweets manufacturer and one of Yorkshire’s largest employers as its headline sponsor to share some childlike happiness with York’s residents and visitors this Christmas. For over one hundred years, HARIBO has been creating much-loved sweet treats, and developing exciting new taste sensations - from Starmix to Tangfastics, Supermix to Giant Strawbs – to share for the world to enjoy! 

Adding to the merry mix will be the 30ft high HARIBO-themed Christmas tree which will sit in the centre of the rink topped with the HARIBO Goldbear to delight skaters and spectators alike.

Acclaimed by The Sunday Times last year as one of the most 'fabulously festive and magical' ice rinks in the country, the 975 sq m rink is the largest in the North of England and is surrounded by an illuminated woodland, the rink-side cafe and terrace as well as a viewing platform.  This year Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland will be using upgraded ice rink technology to provide a better skating experience and will also offer two additional skating sessions per day, as well as a Frequent Skater Pass for those wishing to make the most of the seven-week season.  Skaters can collect a stamp from the box office over five skating sessions and the 6^th visit is free!

As well as skating in the fresh winter air, Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland offers fun for all ages at the fairground with a Ghost House joining some thrilling modern rides this year, as well as everyone’s favourite the vintage Dodgems, children’s rides and game stalls offering prizes every time.

Beside the ice rink, the cosy alpine-themed Chalet café offers tasty winter-warming food and drinks as well as cakes and plenty of HARIBO sweets, while its outdoor terrace provides the perfect spot from which to enjoy a seasonal mulled wine or hot chocolate and witness at close hand all the thrills and spills of skating. 

New to the event this year is the outdoor German Grill where the scent of sizzling gourmet sausages and spiced drinks is sure to tickle the taste buds. The snowy woodland walk with its picnic tables and illuminated gingerbread men makes a festive outdoor eating area, leading to Santa’s cosy log cabin grotto where a warm welcome and a special gift for children awaits.

The festive retail offering at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is also increasing this year with the boutique Christmas market doubling in size from six cabins to twelve, offering gifts with a difference such as children’s clothing and toys, canine creations, handcrafted spirits and chocolates, and homemade Indian condiments to name just a few.  And of course, York Designer Outlet is the perfect place to tackle the Christmas shopping, with favourite premium brands for up to 60% less than the RRP.  For some last-minute Christmas treats, the HARIBO store offers a tasty selection of sweets that are perfect for sharing, parties and gifting – something for every occasion this Christmas.

Phil Murphy, Vice President, Marketing at HARIBO UK and Ireland said: “As a proud Yorkshire business, we’re always delighted to get involved in events close to our home in Pontefract and Castleford. Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland is a highlight in the local calendar, and the perfect place to find your Christmas happy. We look forward to bringing moments of childlike happiness and spreading festive joy to Yorkshire and beyond this Christmas.”

Georgi Wood, Event Organiser of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland also comments:

“We are delighted to welcome HARIBO as our headline sponsor for Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland.  HARIBO likes to bring happiness to all ages and so do we, so a fun collaboration lies ahead!  Goldbear will be the perfect festive topper for our Christmas tree and we’ll also have some fun new decorations and theming around the event, making Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland the ideal place for the Christmas selfie!”

Paul Tyler, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York comments:

“Christmas at York Designer Outlet just wouldn’t be the same without Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland.    For many families the event has become a fixture in their festive calendar with fun outdoor activities for all ages to enjoy, as well as the opportunity to tick off the Christmas shopping list!”

Booking Information:

Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland opens at 9.45am on Friday 15 November and closes on Sunday 5^thJanuary 2025.  Tickets for a 45-minute skating session at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland are priced at £14.95 for adults and £13.95 for children and concessions. Family packages are available for families of three, four or five. Tickets for parents and toddlers aged 4 and under are priced at £14.95 from Monday to Friday during term time.  Special packages are also available for parties, schools, clubs and youth groups, with discounts applying to groups of 20 or more.  

Booking is recommended for skating, especially at weekends and during the holidays, either through www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or directly at www.ticketsource.co.uk/theicefactor.  Online booking fee applies. Tickets can also be purchased on site once the event opens, subject to availability.  Penguin and Snowman skating aids can be hired on site for £5; pre-booking is not available. 

Santa will be returning to his Grotto this year and reservations can be made either through www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or directly at www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/York.  Tickets are priced at £6 per child (including gift) with a £1.50 family booking fee.  A reservation is required to visit Santa but can be made on the day, subject to availability.

Grotto Opening times are:

Weekdays, 15 & 22 November: 11am – 5pm; 25 November to 6 December: 11am – 5pm, 9 December to 20 December: 9.30am – 5pm.

Weekends, 16 November to 22 December: Saturdays: 9.30am – 6pm & Sundays 9.30am – 5pm

23 December 10am – 6pm

Christmas Eve: 10am – 3.00pm

Tokens for the funfair can be purchased on-site. For full details of prices and times visit www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com

For further information on McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York visit www.yorkdesigneroutlet.com