Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland was officially opened and the light show switched on by a young hero last night.
The popular attraction, featuring the Ice Factor outdoor skating rink, vintage funfair and Santa’s Grotto, is now open at York Designer Outlet.
And it all got underway at the private preview yesterday (Thursday) in which Noah Farrar, aged seven, was guest of honour.
YorkMix readers and YorkMix Radio listeners will know Noah as the incredibly brave boy from Carlton, near Selby, who has already undergone 50 operations for a series of serious conditions.
Despite all his health problems, he never stops smiling – and that smile was broader than ever when, helped by Mixie The Monster, York Town Crier Ben Fry, and YorkMix Radio presenters Laura Castle and Victoria Charles, he turned on the lights.
That was followed some brilliant skating by young professional skater Shannon Hebditch to get the party started.
And then the guests, including YorkMix Radio competition winners, got to take to the ice themselves.
Sadly, it was so mild today that the ice rink couldn’t open for the first day of the season. But it was due to be back operational tomorrow (Saturday).
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland has been a regular Christmas attraction at York Designer Outlet since 2010 but was cancelled last year due to government Covid restrictions.
This year will mark its 16th season in York.
The popular vintage funfair features five rides. Speed and thrills await on the 1936 Speedway, the 1937 Brooklands Dodgems or the stunning 1930s Chair-o-Plane, while Muffin the Mule and Hush Hush the train will delight children, as will the games stalls offering prizes galore.
Christmas would not be the same without a visit to Santa and his elves. Visitors can follow the path through the snowy enchanted woodland to find his cosy log cabin and collect a special gift.
And of course, York Designer Outlet is the perfect place to tackle the Christmas shopping.
Booking info
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland will be open from Friday 19th November 2021 to Sunday 9th January 2022.
Tickets for a one-hour skating session at The Ice Factor are priced at £11.95 for adults and £10.95 for children and concessions. Family packages are available.
Booking is recommended for skating at The Ice Factor, either through yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or directly at ticketsource.co.uk/theicefactor – booking fee applies.
Tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. Penguin and Snowman skating aids can be hired on site; pre-booking is not available.
Visits to Santa’s Grotto are priced at £5 per child with a £1 family booking fee, and can be booked at yorkdesigneroutlet.com. A reservation is required to visit Santa but can be made on the day, subject to availability.
