Glasgow welcomed the beginning of the festive season as it saw the Christmas Lights Switch On on Sunday, November 20. This meant the official inauguration of Christmas market season for this year, and every other Christmas-related activity out there. While we haven’t put up our Christmas trees just yet, the time to enjoy Glasgow’s superb ice rinks has come. So, here’s our list of the best ice rinks in Glasgow for this holiday season.
1. Elfingrove
Argyle St, Glasgow G3 8AG
One of the most anticipated events and ice rinks in Glasgow, located on the grounds of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Elfingrove, is returning for another year, and we cannot wait. Starting up from November 24 and going all the way until Christmas eve On December 24, Elfingrove will see the UK’s biggest ice rink in action. The creation will witness Scotland’s largest outdoor ice-skating experience, inspired by the Rockefeller ice rink and designed by a world class team behind the likes of ITV’s Dancing on Ice. There will also be a large Snow Wheel with Venetian chairs offering guests splendid vistas over Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Moreover, there will be a toddler ice rink as well as a Silent Snow Disco with candy to make everyone’s day. You can book your tickets here.
2. George Square Ice Rink
George Square, Glasgow
From December 1, George Square Christmas Fair will be inviting visitors for a glide on the central ice rink. Ice skaters will be invited for a 45-minute session every hour, where up to 150 guests will be making some well-earned Christmastime memories. George Square will also see a 33-metre-high observation wheel with Venetian chairs boasting urban views of central Glasgow. On top of all the festive action, you can also expect plenty of street food vendors, a Bavarian swing grill and a festive-themed bar. You can book your ice rink tickets here, and if you’d prefer a more neurodivergent friendly ambience with reduced noise and less people, you can book a ticket here.
3. Braehead Ice Centre
Braehead Arena, Renfrew, King’s Inch Road, Glasgow G51 4BN
It’s official: Braehead Ice Centre is open for public skating this winter, where visitors can skate long the home of the ice hockey team, Glasgow Clan. Located at Braehead Shopping Centre, the ice rink is open during Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm until 5:30pm. And on Fridays, an Ice Disco rocks the grounds of Braehead Ice Centre between 7pm and 9pm, with skaters being able to skate to some sweet tunes and maybe even drop a dance move or two. You can book your tickets here.
4. The Time Capsule Ice Rink
100 Buchanan St, Coatbridge ML5 1DL
Located in Coatbridge, The Time Capsule ice rink is back with the waterpark’s festive programme, alongside its Christmas markets. Visitors will get the chance to skate for an hour an a half, with the ice rink being open from midday during the weekends and with fluctuating opening times throughout the week, as well as a different opening schedule during school holidays. And during the weekends between November 27 and December 18, there will be Christmas market stalls near the ice rink from 12pm until 4pm. For the full schedule and further info, you can head over here.