Ice rinks at Selfridges Trafford Centre and Spinningfields

Whether you’re a skating pro or bear more a resemblance to Bambi on the ice, there’s no doubt Manchester’s outdoor ice rinks will be popular destinations throughout the festive period. Set against the Trafford Centre’s grand exterior, Selfridges’ rink is no exception. This year, the all-new covered set-up means you can get your skate on whatever the weather, as you glide along under the  Christmas lights, providing you with the perfect place to cool off from the hectic shopping. Launching on Thursday 14 November, Matt and Maria from Dancing On Ice will be showing everyone how it’s done as they perform on the rink, before Soul II Soul legend Jazzie B takes over for an exclusive DJ set to soundtrack your skating.

Thu 14 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 2014, Selfridges, Trafford Centre, Barton Dock Road, M17 8DA, Mon – Wed 12pm – 10pm, Thu – Fri 12pm – 11pm, Sat 9am – 10pm, Sun 11am – 7pm, £9 peak tickets, £7 off-peak, www.style.selfridges.com

Or if you’re looking to get your skate on a little closer to the city centre, Spinningfields’ ever-popular ice rink is also now open daily until Monday 6 January, situated on The Lawns. Complete with a rinkside helter skelter, escape the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Markets and practice some festive shapes on the ice, before warming up at the pop-up festive village with a well-earned drink at the Long Bar.

Fri 8 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 2014, Tel: 0161 820 9718, The Lawns, Spinningfields, M3 3JE, Mon – Fri 3pm – 9pm, Sat – Sun 10.30am – 9pm, £9 peak tickets, £8 off-peak, www.spinningfieldsicerink.co.uk