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It's turning icy at York Designer Outlet as construction begins on Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland!
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There's a chill in the air at York Designer Outlet as construction of York's popular festive event, Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland gets underway. The Ice Factor outdoor skating rink, vintage funfair and Santa's Grotto make a welcome return to York, opening on Friday 19th November.
The team behind the event for the last 16 years commenced the three week build on Monday working with many local suppliers. The build starts with a platform for the ice rink delivered by Acorn Scaffolding from Sherburn. Coopers Marquees from York then build the marquees for the skate hire and café whilst local joiner, Dan Bulmer, creates walls, steps and cabins to make the event look beautiful. And York-based Camel Event Productions bring the space to life with lighting and sound. Ice Aid, from Redcar, started work on Wednesday alongside Carrier International. This team are responsible for building the ice itself so special attention is paid to the waterproof liner and piping which was laid out this week in readiness for the chillers to start making ice!
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Lead organiser of the event, Georgina Wood said "We are thrilled to be working once again with this team of contractors who have done this event with us for many years. Bringing an event of this size together is like a jigsaw and we have the best team to help us make it the brilliant live event that our customers have all come to know!"
The popular vintage funfair also returns to Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland, with five exquisite rides all erected by hand over a two-week period. 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, with over 100 favourite premium brands including Coach, Nike, Ted Baker, Molton Brown and many more for up to 60% less than the RRP. Those travelling in groups can also enjoy a special Christmas cheer with an additional 10% discount at participating stores when they pre-book online (yorkdesigneroutlet.com).
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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 event made its debut as The Ice Factor on the Eye of York in 2005. Surrounded by illuminated trees, log cabins, the rink side cafe and the colourful vintage funfair, this magical setting makes for the perfect festive experience for all ages.
Booking Information:
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 for families of three, four or five. Tickets for parents and toddlers aged 4 and under are priced at £11.95 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 at The Ice Factor, either through www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or directly at www.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 www.yorkdesigneroutlet.com. A reservation is required to visit Santa but can be made on the day, subject to availability.
Tokens for the vintage funfair can also be purchased on site at £3 per person per ride/game stall. For full details of prices and times visit www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com or call 07985 331802.