On Thursday 12 November the Christmas Tree lights will be switched on at Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland when YorkMix hosts a very special preview evening.
But who should join us to turn the lights on?
We’re on the hunt for a young person who’s a local hero to join the YorkMix team as we turn on the lights and start off the skating season.
The winner will need to be available from 6:30pm until 8pm on Thursday 12 November 2026.
Nominate your star below
All about Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland
Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland – the multi award-winning outdoor ice rink, funfair and Santa’s Grotto – returns to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet York from Friday 13th November 2026 to Sunday 3rd January 2027.
York’s favourite festive event is home to the North of England’s largest outdoor ice rink, with 975 sq m of real ice and a showstopping 30ft high Christmas tree at its centre.
This year the rink has a landscaped woodland scene as its backdrop, featuring giant trees edged with ever-changing colourful neon ropes bringing them to life, as well as glowing Christmas Bauble trees, creating a stunning setting for skating under winter skies.
With the latest ice-making technology, the extra-thick glistening rink is flanked by the après-skate Chalet café and terrace as well as the skate hire marquee, decorated with vintage alpine posters and photographs and even a cow-bell or two to set the scene.
The funfair offers fun for all ages. For speedsters and thrill-seekers there’s the ever-popular Waltzer, a Miami as well as a ‘twist-and-scream’ Twister. And making a welcome return is everybody’s favourite – the Brooklands Dodgems dating from 1937, a vintage masterpiece from the golden era of fairgrounds.
The cosy rinkside café and bar The Chalet is the perfect place to warm up before or after your skating session, or for non-skaters to relax and watch all the action, with the outdoor terrace bringing you even closer to the thrills and spills of skating.
This year The Chalet takes on a new look with red-shuttered windows, and inside a fireplace with sheepskin-covered stools around coffee tables create an authentic Alpine look. The cafe offers winter-warming food and sweet treats, a range of hot and cold drinks including mulled wine or hot chocolate, and is fully licensed.
As evening draws in, the lights dim and the Chalet morphs into an apres-skate bar hosting live music nights, as well as theme nights such as Fizz & Fondue, and Acoustic & Aperol. Private parties can also be arranged for skaters and non-skaters alike.
Outside the Chalet be sure to visit the new Marshmallow Pits with real roaring fires for toasting delicious gooey marshmallows!
The German Grill ‘bratwursterie’ is sure to tickle the taste buds with the scent of grilling gourmet sausages and mulled wine.
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. (Santa is an additional cost – please book separately).
Visit www.yorkshireswinterwonderland.com for further details.
Closing date
- Sunday 8 November – winner will be selected and informed they have won on Monday 9 November 2026.
Terms and conditions
- The winner will need to be available from 6:30pm until 8pm on Thursday 12 November 2026.
- One entry per person/per location
- Winners will be drawn at random after the closing date
- Winners will be contacted directly either email or telephone
- There are no cash alternatives, no refunds or exchanges available.
- Prizes can’t be exchanged refunded or transferred to another person
- Entrants must be UK residents and aged 18 or over
- Eligibility T&Cs apply
- The judge’s decision is final.