Thu. Dec 19th, 2024

Braintree Skating is back for Christmas

Braintree Village’s ice rink is set to return later this year as part of the Essex-based outlet’s Christmas celebrations, offering guests a truly magical skating experience for a second year.

Set to create an enchanting environment for guests to enjoy throughout the fun-filled festive season, the 550 metre undercover ice rink will open to the public on Thursday 7th November for over 8 weeks.

Featuring real ice, and designed and installed by Icescape, the custom-built ice rink will be located adjacent to the top of the North Car Park and will provide skaters with a captivating festive atmosphere for anyone looking to enjoy Christmas shopping.

Offering guests the perfect activity come rain, snow or shine, the rink will be open throughout the Christmas period, including Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day until Sunday 5th January, with pre-bookable 45-minute sessions and skate hire included.

Skaters and spectators will be able to warm up after their session in one of Braintree Village’s eateries, as well as finding the very best Christmas gifts at more than 75 premium brands offering up to 60% off RRP.

Josef O’Sullivan, Centre Director of Braintree Village, commented: “The ice rink was tremendously popular last Christmas with guests, both those who came especially to ice skate and those who added it onto their day out Christmas shopping. After the success of the ice rink’s first year, and the overwhelming demand for its return from our guests, it was a no brainer that it should return for 2024.

“It really is a magical addition to the outlet’s Christmas celebrations, giving guests the ultimate Christmas shopping experience whether they’re local or visiting from across the East of England and beyond.

“Our ice rink will be extra special this year as Braintree Village is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Watch this space for some exciting events to add a touch of festive sparkle to outlet shopping here this Christmas.”

Guests are advised to book their ice skating tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. Details of tickets and prices will be announced in the coming weeks.

For opening hours and more information please visit https://braintree-village.com/.

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

Read next