Frequently asked questions

The event

Elfingrove is back and it’s bigger, snowier and glowier than ever before. Get ready to make Ice Magic in the UK’s biggest ice track, a custom designed and fully covered rink set against the spectacular backdrop of an illuminated Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. 

This year we have a bigger rink, a separate toddler rink dedicated for the wee ones, and our beautiful Snow Wheel. 

We're offering special feature skate sessions, including Skate with Santa and Skate Schools for those who feel a bit like Bambi on ice. 

There's also three new food and drink offerings - Candyland, bookable Skate Side Dining and the Apres Skate Bar. 

Our Silent Snow Disco also returns alongside a world-class skating experience and, a dedicated spectator area. 

Elfingrove kicks off on the 24th of November and runs through until Sunday 8th Jan.

Elfingrove is magical for all ages, great for families, date nights, catch ups with pals, Christmas parties with a twist, skaters, non-skaters, those who want to learn to skate at our Skate School, take a spin on our Snow Wheel, dance at the Silent Snow Disco or just enjoy one of the most fascinating spectator sports with a drink and bite to eat. 

In a nutshell, Elfingrove is for anyone who wants to make Ice Magic this Christmas

Although the ice track is covered, the sides are open to the elements (and we’re in Scotland!) so wrap up warm and dress for the weather. Wear thick ankle socks for extra comfort and don’t forget your gloves!  

Skate hire is included in your ticket price. 

Yes, there will be toilets, including accessible and baby changing facilities around Elfingrove, all of which will be regularly cleaned. There is only one toilet available when you are in your skates so make sure you nip to the loo before you start your session!  

We’re really sorry but no pooches (except assistance dogs) are allowed. The event is busy, has flashing lights and lots of sounds, so while it’s great fun for humans, it won’t be a nice experience for your canine pals. 

Small over the shoulder bags that can be put under your coat are fine to skate with. Rucksacks, backpacks or larger handbags can be dangerous to you and other skaters so will not be allowed on the ice. We'd suggest you avoid skating with any breakable or precious items.  

Yep - we have lockers available for storing valuables or bigger items, these have a non-refundable token costing £2 and are available after skate exchange. Card payment only

Yes!  Elfingrove will have loads of amazing photo opps so have your camera ready for more selfie opps than you can shake a candy cane at.  

Just note, bigger things like selfie sticks, large cameras, video cameras, tripods or audio recording devices are not allowed on the ice for safety reasons. 

Elfingrove is an outdoor event but the ice track is fully covered by our beautiful see-through roof. So no matter the weather, you'll still be able to skate! Our festive food and drink village will also have plenty of covered seating areas but it is a Scottish winter, so get your favourite coat, hat and scarf on and wrap up warm! 

Elfingrove will only be cancelled in extreme circumstances that would make it unsafe for us to go ahead. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, but if we do have to cancel the event we’ll email you to let you know as soon as we make the decision, and a full refund will be issued. 
For information on refunds visit our Refund and Cancellation FAQs section. 

Ticket information

Book your skate and snow wheel tickets in advance to guarantee your dates and lock in the best price!  

All skate tickets include skate hire and are inclusive of booking fees.  

  • Timed entry from 10am – 9pm, on the hour  
  • Your skate session lasts 40 minutes – you must arrive 15 minutes before your session to make sure you have plenty of time to get your skates on and get on the ice! 
  • The onsite box office is on Argyle Street and is open daily. Opening 30 minutes prior to the first skating session and closing at 9pm.  

Yes! These can be purchased online, are available for all sessions, and will also be available onsite. These are priced at an additional £6 per adult (13+ years) and £5 per child (up to 12 years). 

As skate slots start prompt on the hour, please go on the Snow Wheel in advance of your skate session, or afterwards.  

We have a section just off the main rink which has been created especially for the little ones this year. Bob skates will be provided, which are fitted over closed-toe shoes. It will be for under 5’s with one accompanying adult and a skate aid, the tickets will be first come first served on the day and priced at £6. The toddler rink is a small but dedicated area that will let wee ones slide and glide safely with an accompanying adult. 

No, if you're not heading onto the ice and just want to enjoy some food and drink while spectating, entry is free and you don't require a ticket; subject to capacity. 

If you are planning to skate, the best way to ensure you can enjoy the Elfingrove experience (and get the best price) is to book tickets in advance.   

Under 5s are welcome - you can buy a ticket for the toddler rink on the day for £6 which includes bob skates and entry to the toddler rink for an accompanying adult – or they can spectate or enjoy the Silent Snow Disco. 

The toddler rink is a small but dedicated area to allow wee ones to allow wee ones to slide and glide safely. 

Adults do not need skates for the toddler rink – but would need a skating ticket if they want to go on the main ice track themselves. 

Under 5s unfortunately aren’t allowed on the main ice track. 

All infants and children (12 and under) must be accompanied by an adult at the event and on the ice, but there is an area for those to enjoy spectating their wee ones and accompanying adult. 

We don’t offer concession tickets, but Super Earlybird tickets are available from as little as £8.  

Yes – Elfingrove is a great experience to share with friends and colleagues. You can purchase up to 50 tickets at a time online. For any purchases above 50 please contact elfingrovegroups@itison.com to arrange. 

We have a host of group and private booking options, as well as pre-bookable Skate Side Dining – a one of a kind restaurant overlooking the ice! 

Unfortunately tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable unless the event is cancelled. 

No! Our motto has always been “The fewer trees cut down to make paper… the more trees to hang Christmas lights on!” You can do your bit for the environment and show it on your phone. 

Check the My Orders section of your itison account – if you can’t see your tickets there, please contact our customer support team at elfingrove@itison.com and they’ll do their best to help. 

You must arrive 15 minutes before your designated time to give you time to get your skates on! Skating strictly starts on the hour shown on your ticket. 

What are the other skating sessions?

Will Santa be there? 

  • Yes – Santa and his elves are joining us for some very special skate sessions – we’re very excited! 

How much does it cost?  

  • Our Skate with Santa sessions are £20 adult (13+ years) / £18 child (5 to 12 years). 
  • Limited tickets, subject to availability, can be purchased on the day at the box office and are £22 adult (13+ years) / £20 child (5 to 12 years). 

How long does each session last?   

  • Our Skate with Santa sessions are 40 minutes long. You must arrive 15 minutes before your session is due to start to get your skates on. The rink opens at the time stated on your ticket. 

What’s included and when are they? 

  • A 40-minute skate session in the UK’s biggest ice rink, enjoying classic Christmas and party tunes, and the chance to meet and take your picture with Santa! 
  • Skate with Santa sessions are available at 10am on the 19th-24th December. 

Can Santa skate? 

  • No, sadly not. We’ve been trying to teach Santa to skate for a while now but his legs are as wobbly as a bowl full of jelly!  
  • To save him from breaking a leg, or two, he’ll be slowly bobbing around the rink, where you’ll be able to get a picture.  

What is Skate School? 

  • Skate School is the chance for you to learn how to skate or brush up on your techniques if you’re a bit rusty! Our expert teachers will be on hand to teach you the fundamentals of skating with plenty of tips and advice to have you skating like a pro in no time. Child Skate School is suitable for children 5 to 12 years. Adult Skate School is suitable for 13 plus years.  

How much does it cost?  

  • Skate School is £15 for children and £25 for adults including skate hire. Skate School tickets are only available to purchase in advance, no tickets will be available at the box office on the day.  

How long does each session last?   

  • Skate School is 40 minutes long. You must arrive 15 minutes before your session is due to start to get your skates on. The rink opens at the time stated on your ticket. 

How many people are in the class?  

  • Skate Sessions are small group sessions with no more than 15 people at a time. 

When is Skate School? 

  • Child Skate School 8.15am  
  • Adult Skate School 9am 
  • 3rd/4th/10th/11th/17th/18th/23rd/24th/30th/31st Dec/ 7th/8th Jan 

What is a relaxed session and who is it for?  

  • Our relaxed sessions are designed for autistic people and anyone with sensory processing difficulties to allow them to enjoy the magic of Elfingrove in a more relaxed environment. 

How much does it cost?  

  • Relaxed sessions cost from £8 for children and from £10 for adults 

How long does each session last?   

  • Relaxed sessions are available at 10am on the 29th/ 30th November and 8th/9th December.  

How busy will it be?  

  • Our relaxed sessions will be much quieter with a reduced capacity of 30% compared to other sessions. 

How noisy will it be? 

  • Sound will be adjusted to a more ambient level for a more relaxing Elfingrove experience.  

Will there be flashing lights? 

  • No, lighting will be adjusted to a more ambient level with no flashing or moving lights during our relaxed sessions. 
Ice skating

Yes! For £5 you can pick up a penguin or whale to help little skaters on the ice.  

Please note: Numbers are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. They cost £5 and are suitable for children under 1.2 metres tall. Unfortunately, anyone over 1.2m will not be able to hire a skate aid for safety reasons. 

The smallest skating boot is a child’s size 8 (European size 25), this will fit children aged approximately 5 years. The largest skating boot is adult size 15 (European size 50). 

Yes! Skate hire is included in the ticket price, but if you have your own set of shiny ice skates feel free to use them instead. 

Please note: Skates must be deemed suitable. The itison Ice Team reserve the right to stop skaters wearing their own skates if they’re not deemed suitable for the experience, we won’t be liable for any issues that arise from using your own skates.  

itison Ice Team are unable to offer a skate sharpening service. 

To keep everyone safe, just remember Ice-skating is a sport which you undertake at your own risk. 

We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who we believe to be intoxicated. You will not be allowed on the ice if you have consumed alcohol. This is for your safety and the safety of others.  

If you are planning to have a drink at the bar or are part of a private party or group, please skate first, grab a drink later. Don’t end up on the naughty list! 

Yes you can! Entry to the site will be available on the day subject to capacity. 
Entry to Elfingrove is free and open for everyone to come in to spectate, grab a bite to eat or drink, have a spin on our Snow Wheel or enjoy the Silent Snow Disco – all available to book on the day.  
Our bookable Skate-Side Dining will also give you a chance to enjoy the best seats in the house overlooking the ice.  
Limited skate tickets may be available at the box office (subject to availability) however we advise booking your tickets in advance for best price and to avoid any disappointment.  

No - please free to bring your own knee/elbow pads or gloves if you prefer. 

Yes – we will have first aid throughout the event.  

Elfingrove ice rink is made of real ice and not synthetic interlocking panels.  

Snow wheel

The Snow Wheel is 15 meters high, which is half the size of Ferris Wheels featured in George Square in previous years. The cabins are partially enclosed and designed to give you a great view over Elfingrove. 

The wheel is suitable for all ages - any children under 1.3m must be accompanied by an adult. Babes in arms can be taken on board for free. 

Although we hope the weather will only give us a light dusting of snow ... it is Glasgow. Please be aware we might need to close the wheel for short periods of time due in instances of particularly bad weather. Your safety is our absolute priority. 

Refunds and cancellations

We’ll only cancel the event in extreme circumstances. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, but if we do have to cancel the event we'll email you to let you know as soon as we make the decision, and a full refund will be issued 

If the event is cancelled for any reason, you’ll be able to get your choice of a refund or a ticket to a postponed date (if we choose to postpone the event). If you choose to receive a refund, your ticket will be refunded by itison via your original payment method. 

Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable unless the event is cancelled. 

Food & drink

Yes! You can enjoy festive food & drink in an epic covered bar area that is the perfect spot to cosy up with friends and family – it’s also prime viewing for our world class ice rink with Kelvingrove’s incredibly lit facade as a backdrop.  

Head to the Apres Skate Bar, book our Skate Side Dining for the best seat in the house overlooking the ice rink, or get a sugar rush at Candyland for all things sweet. Find out more.

There will be vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available. 

Yes, we’re building an incredible bar* with loads of space to enjoy a warming drink and a bite to eat.  

Please note: We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who we believe to be intoxicated. This is for your safety and the safety of others. 

*Subject to confirmed licence. ID will be required to purchase alcohol and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.  

We’re afraid food and drink from outside is not permitted into the event. 

Yes, it is card payments only at Elfingrove. Cash payment will not be accepted. 
 

Yes, there will be space at the event to spectate or enjoy festive food and drink, however this is subject to capacity each day. 

Accessibility

Yes, manual and motorised wheelchair users are welcome to skate at Elfingrove - please make sure to contact the team ahead of booking your tickets so we can ensure you’re booked in for a session which will allow you to enjoy the experience in a full and safe way. 

Please book a slot by contacting elfingrove@itison.com. We also have two manual wheelchairs available – these are first come first served.  

Yes, mobility scooters are permitted. Please make sure to contact our team at elfingrove@itison.com ahead of booking your tickets so we can ensure you're booked in for a session which will allow you to enjoy the experience in a full and safe way. 

Yes, we have disabled access and toilet facilities available on site. Manual and motorised wheelchair users are welcome to skate at Elfingrove. For more information contact elfingrove@itison.com  

Please note: From 5th – 11th December we are delighted to be working with PAMIS to provide a Changing Places on Elfingrove. Changing Places toilets are in addition to standard accessible toilets and are designed to meet the needs of people with complex care needs.  

New for this year, we have also introduced Relaxed Sessions for those with additional sensory needs to enjoy Elfingrove in a quieter and more chilled environment. Find out more here. 

Yes, there is limited disabled parking on the site for Blue Badge holders on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the carpark is operated by City Parking.  

There will be some seating around the event and our team will always be there to lend a hand if needed.  

A disabled person purchasing a ticket may bring one carer free of charge, subject to availability and only when booked in advance. To arrange a carer ticket, please email elfingrovecarers@itison.com quoting your purchased ticket code. Please also ensure you bring a valid form of identification with you on the day.
Accepted forms of identification are: 

  • Entitlement to Disability Living Allowance for children under 16 or DLA/Personal Independent Payments (PIP) for those aged 16-64, either in the form of a letter stating that the benefit has been awarded, or the actual Allowance book 
  • Attendance Allowance or Carer's Allowance letter of award 
  • Incapacity Benefit books, or a letter notifying the recipient that the benefit has been awarded 
  • Incapacity Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) 
  • A valid Blue Badge 
  • In the case of visual impairment, a registration card known as the BD8 or a Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) 
  • A local authority registration document which is local to the attraction where it is being submitted 
  • A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card 
  • Credibility’s Access Card 
  • A recognised Assistance Dog ID Card 

Our aim is to make Elfingrove as inclusive and sensory-friendly as possible. 

This year we are excited to introduce relaxed sessions, which are designed for adults and children who prefer a quieter and more chilled environment, whilst still having festive fun! This session is suitable for autistic people, those with learning disabilities or other sensory and communication needs. Our aim is to create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. 

We are lighting up the dark and gloomy winter nights so we will have numerous lights in and around Elfingrove, as well as in the Silent Snow Disco. 

There will be flashing lights – but we will have no strobe lights. 

If you have light sensitivity issues such as epilepsy, please email elfingrove@itiosn.com if you need any further information. 

Travel and parking

There is limited on-site parking at Kelvingrove Museum as well as a nearby car park on Bunhouse Road beside the Kelvin Hall and at Kelvinbridge Subway Station, Ashton Road, Berkeley Street and Riverside. Please leave plenty of time to get to the event. 

There are also loads of other great hassle-free ways to get to the event: 

Nearest Subway stations: Kelvinhall and Kelvinbridge Subway Stations are 10-minute walks.  
 
Park & Ride: Kelvinbridge, Bridge Street and Shields Road  
 
Nearest train stations: Partick, Exhibition Centre  
 
First Bus 4, 77, 3 and 2 routes (or check the best route for you)  

There will be a limited number of blue badge parking spaces available each evening on a first come first served basis operated by City Parking. 

Additional bike racks are also being installed at the front of Kelvingrove Museum.  

Or walk here – Kelvingrove Museum is very central and easily accessed from the City Centre and the West End.

If you must drive, please be mindful that Kelvingrove is a residential area with already limited neighbourhood parking. Please be considerate and avoid permit parking bays and adhere to local parking regulations. 

The entrance to Elfingrove is located on Argyle Street. 

Sustainability

We recognise that events of all types will have an impact on the areas they are set in, and here at itison we take our carbon footprint and our contribution to protecting our environment seriously. We aim to promote sustainability across all areas of Elfingrove and improve year on year. Read more below about the steps we have taken. 

  • We’ve limited single use plastics on site and will recycle all food and catering waste 
  • We reuse previous year’s scenic elements as much as possible. This helps reduce items going to landfill at the end of the event. 
  • We’re asking attendees to use digital tickets over paper to reduce paper use 
  • We have a blanket ban on merchandising - we’ve been working with Trading Standards, GCC and the police to discourage unlicenced street vendors outside Elfingrove. Frustratingly we have no control over them or the plastic products they retail.   
  • We install more bins in and around the site and encourage visitors to use these waste points for litter 
  • We have a full-time cleaning crew as part of the team 


  • We work with suppliers to use the most efficient generators available 
  • We use an electronically controlled generator system which responds to load requirements. So, at low use period such as overnight we will operate with minimum generators running. 
  • The majority of lights powering Elfingrove are LEDs, typically drawing 90% less power than traditional lighting, with the technology improving all the time 


  • We always encourage ticketholders to use active travel and public transport to get to the event. We continue to push these messages in our communication efforts and actively discourage travelling by car  
  • We are working with SPT and First Bus to further encourage the use of public transport and park and ride sites. We do this by messaging directly to ticket holders and through our own, and our travel partner's social media 
  • We follow best practice guidelines created for dark sky environments 


No – we’ve been working with Trading Standards, GCC and the police to discourage unlicensed street vendors outside Elfingrove, and strongly advise that you avoid purchasing the plastic and non-sustainable merchandise sold off site by street vendors. The things they sell are very bad for the environment.   

Kelvingrove Museum and park

Yes, the Museum will open at its normal hours. Any other events happening within the museum during the run will not be affected. Kelvingrove park will remain open throughout.   

Get in touch

For all media enquiries, please contact Toni Lally or Olivia Gibbons on itisonpr@itison.com  

If you have any questions please get in touch on elfingrove2022@itison.com 

We are recruiting now! We're on the hunt for talented individuals to join the Elfingrove 2022 team. Are you: 

  • Great with people 
  • Passionate about amazing experiences 
  • Experienced in events, creative or hospitality sectors or keen to start your career in major events 
  • Looking for flexible working that can fit round other commitments; plus great training and competitive pay. 

Check out our range of roles and apply now http://apply.itison.com/apply/