Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions
The event

WinterFest kicks officially opens on Sat 25th of November, tickets available online for Mon 27th of November through until Sunday 7th January. 

  • Monday – Wednesday: 11am – 10pm (last skate session 9pm). 
  • Thursday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm (last skate session 9pm). 
  • Closed Christmas Day (Monday 25th December). 

Yes, there will be toilets, including accessible facilities around WinterFest.   

Small over the shoulder bags and backpacks are fine to skate with. Rucksacks, bigger 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.   

No, bags that are too big to be taken on the ice can be left in the skate-change area at your own risk. 

WinterFest is an outdoor event, but the ice rink is fully covered. So, no matter the weather, you'll still be able to skate!  

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

Ticket information

Across WinterFest, children are considered to be under 1.2m. Adults are 1.2m or taller.
Skate, Giant Wheel and combo tickets – book your tickets in advance to guarantee your spot and get the best price!
All skate tickets include skate hire and are inclusive of booking fees.

  • Timed entry from 10am (Thu-Sun) and 11am (Mon-Wed) until 9pm, on the hour
  • Your skate session lasts 45 minutes – you must arrive 15-30 minutes before your session to make sure you have plenty of time to get your skates on and get on the ice!
  • Giant Wheel tickets can be used during your visit to George Square, any time before or after your skate session, up to 9.30pm

Yes! These can be purchased online and are available for all sessions. These are priced at an additional £6 per adult (1.2m+) and £4 per child (under 1.2m). 

We don’t offer concession tickets, but Super Early bird tickets are available from as little as £5. 

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

No! 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 winterfest@itison.com and they’ll do their best to help. 

You must arrive 15-30 minutes before your designated time to give you time to get your skates on Skating strictly starts on the hour shown on your ticket. 

Yes – entry to WinterFest is free and open for everyone to come in to spectate! Children under 1.2m are permitted on the ice without an accompanying adult provided they know how to skate, and must have an adult skate-side supervising. Allowing your children to skate on their own, is at your own risk and discretion. 

Ice skating

Yes – the ice rink is made of real ice and not synthetic interlocking panels. 

Yes! For £3 you can pick up a skating aid. Please note: Numbers are limited and are on a first come, first served basis. 

The smallest skating boot is a child’s size 8 (European size 25). The largest skating boot is adult size 13 (European size 48). 

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

 

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

To keep everyone safe, remember ice-skating is a sport which you undertake at your own risk. The WinterFest Ice Team reserve the right to refuse anyone who they believe to be intoxicated. You will not be allowed on the ice if you consume alcohol. This is for your safety and the safety of others. If you’re planning to have a drink at the bar, please skate first and grab a drink later. Don’t end up on the naughty list! 

 

Giant Wheel

The Giant Wheel is 35m high with partially enclosed cabins, designed to give you a great view over George Square.  

 

The wheel is suitable for all ages - children under 1.2m should be accompanied by an adult. 

 

During peak times, cabins require a minimum of 4 people, and you may be asked to share. 

Refunds and cancellations

The ice rink and Giant Wheel will only be cancelled in extreme circumstances. Keep an eye our Facebook pages for updates. If the event is cancelled, we’ll email you to let you know as soon as the decision is made, and a full refund will be issued. 

 

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

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

Accessibility

Yes, manual and motorised wheelchair users are welcome to skate at George Square, and the Giant Wheel has one wheelchair accessible cabin. Please contact the on-site team ahead of booking your tickets so they can make sure you’re booked in for a session which will allow you to enjoy the experience in a full and safe way. Please book by contacting info@mneventsltd.com 

Yes, there is disabled access and accessible toilet facilities on site. 

A disabled person purchasing a ticket may bring one carer free of charge, subject to availability and only when booking in advance. To arrange a carer ticket, please email info@mneventsltd.com