Tickets for Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Ice Rink are on sale '“Â here's how to book them

Part of the city's famous Christmas market, the ice rink will be in place fromÂ Saturday, November 17Â to Wednesday, January 2, 2019.Â The ice rink will once again be covered in part by a roof, to guaranteeÂ a rain-free skate, and this year there will also be a Christmas tree in the centre of the rink toÂ fill skaters with festive cheer. The open sides of the rink enable skaters to enjoy the Ice Rink's unique setting under the shadow of the ancient and spectacular architecture of Winchester Cathedral and the highly popular Ice CafÃ© will again be selling festive treats as well as more traditional fayre. New for 2018 is the Ice Rink Silent Disco, offering skaters the opportunity to skate and dance to a choice of popular tracks using special headphones. The discos will be available at no extra charge on the 7pm & 8pm sessions each Tuesday and Thursday evening from November 17 toÂ December 20. The Opening Ceremony will take place at 6.30pm on Friday 16 November. The rink will be officially opened by the Mayor of Winchester and will include stunning skating displays to music and light by some of the country's most up and coming skating talent, carol singing with the Boy Choristers and much more. As ever the Ice Rink will be surrounded by the hugely popular Winchester Cathedral Christmas Market '“ which is frequently featured in the top ten Christmas Markets both nationally and internationally. It attracted almost 500,000 people over its five-week run last year. There will be more than one hundred festive chalets will abound offering a variety of gifts and a food court with indulgent treats to eat then and there and or take away and enjoy at home. The market runs from Sunday, November 17 to Sunday, December 20.Â Founded in 2006, and originally inspired by traditional German Christmas Markets Winchester Cathedral's Christmas Market isÂ now recognised as one of the best in Europe due toÂ its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. TicketsÂ '“ which include an hour's skating and skate hire '“Â are available from the Cathedral Box Office (01962 857276) and online by clicking the link here There areÂ numerous concessions and packages available, including Mums and Tots sessions for under 4's, children's parties, season tickets and inclusive food offers. Located at the heart of Winchester Cathedral's historic Inner Close, the Ice Rink is one of the highlights of Christmas in Winchester.Â