Ice rink to bring festive magic to West Northants this Christmas

23 September 2025

A brand-new covered real ice rink is set to bring festive sparkle to Northampton this winter, as plans are announced for a 14m x 22m rink in the town centre.

The rink will be open from Thursday 4 December 2025 through to Sunday 4 January 2026 (closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day), offering residents and visitors the chance to enjoy an unforgettable winter experience whatever the weather.

The attraction will feature family-friendly and corporate ticket packages, possible themed DJ sessions, lessons and early-bird offers, with more details set to be confirmed soon. A licensed bar and supplementary festive activities will run alongside the rink to create a vibrant seasonal hub.

Festive events will include:

• Christmas Lights Switch On, taking place on Saturday 22 November in the Market Square delivered by Northampton Town Council
• Small Business Saturday on Saturday 6 December, the dedicated national day to support local businesses, with a town-wide Grinch takeover led by Northampton BID
• “Carols on the Square” on Friday 13 December, with a local choir and singers
• Additional activities, including a festive grotto and further entertainment, soon to be announced as plans develop.

The largescale ice rink is being delivered by West Northamptonshire Council in partnership with Northampton Town Council, Northampton BID and Discover Northamptonshire. Sponsorship opportunities are also open for local businesses keen to support and benefit from the event. Please email [email protected] for further information.

"This is such an exciting addition to Northampton’s festive calendar. The ice rink will not only provide fun for families and visitors of all ages but will also give a real boost to our local economy, attracting people into the town centre to enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment. By working together with our partners, we’re creating a festive offer that really showcases the best of Northampton and supports our ambitions through Discover Northamptonshire to put the county on the map as a must-visit destination."Cllr James Petter, Deputy Leader of West Northamptonshire Council and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure

“Northampton Town Council is delighted to support the winter ice rink, which will give residents and visitors the chance to enjoy a wonderful festive experience in the heart of the town centre.

“We begin the countdown to Christmas in Northampton on the 22nd November with the lights switch on and we’re excited to be working with West Northants Council and the Northampton Town BID to make this festive season the best yet.”

Cllr Keith Holland-Delamere, Chair of the Community Services Committee

Santa’s Grotto in the Grosvenor Centre will launch on Saturday 22 November, then open at weekends throughout December. Delivered by Northampton BID, supported by Northampton Town Council.

The Northampton BID Golden Ticket giveaway, giving entrants the chance to win vouchers to spend in Northampton, will launch at the Fireworks event on November 1 and will run throughout November until 14 December.

A dedicated Christmas radio station will run throughout December. Delivered by NLive Radio and supported by Northampton BID.

“With the summer events season drawing to a conclusion, it’s now all systems go as we gear up for a cracker of a Christmas in our town centre. With Santa’s Grotto in the Grosvenor Centre, our ever-popular Golden Ticket giveaway and the addition of an impressive new ice rink in Market Square, we’d urge shoppers to get their skates on and put Northampton at the centre of their Christmas shopping experience this year.”Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton BID

Full ticketing details, special offers and event information will be announced in the coming weeks, including early bird offers. Stay updated by following WNC's Facebook account.