Sheffield city centre is getting an ice rink for the first time in more than a decade, alongside a new Christmas lights spectacular at Devonshire Green, as plans are revealed for an expanded festive programme this winter.
Christmas in Sheffield is set to look a little different this year, with an artificial ice rink coming to Tudor Square for the first time in over ten years.
The rink will be joined by a snow slide on Surrey Street, while a new Christmas lights event at Devonshire Green will round off the city’s festive opening weekend on Sunday 15 November.
The free, ticketed event will bring a new festive lights spectacle to Devonshire Green, marking the first time the area has been included in the city’s Christmas opening weekend celebrations. Details of how to get tickets are expected to be announced later this month.
The festivities officially kick off on Thursday 12 November, when Sheffield’s Christmas markets return with more than 50 cabins spread across Fargate, Pinstone Street and The Moor.
More than 80% of this year’s traders will be local businesses, with stalls offering everything from festive food and drink to gifts and handmade products.
The city’s Christmas opening weekend will follow on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November, bringing street entertainment, children’s characters, craft activities, live music and performances to the city centre.
There’ll also be plenty of festive sparkle beyond the usual spots, with Christmas illuminations extending across Haymarket, Fargate, Barker’s Pool, Surrey Street, Division Street, Pinstone Street, the Peace Gardens and Cambridge Street.
Cllr Ben Miskell, Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee, said: “Christmas in Sheffield is always special, but this year we’re making it bigger, brighter and better than ever, with more reasons to come into the city centre and enjoy everything Sheffield has to offer.
“I’m particularly excited that we’ll be bringing a Christmas lights spectacular to Devonshire Green for the first time. It will be a fantastic way to round off our opening weekend and bring even more festive atmosphere to this part of the city centre.
“The return of an artificial ice rink to Tudor Square for the first time in more than a decade is another really exciting addition and, alongside our fantastic Christmas Markets, live entertainment and activities throughout the season, there will be something for everyone.”
The festive programme will run throughout November and December and into January, with further details about the ice rink, Devonshire Green event and other activities expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
