Celebrate the Magic of Christmas at Clarks Village Ice Rink, Somerset – An Unmissable Winter Experience for 2024

As the festive season draws near, there’s an undeniable magic in the air that stirs excitement in the hearts of Christmas enthusiasts. Lights twinkle a little brighter, hot cocoa tastes a little richer, and joy fills every corner of town.

This year, Somerset’s Clarks Village is once again transforming into a winter wonderland with the return of its much-loved festive ice rink. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just looking for a heartwarming experience, Clarks Village Ice Rink promises a season full of cheer, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Location, Dates, and Times – All You Need to Know

Nestled in the stunning grounds of the Alfred Gillett Trust, adjacent to the bustling Clarks Village outlet in Somerset, this real-ice rink is ready to offer its guests an enchanting experience. Now in its third year, the rink is returning bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendars: the ice rink will open its doors on Thursday, 14th November 2024, kicking off a magical holiday season.

Open for a remarkable seven-week period, the ice rink will remain a central part of Clarks Village’s festive celebrations until Sunday, 5th January 2025. The skating sessions last 45 minutes each, and there’s no need to worry about unpredictable weather – the rink is fully covered and offers a joyous experience come rain, shine, or even snow.

For those eager to make the most of the holiday festivities, here’s a handy schedule breakdown:

  • Opening Date: Thursday, 14th November 2024

  • Closing Date: Sunday, 5th January 2025

  • Key Dates:

    • Christmas Eve: Open

    • New Year’s Eve: Open

    • New Year’s Day: Open

You can easily pre-book your skate sessions to ensure you secure a spot. Skate hire is included, making it hassle-free to dive into the fun. The rink is also fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can join in the festive spirit.

A Winter Wonderland Beyond Ice Skating

Clarks Village is renowned for being a prime shopping destination with over 90 top designer and high-street brands offering up to 60% off RRP. It’s no surprise that visitors from across the South West and beyond flock to this popular outlet for their Christmas shopping needs.

But there’s more to Clarks Village than just its shops. A delightful lineup of eateries and seasonal activities provides a full day of entertainment. After a few spins on the rink, you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate or treat yourself to a delicious meal. Located conveniently within the outlet’s restaurant terrace, you’ll find everything you need for a perfect winter’s day out.

A visit to Clarks Village during this period is not just about ticking off your Christmas shopping list – it’s about creating special memories with family and friends. The entire village will be adorned with festive decorations, filling the air with the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas.

Enjoy Christmas Shopping with a Festive Twist

For those who love to combine fun activities with their holiday shopping, Clarks Village is the ultimate destination. Picture this: after gliding gracefully on the ice, you can stroll around the outlet, picking up fantastic deals from some of the most popular brands. You’ll find everything from luxury beauty products to stylish fashion staples.

Some of the exciting new additions for 2024 include global beauty brand Rituals, iconic fashion brand French Connection, and menswear specialist MOSS. If you're looking to refuel after a busy day of skating and shopping, there are a variety of eateries to choose from, including the much-anticipated wagamama restaurant, and Slim Chickens, an authentic American-style restaurant.

Plan Your Perfect Day Out

Wondering how to make the most of your trip to Clarks Village Ice Rink? Here’s a sample itinerary to ensure you soak in all the festive fun this season:

  1. Morning: Arrive Early and Skate First! Arrive at Clarks Village early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the freshest ice. Start with a magical 45-minute skate session, where you can take in the picturesque surroundings and glide gracefully across the real ice.

  2. Mid-Morning: Warm Up and Refuel After your session, warm up with a hot drink or a hearty brunch from one of the many restaurants within the outlet’s dining terrace. A cup of rich hot chocolate or a festive treat will get you right into the holiday spirit.

  3. Late Morning: Christmas Shopping Once you're recharged, it’s time for some serious Christmas shopping. Whether you’re looking for stocking fillers or splurging on that special gift, Clarks Village’s collection of stores offers incredible bargains that will delight even the most discerning shoppers.

  4. Afternoon: Festive Lunch Treat yourself to a festive lunch at one of the many restaurants in Clarks Village. With new culinary additions like wagamama and Slim Chickens, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

  5. Early Evening: Wind Down and Soak in the Ambiance As the sun sets, the twinkling Christmas lights come to life, illuminating the entire village in a magical glow. Grab a cozy spot by one of the festive displays or indulge in a sweet treat as you take in the serene holiday atmosphere.

Why Clarks Village is a Must-Visit This Christmas

Clarks Village Ice Rink offers the perfect blend of traditional Christmas fun and modern-day convenience. Whether you’re local to Somerset or planning a festive getaway, it’s the ideal spot for families, friends, or couples looking to celebrate the season in style.

Here are just a few reasons why you won’t want to miss this event:

  • Real Ice Skating: There’s something inherently magical about skating on real ice, and Clarks Village delivers this authentic experience in a charming festive setting.

  • All-Weather Fun: Come rain, shine, or snow, the undercover ice rink ensures that your festive plans won’t be ruined by the unpredictable British weather.

  • Wheelchair Friendly: Accessibility is at the heart of this event, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festive fun.

  • Prime Location: With the ice rink set in the beautiful historic grounds of the Alfred Gillett Trust, adjacent to a top-tier shopping outlet, you’ll have everything you need for the perfect festive day out.

How to Book Your Tickets

Booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Tickets will be available from Wednesday, 2nd October 2024, with members of Clarks Village’s PLUS+ free rewards club having exclusive early booking access on Tuesday, 1st October. Simply visit the Clarks Village website to secure your spot.

For those keen to enjoy the best of both worlds – festive fun and holiday shopping – there’s no better place than Clarks Village Ice Rink. Whether you’re making new memories with loved ones or reviving treasured traditions, this magical experience promises to make your 2024 holiday season one to remember.

So, what are you waiting for? Dust off your skates, bundle up in your warmest scarves, and head to Somerset for an unforgettable Christmas experience at Clarks Village Ice Rink. Let the countdown to Christmas begin!


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