Lidl on Ice FAQs
When is the Ice Rink open?
26th Nov 2022 - 3rd Jan 2023, opening times vary - please see session times.
Who can visit the Ice Rink?
Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink is open to everyone! All skaters to public sessions must be taller than 1.1m. Any toddlers or kids under this height can attend our toddler focused sessions. Please see session times for your suitable slot.
We will also hold Late Skate sessions and Chill sessions - see details further down
What should I wear?
Wrap up warm! It is Scotland in Winter. The Ice Rink is covered so skating can take place in any weather.
Best to wear thick socks to increase comfort in the skates
Are there toilets?
Yes - toilets will be located on the George St site for all ice rink visitors to use. There will be an accessible toilet and baby change facilities available.
Make sure to visit the toilets before your session, you cannot go to the toilet whilst in skates.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome to the wider site but cannot go into the boot room or on to the ice rink. If someone is coming along to spectate, your dog can happily join them in the viewing area.
Do you have lockers?
Yes we have lockers available for storing valuables or bags. These require a non-refundable token costing £2.00.
Coins only or you can buy tokens via Card at the Skate Desk. First come First served basis.
Can I take photos?
Spectators can take photos of skaters from the viewing areas. Phones are advised to be away during skating. Edinburgh's Christmas are not responsible for damage to phones whilst on the ice.
What happens in bad weather?
Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink is an outdoor event but the ice rink is fully covered by an open sided marquee structure. So whatever the weather and rain we will be able to skate.
The Ice Rink will be closed in extreme circumstances and in accordance to our wind and weather management plan. Should this ever occur, customers will be notified as soon as possible as to the cancellation of their session and offered to book on to another session. See Ticketing T&Cs section below.
26th Nov 2022 - 3rd Jan 2023, opening times vary - please see session times.
Who can visit the Ice Rink?
Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink is open to everyone! All skaters to public sessions must be taller than 1.1m. Any toddlers or kids under this height can attend our toddler focused sessions. Please see session times for your suitable slot.
We will also hold Late Skate sessions and Chill sessions - see details further down
What should I wear?
Wrap up warm! It is Scotland in Winter. The Ice Rink is covered so skating can take place in any weather.
Best to wear thick socks to increase comfort in the skates
Are there toilets?
Yes - toilets will be located on the George St site for all ice rink visitors to use. There will be an accessible toilet and baby change facilities available.
Make sure to visit the toilets before your session, you cannot go to the toilet whilst in skates.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome to the wider site but cannot go into the boot room or on to the ice rink. If someone is coming along to spectate, your dog can happily join them in the viewing area.
Do you have lockers?
Yes we have lockers available for storing valuables or bags. These require a non-refundable token costing £2.00.
Coins only or you can buy tokens via Card at the Skate Desk. First come First served basis.
Can I take photos?
Spectators can take photos of skaters from the viewing areas. Phones are advised to be away during skating. Edinburgh's Christmas are not responsible for damage to phones whilst on the ice.
What happens in bad weather?
Edinburgh's Christmas Ice Rink is an outdoor event but the ice rink is fully covered by an open sided marquee structure. So whatever the weather and rain we will be able to skate.
The Ice Rink will be closed in extreme circumstances and in accordance to our wind and weather management plan. Should this ever occur, customers will be notified as soon as possible as to the cancellation of their session and offered to book on to another session. See Ticketing T&Cs section below.
TICKETING
Session and Ticket Options?
Session schedule can be found here.
All skates tickets include skate hire.
Skate aids (penguins) can be additional booked alongisde your ticket purchase or hired at the ice rink (subject to availability).
Your session lasts 40 minutes. You must arrive 15 minutes before your session to make time to get your skates on and ready to go on the ice.
There is an onsite box office at the George St site where tickets can be purchased.
Can I come and watch the skating?
Yes - there is no entry fee for the wider site, people are more than welcome to come and watch the skaters.
Can my child skate and I watch?
All children under 12 years old MUST be accompanied by adult on the ice.
If your child is over 12 then they can go on the ice and you can watch from the viewing area.
Do you have concession tickets?
Yes - we offer concession tickets for U16s and over 65s
Can I make a group booking?
There is no maximum amount of tickets you can buy in the same booking. We advise all people within the same booking arrive together for ease of checking tickets and numbers.
Can I change the time or date of my visit?
Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
Do I need to print/bring my ticket?
You need to bring your QR code along with you, this is sent via email and can be pulled up and checked off via your phone.
I can't find my ticket in my email?
If you cannot find your ticket, try and search "assemblyfestival"
Our FoH team can search for the customer name in which the booking was made at the entrance to the ice rink as well, although you have to make sure you are arriving to the correct session, date and time.
Do you have specific sessions for young children under 1.1m height?
Yes - we will be running "Toddler" Sessions. These can be found on the main schedule. These sessions are for wee tots and their grown up to come and enjoy the ice rink. The session will be run at a smaller capacity and we have bob skates available which can go over the shoes of your little ones. For Toddler Sessions, all children must be accompanied by at adult. We will also have staff on hand to assist and help your little ones skate. You and your family will skate along to a special Christmas playlist with all the children's favourites!
Do you have relaxed sessions available?
Yes - we will be running relaxed " Chill" Sessions throughout the festive season for those who want to enjoy them. The Chill sessions are designed for anyone (child or adult) who experiences sensory overload, sensory processing difficulties or autism, and are adapted to allow them to enjoy the Edinburgh's Christmas skating experience in a more relaxed environment.
These sessions will be open to arrive earlier to allow plenty time to get your skates on, music and lighting will be set to a more ambient level with no flashing or moving lights, the ice rink will run at a reduced capacity and we will have additional staff on hand to assist and teach people to skate with confidence.
Ticket prices can be found in the ticket section but are at a set price and will not be raised over peak dates.
What happens if a session is cancelled?
If you session is cancelled due to extreme circumstances, our Box Office team will aim to contact you regarding your ticket and offer options that may include an exchange or refund depending on the situation.
Updates on weather forecasts will be sent out via our social media channels including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
I can't make my time slot?
Unfortunately, this will fall under the non-refundable and non-exchangeable T&Cs.
Session schedule can be found here.
All skates tickets include skate hire.
Skate aids (penguins) can be additional booked alongisde your ticket purchase or hired at the ice rink (subject to availability).
Your session lasts 40 minutes. You must arrive 15 minutes before your session to make time to get your skates on and ready to go on the ice.
There is an onsite box office at the George St site where tickets can be purchased.
Can I come and watch the skating?
Yes - there is no entry fee for the wider site, people are more than welcome to come and watch the skaters.
Can my child skate and I watch?
All children under 12 years old MUST be accompanied by adult on the ice.
If your child is over 12 then they can go on the ice and you can watch from the viewing area.
Do you have concession tickets?
Yes - we offer concession tickets for U16s and over 65s
Can I make a group booking?
There is no maximum amount of tickets you can buy in the same booking. We advise all people within the same booking arrive together for ease of checking tickets and numbers.
Can I change the time or date of my visit?
Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.
Do I need to print/bring my ticket?
You need to bring your QR code along with you, this is sent via email and can be pulled up and checked off via your phone.
I can't find my ticket in my email?
If you cannot find your ticket, try and search "assemblyfestival"
Our FoH team can search for the customer name in which the booking was made at the entrance to the ice rink as well, although you have to make sure you are arriving to the correct session, date and time.
Do you have specific sessions for young children under 1.1m height?
Yes - we will be running "Toddler" Sessions. These can be found on the main schedule. These sessions are for wee tots and their grown up to come and enjoy the ice rink. The session will be run at a smaller capacity and we have bob skates available which can go over the shoes of your little ones. For Toddler Sessions, all children must be accompanied by at adult. We will also have staff on hand to assist and help your little ones skate. You and your family will skate along to a special Christmas playlist with all the children's favourites!
Do you have relaxed sessions available?
Yes - we will be running relaxed " Chill" Sessions throughout the festive season for those who want to enjoy them. The Chill sessions are designed for anyone (child or adult) who experiences sensory overload, sensory processing difficulties or autism, and are adapted to allow them to enjoy the Edinburgh's Christmas skating experience in a more relaxed environment.
These sessions will be open to arrive earlier to allow plenty time to get your skates on, music and lighting will be set to a more ambient level with no flashing or moving lights, the ice rink will run at a reduced capacity and we will have additional staff on hand to assist and teach people to skate with confidence.
Ticket prices can be found in the ticket section but are at a set price and will not be raised over peak dates.
What happens if a session is cancelled?
If you session is cancelled due to extreme circumstances, our Box Office team will aim to contact you regarding your ticket and offer options that may include an exchange or refund depending on the situation.
Updates on weather forecasts will be sent out via our social media channels including Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
I can't make my time slot?
Unfortunately, this will fall under the non-refundable and non-exchangeable T&Cs.
ICE SKATING INFORMATION
Are skate aids available?
Yes we have skate aids in the form of penguins available to hire for anyone who needs a wee hand to skate confidently. These are not suitable for anyone over 1.2m for safety reasons.
These can be booked online ahead of your session for £5 as an additional purchase to your ticket. There will be a limited number available at the rink for each session. These are subject to availability and on a first come first serve basis. Skate aids must be returned at the end of your session.
Skate sizes?
Skate sizes range from a Children's size 8 (european 25) to an adult size 15 (european size 50)
Can I bring my own skates?
Of course! If you have your own skates you are more than welcome to bring them along.
Skates must be deemed suitable for skating on our rink and the Ice Rink team reserve the right to refuse use of skates if not deemed suitable. Edinburgh's Christmas are not liable for any issues that arise from using personal skates.
You may need to pay for a locker to store your shoes if there is not a suitable space available for them.
Yes we have skate aids in the form of penguins available to hire for anyone who needs a wee hand to skate confidently. These are not suitable for anyone over 1.2m for safety reasons.
These can be booked online ahead of your session for £5 as an additional purchase to your ticket. There will be a limited number available at the rink for each session. These are subject to availability and on a first come first serve basis. Skate aids must be returned at the end of your session.
Skate sizes?
Skate sizes range from a Children's size 8 (european 25) to an adult size 15 (european size 50)
Can I bring my own skates?
Of course! If you have your own skates you are more than welcome to bring them along.
Skates must be deemed suitable for skating on our rink and the Ice Rink team reserve the right to refuse use of skates if not deemed suitable. Edinburgh's Christmas are not liable for any issues that arise from using personal skates.
You may need to pay for a locker to store your shoes if there is not a suitable space available for them.
Ice T&Cs
Please keep in mind that ice skating, although a wonderful Christmas experience, is a sport and you undertake this at your own risk.
If you are not comfortable on the ice, it is at your own discretion to purchase a ticket and you will not be refunded if you come off the ice early or do not enjoy the skating experience on the ice.
The ice rink and site management teams reserve the right to refuse anyone deemed intoxicated or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. This is primarily for your safety but also for the safety of those around you.
We have bars available but these are for use after skating, please be aware of this. If you are refused entry to the ice rink you will not be refunded or your ticket exchanged.
Do you have first aid?
Yes, we will have professional event first aid on site at all session times.
Is the ice real?
100% real, no synthetic ice is used within our rink.
If you are not comfortable on the ice, it is at your own discretion to purchase a ticket and you will not be refunded if you come off the ice early or do not enjoy the skating experience on the ice.
The ice rink and site management teams reserve the right to refuse anyone deemed intoxicated or under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. This is primarily for your safety but also for the safety of those around you.
We have bars available but these are for use after skating, please be aware of this. If you are refused entry to the ice rink you will not be refunded or your ticket exchanged.
Do you have first aid?
Yes, we will have professional event first aid on site at all session times.
Is the ice real?
100% real, no synthetic ice is used within our rink.
FOOD & DRINK
Is there food and drink available?
Yes we will have one of our festive food traders and bars at the George St site for you to enjoy after your skate.
These will be located at the Castle St end of the site and the bar will be located within the viewing platform.
The bar will offer a selection of cold and hot drinks including festive treats and non alcoholic warmers.
Any alcohol sales will be for consumption on site only and in accordance to licensing laws. All out bars operated a Challenge 25 policy so please be sure to bring ID.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Visitors cannot bring food or drink from anywhere external to the wider site.
Can I pay with cash?
All our festival sites will operate CARD ONLY payment systems.
Can I visit the Ice Rink site without a ticket to skate?
Yes - all other areas of our site are free to enter but are subject to site wide capacity.
Are there any other attractions at the Ice Rink site?
Yes - we will have a couple of festive fun fair rides for families and children to enjoy. Tickets for these can be purchased at the ride.
Yes we will have one of our festive food traders and bars at the George St site for you to enjoy after your skate.
These will be located at the Castle St end of the site and the bar will be located within the viewing platform.
The bar will offer a selection of cold and hot drinks including festive treats and non alcoholic warmers.
Any alcohol sales will be for consumption on site only and in accordance to licensing laws. All out bars operated a Challenge 25 policy so please be sure to bring ID.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Visitors cannot bring food or drink from anywhere external to the wider site.
Can I pay with cash?
All our festival sites will operate CARD ONLY payment systems.
Can I visit the Ice Rink site without a ticket to skate?
Yes - all other areas of our site are free to enter but are subject to site wide capacity.
Are there any other attractions at the Ice Rink site?
Yes - we will have a couple of festive fun fair rides for families and children to enjoy. Tickets for these can be purchased at the ride.
ACCESSIBILITY
I am a wheelchair user. Can I skate?
Manual and motorised wheelchairs are welcome to skate on the ice. Please contact a member of our team ahead of booking your tickets on [email protected]
Is there ramp acess and accessible toilet facilities?
Yes - access to our ice rink and site is via ramp access which will be at the appropriate gradient for wheelchair access and have sufficient railings for anyone who requires support.
There will be an accessible toilet available at the ice rink for those who require it. This will also have baby change facilities.
Relaxed sessions are available for those who would find this more enjoyable
Edinburgh's Christmas also has a small selection of sensory backpacks available for hire. The backpacks come in two sizes, one for adults and one for children. Each one contains a fidget toy, earplugs, chewable toy, stress reliever and ear defenders. These items are designed to help users relax and overcome stressful or intense situations. Look for the Sensory Backpack logo on the information points to collect and return the backpacks. We ask that you return the backpack and ear defenders - the rest is yours to keep. We will always aim to accommodate any additional access requirements as best possible. If you ever wish to contact someone regarding your personal access requirements, then please contact [email protected]
Is there disabled parking?
Unfortunately, there are no specific parking spaces for our Edinburgh's Christmas sites including the Ice Rink.
Is there seating around the event?
There is seating available across some areas of the site. Should someone need a rest from skating they can pop to the Skates Off section if needed.
Our ice rink team are always there to help and assist if required.
I have a carer/PA - can they attend with me?
Yes - carers/PAs can come free. These tickets must be arranged via our access booking, please contact [email protected]
TRAVEL & PARKING
Where is the Ice Rink?
Our ice rink is located at our George St site, this is on George St between Charlotte Sq and Castle St.
You can get here via most public bus routes into the centre of town and is a short walk from the Princes St tram stops and Waverley Station.
Manual and motorised wheelchairs are welcome to skate on the ice. Please contact a member of our team ahead of booking your tickets on [email protected]
Is there ramp acess and accessible toilet facilities?
Yes - access to our ice rink and site is via ramp access which will be at the appropriate gradient for wheelchair access and have sufficient railings for anyone who requires support.
There will be an accessible toilet available at the ice rink for those who require it. This will also have baby change facilities.
Relaxed sessions are available for those who would find this more enjoyable
Edinburgh's Christmas also has a small selection of sensory backpacks available for hire. The backpacks come in two sizes, one for adults and one for children. Each one contains a fidget toy, earplugs, chewable toy, stress reliever and ear defenders. These items are designed to help users relax and overcome stressful or intense situations. Look for the Sensory Backpack logo on the information points to collect and return the backpacks. We ask that you return the backpack and ear defenders - the rest is yours to keep. We will always aim to accommodate any additional access requirements as best possible. If you ever wish to contact someone regarding your personal access requirements, then please contact [email protected]
Is there disabled parking?
Unfortunately, there are no specific parking spaces for our Edinburgh's Christmas sites including the Ice Rink.
Is there seating around the event?
There is seating available across some areas of the site. Should someone need a rest from skating they can pop to the Skates Off section if needed.
Our ice rink team are always there to help and assist if required.
I have a carer/PA - can they attend with me?
Yes - carers/PAs can come free. These tickets must be arranged via our access booking, please contact [email protected]
TRAVEL & PARKING
Where is the Ice Rink?
Our ice rink is located at our George St site, this is on George St between Charlotte Sq and Castle St.
You can get here via most public bus routes into the centre of town and is a short walk from the Princes St tram stops and Waverley Station.