It's always a sign that Christmas can't be far off when the annual outdoor skating rink makes its return to Newcastle so, take note, the date for the diaries this year is almost upon us.
Whether you are one of the thousands keen to have a winter whirl on the ice or are just happy standing with a hot drink in hand watching people fall over, the Centre for Life’s ice rink is an eagerly-awaited treat.
When it comes to seasonal signposts, the Skating@Life rink has worked its way up the festive charts to be right up there with Fenwick’s window, which is being unveiled on Friday, November 1 with plenty of fanfare.
Next it will be the ice rink's turn to launch and it is due to open to the public on Saturday, November 9, giving skaters plenty of practice time to build up their proficiency before Christmas.
And, running up until January next year, it is also set to prove a perfect answer to any post-Christmas blues.
Here's everything you need to know about skating at the Centre for Life.
When does it open and how long is it on for?
It will open on November 9, 2019 and run until February, 2020 (except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day)
Note: It has special skating events on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and usually also Valentine's Day if you want to plan ahead for a romantic whirl.
Do I need to book?
No - unless you're in a party of 10 or more. Otherwise just turn up and pay at reception on the day.
However, booking (online) will be essential for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: see below.
How long should I set aside for a visit?
An hour. But visitors might also want to take the opportunity of checking out the indoor attractions at Life too, although a height restriction applies to these. Plus there will be a Santa's Grotto in Times Square during December weekends and on December 23.
Do you have to be able to skate?
Not much of a Torvill or Dean and fear you'll be mistaken for doing a Bambi impersonation when you step onto the ice? Fear not, Life’s experienced ice marshals will be there to encourage and support anyone scared to let go of the barrier. And there will be special quiet sessions available for young ones too. See below.
What ages?
It's for all ages. It promises some great family fun.
What are its opening times?
Until January 5 - daily 10am-9pm (last skate session 8pm) save for:
Christmas Eve, December 24 and New Year's Eve, December 31 - 10am-4.45pm which will require booking. See below.
Except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day - closed
Timings beyond January 5 and up to February 23 have yet to be released.
And please note that the rink might close in the case of bad weather or a private booking.
Besides special sessions available for Christmas Eve and New Year's, see here for the quiet Sunday morning nursery sessions for young children.
How much is it?A family ticket (two adults and two children or one adult and three children) is £27; Adult (18-plus) £10; Child aged five to 17 years £7.50; Child aged four and under £3; Concession (over-60, student, unwaged) £9.
New Year's Eve - the same price as above will apply. Book here.
Christmas Eve - skating sessions on December 24 will be more expensive. These cost £12 for adults and £9.50 for children; £3 for fours and under; £11 concessions and £30 families. See here.
While booking online there's also the option of adding a warm drink or glass of fizz to the skating ticket order.
Tickets are available to buy now online in advance for sessions until January 5 - buy them here - while those for or ice skating between January 6 and February 23 will be made available online soon.
