Elfingrove is back and it’s bigger, snowier and glowier than ever before. Get ready to make Ice Magic in the UK’s biggest ice track, a custom designed and fully covered rink set against the spectacular backdrop of an illuminated Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
This year we have a bigger rink, a separate toddler rink dedicated for the wee ones, and our beautiful Snow Wheel.
We're offering special feature skate sessions, including Skate with Santa and Skate Schools for those who feel a bit like Bambi on ice.
There's also three new food and drink offerings - Candyland, bookable Skate Side Dining and the Apres Skate Bar.
Our Silent Snow Disco also returns alongside a world-class skating experience and, a dedicated spectator area.
Elfingrove kicks off on the 24th of November and runs through until Sunday 8th Jan.
Elfingrove is magical for all ages, great for families, date nights, catch ups with pals, Christmas parties with a twist, skaters, non-skaters, those who want to learn to skate at our Skate School, take a spin on our Snow Wheel, dance at the Silent Snow Disco or just enjoy one of the most fascinating spectator sports with a drink and bite to eat.
In a nutshell, Elfingrove is for anyone who wants to make Ice Magic this Christmas
Although the ice track is covered, the sides are open to the elements (and we’re in Scotland!) so wrap up warm and dress for the weather. Wear thick ankle socks for extra comfort and don’t forget your gloves!
Skate hire is included in your ticket price.
Yes, there will be toilets, including accessible and baby changing facilities around Elfingrove, all of which will be regularly cleaned. There is only one toilet available when you are in your skates so make sure you nip to the loo before you start your session!
We’re really sorry but no pooches (except assistance dogs) are allowed. The event is busy, has flashing lights and lots of sounds, so while it’s great fun for humans, it won’t be a nice experience for your canine pals.
Small over the shoulder bags that can be put under your coat are fine to skate with. Rucksacks, backpacks or larger handbags can be dangerous to you and other skaters so will not be allowed on the ice. We'd suggest you avoid skating with any breakable or precious items.
Yep - we have lockers available for storing valuables or bigger items, these have a non-refundable token costing £2 and are available after skate exchange. Card payment only
Yes! Elfingrove will have loads of amazing photo opps so have your camera ready for more selfie opps than you can shake a candy cane at.
Just note, bigger things like selfie sticks, large cameras, video cameras, tripods or audio recording devices are not allowed on the ice for safety reasons.
Elfingrove is an outdoor event but the ice track is fully covered by our beautiful see-through roof. So no matter the weather, you'll still be able to skate! Our festive food and drink village will also have plenty of covered seating areas but it is a Scottish winter, so get your favourite coat, hat and scarf on and wrap up warm!
Elfingrove will only be cancelled in extreme circumstances that would make it unsafe for us to go ahead. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, but if we do have to cancel the event we’ll email you to let you know as soon as we make the decision, and a full refund will be issued.
For information on refunds visit our Refund and Cancellation FAQs section.
Book your skate and snow wheel tickets in advance to guarantee your dates and lock in the best price!
All skate tickets include skate hire and are inclusive of booking fees.
Yes! These can be purchased online, are available for all sessions, and will also be available onsite. These are priced at an additional £6 per adult (13+ years) and £5 per child (up to 12 years).
As skate slots start prompt on the hour, please go on the Snow Wheel in advance of your skate session, or afterwards.
We have a section just off the main rink which has been created especially for the little ones this year. Bob skates will be provided, which are fitted over closed-toe shoes. It will be for under 5’s with one accompanying adult and a skate aid, the tickets will be first come first served on the day and priced at £6. The toddler rink is a small but dedicated area that will let wee ones slide and glide safely with an accompanying adult.
No, if you're not heading onto the ice and just want to enjoy some food and drink while spectating, entry is free and you don't require a ticket; subject to capacity.
If you are planning to skate, the best way to ensure you can enjoy the Elfingrove experience (and get the best price) is to book tickets in advance.
Under 5s are welcome - you can buy a ticket for the toddler rink on the day for £6 which includes bob skates and entry to the toddler rink for an accompanying adult – or they can spectate or enjoy the Silent Snow Disco.
The toddler rink is a small but dedicated area to allow wee ones to allow wee ones to slide and glide safely.
Adults do not need skates for the toddler rink – but would need a skating ticket if they want to go on the main ice track themselves.
Under 5s unfortunately aren’t allowed on the main ice track.
All infants and children (12 and under) must be accompanied by an adult at the event and on the ice, but there is an area for those to enjoy spectating their wee ones and accompanying adult.
We don’t offer concession tickets, but Super Earlybird tickets are available from as little as £8.
Yes – Elfingrove is a great experience to share with friends and colleagues. You can purchase up to 50 tickets at a time online. For any purchases above 50 please contact elfingrovegroups@itison.com to arrange.
We have a host of group and private booking options, as well as pre-bookable Skate Side Dining – a one of a kind restaurant overlooking the ice!
Unfortunately tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.
No! Our motto has always been “The fewer trees cut down to make paper… the more trees to hang Christmas lights on!” You can do your bit for the environment and show it on your phone.
Check the My Orders section of your itison account – if you can’t see your tickets there, please contact our customer support team at elfingrove@itison.com and they’ll do their best to help.
You must arrive 15 minutes before your designated time to give you time to get your skates on! Skating strictly starts on the hour shown on your ticket.
Will Santa be there?
How much does it cost?
How long does each session last?
What’s included and when are they?
Can Santa skate?
What is Skate School?
How much does it cost?
How long does each session last?
How many people are in the class?
When is Skate School?
What is a relaxed session and who is it for?
How much does it cost?
How long does each session last?
How busy will it be?
How noisy will it be?
Will there be flashing lights?
Yes! For £5 you can pick up a penguin or whale to help little skaters on the ice.
Please note: Numbers are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. They cost £5 and are suitable for children under 1.2 metres tall. Unfortunately, anyone over 1.2m will not be able to hire a skate aid for safety reasons.
The smallest skating boot is a child’s size 8 (European size 25), this will fit children aged approximately 5 years. The largest skating boot is adult size 15 (European size 50).
Yes! Skate hire is included in the ticket price, but if you have your own set of shiny ice skates feel free to use them instead.
Please note: Skates must be deemed suitable. The itison Ice Team reserve the right to stop skaters wearing their own skates if they’re not deemed suitable for the experience, we won’t be liable for any issues that arise from using your own skates.
itison Ice Team are unable to offer a skate sharpening service.
To keep everyone safe, just remember Ice-skating is a sport which you undertake at your own risk.
We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who we believe to be intoxicated. You will not be allowed on the ice if you have consumed alcohol. This is for your safety and the safety of others.
If you are planning to have a drink at the bar or are part of a private party or group, please skate first, grab a drink later. Don’t end up on the naughty list!
Yes you can! Entry to the site will be available on the day subject to capacity.
Entry to Elfingrove is free and open for everyone to come in to spectate, grab a bite to eat or drink, have a spin on our Snow Wheel or enjoy the Silent Snow Disco – all available to book on the day.
Our bookable Skate-Side Dining will also give you a chance to enjoy the best seats in the house overlooking the ice.
Limited skate tickets may be available at the box office (subject to availability) however we advise booking your tickets in advance for best price and to avoid any disappointment.
No - please free to bring your own knee/elbow pads or gloves if you prefer.
Yes – we will have first aid throughout the event.
Elfingrove ice rink is made of real ice and not synthetic interlocking panels.
The Snow Wheel is 15 meters high, which is half the size of Ferris Wheels featured in George Square in previous years. The cabins are partially enclosed and designed to give you a great view over Elfingrove.
The wheel is suitable for all ages - any children under 1.3m must be accompanied by an adult. Babes in arms can be taken on board for free.
Although we hope the weather will only give us a light dusting of snow ... it is Glasgow. Please be aware we might need to close the wheel for short periods of time due in instances of particularly bad weather. Your safety is our absolute priority.
We’ll only cancel the event in extreme circumstances. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates, but if we do have to cancel the event we'll email you to let you know as soon as we make the decision, and a full refund will be issued
If the event is cancelled for any reason, you’ll be able to get your choice of a refund or a ticket to a postponed date (if we choose to postpone the event). If you choose to receive a refund, your ticket will be refunded by itison via your original payment method.
Unfortunately, tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable unless the event is cancelled.
Yes! You can enjoy festive food & drink in an epic covered bar area that is the perfect spot to cosy up with friends and family – it’s also prime viewing for our world class ice rink with Kelvingrove’s incredibly lit facade as a backdrop.
Head to the Apres Skate Bar, book our Skate Side Dining for the best seat in the house overlooking the ice rink, or get a sugar rush at Candyland for all things sweet. Find out more.
There will be vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available.
Yes, we’re building an incredible bar* with loads of space to enjoy a warming drink and a bite to eat.
Please note: We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who we believe to be intoxicated. This is for your safety and the safety of others.
*Subject to confirmed licence. ID will be required to purchase alcohol and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
We’re afraid food and drink from outside is not permitted into the event.
Yes, it is card payments only at Elfingrove. Cash payment will not be accepted.
Yes, there will be space at the event to spectate or enjoy festive food and drink, however this is subject to capacity each day.
Yes, manual and motorised wheelchair users are welcome to skate at Elfingrove - please make sure to contact the team ahead of booking your tickets so we can ensure you’re booked in for a session which will allow you to enjoy the experience in a full and safe way.
Please book a slot by contacting elfingrove@itison.com. We also have two manual wheelchairs available – these are first come first served.
Yes, mobility scooters are permitted. Please make sure to contact our team at elfingrove@itison.com ahead of booking your tickets so we can ensure you're booked in for a session which will allow you to enjoy the experience in a full and safe way.
Yes, we have disabled access and toilet facilities available on site. Manual and motorised wheelchair users are welcome to skate at Elfingrove. For more information contact elfingrove@itison.com
Please note: From 5th – 11th December we are delighted to be working with PAMIS to provide a Changing Places on Elfingrove. Changing Places toilets are in addition to standard accessible toilets and are designed to meet the needs of people with complex care needs.
New for this year, we have also introduced Relaxed Sessions for those with additional sensory needs to enjoy Elfingrove in a quieter and more chilled environment. Find out more here.
Yes, there is limited disabled parking on the site for Blue Badge holders on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note the carpark is operated by City Parking.
There will be some seating around the event and our team will always be there to lend a hand if needed.
A disabled person purchasing a ticket may bring one carer free of charge, subject to availability and only when booked in advance. To arrange a carer ticket, please email elfingrovecarers@itison.com quoting your purchased ticket code. Please also ensure you bring a valid form of identification with you on the day.
Accepted forms of identification are:
Our aim is to make Elfingrove as inclusive and sensory-friendly as possible.
This year we are excited to introduce relaxed sessions, which are designed for adults and children who prefer a quieter and more chilled environment, whilst still having festive fun! This session is suitable for autistic people, those with learning disabilities or other sensory and communication needs. Our aim is to create a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
We are lighting up the dark and gloomy winter nights so we will have numerous lights in and around Elfingrove, as well as in the Silent Snow Disco.
There will be flashing lights – but we will have no strobe lights.
If you have light sensitivity issues such as epilepsy, please email elfingrove@itiosn.com if you need any further information.
There is limited on-site parking at Kelvingrove Museum as well as a nearby car park on Bunhouse Road beside the Kelvin Hall and at Kelvinbridge Subway Station, Ashton Road, Berkeley Street and Riverside. Please leave plenty of time to get to the event.
There are also loads of other great hassle-free ways to get to the event:
Nearest Subway stations: Kelvinhall and Kelvinbridge Subway Stations are 10-minute walks.
Park & Ride: Kelvinbridge, Bridge Street and Shields Road
Nearest train stations: Partick, Exhibition Centre
First Bus 4, 77, 3 and 2 routes (or check the best route for you)
There will be a limited number of blue badge parking spaces available each evening on a first come first served basis operated by City Parking.
Additional bike racks are also being installed at the front of Kelvingrove Museum.
Or walk here – Kelvingrove Museum is very central and easily accessed from the City Centre and the West End.
If you must drive, please be mindful that Kelvingrove is a residential area with already limited neighbourhood parking. Please be considerate and avoid permit parking bays and adhere to local parking regulations.
The entrance to Elfingrove is located on Argyle Street.
We recognise that events of all types will have an impact on the areas they are set in, and here at itison we take our carbon footprint and our contribution to protecting our environment seriously. We aim to promote sustainability across all areas of Elfingrove and improve year on year. Read more below about the steps we have taken.
No – we’ve been working with Trading Standards, GCC and the police to discourage unlicensed street vendors outside Elfingrove, and strongly advise that you avoid purchasing the plastic and non-sustainable merchandise sold off site by street vendors. The things they sell are very bad for the environment.
Yes, the Museum will open at its normal hours. Any other events happening within the museum during the run will not be affected. Kelvingrove park will remain open throughout.
For all media enquiries, please contact Toni Lally or Olivia Gibbons on itisonpr@itison.com
If you have any questions please get in touch on elfingrove2022@itison.com
We are recruiting now! We're on the hunt for talented individuals to join the Elfingrove 2022 team. Are you:
Check out our range of roles and apply now http://apply.itison.com/apply/