麻豆社

Spinningfields ice rink (c) Eric Wright

It's a traditional Yuletide image that adorns many a Christmas card: couples muffled in hats and scarves and skating effortlessly on a frozen lake on a crisp winter's day.

At both rinks, it's best to book a session in advance. Booking details can be found on the following websites:

Spinningfields

This year, Manchester's rink is at Hardman Boulevard at Spinningfields after a successful spell last year in Piccadilly Gardens.

You can book for an hour-long session and the cost includes skate hire. If you don't know where it is, Spinningfields is off Deansgate between Quay Street and Bridge Street.

Opening times: Sunday - Friday, 10am with last skate sessions at 9pm; Saturday, 9.30am with last skate session at 9.45pm. The ice rink is open on Boxing Day and New Year's Day, check with the Box Office for session times. Closed Christmas Day.

Salford

Salford's rink is on the lawns in front of the Civic Centre in Swinton and it's twice as big as it was in 2007.

At 45 minutes, each skate session is shorter than at Manchester but it is cheaper. It also includes the cost of skate hire.

The Salford rink is at Salford Civic Centre is on Chorley Road, Swinton, Salford M27 5FJ. Opening times: Sunday-Friday every hour from 12 - 8pm. Saturday every hour from 10am - 8pm.

Spinningfields ice rink is open until 4th Jan 2009. The Salford ice rink听 is on until 11 Jan 2009.