For an ice way to beat the winter blues, why not get your skates on and head out to one of the open air ice rinks that have cropped up in the region?

If you’re skating in the open air, it’s advisable to wrap up warm, with plenty of layers and, if possible, a waterproof jacket. Gloves and thick socks would also be a good idea.

Outdoor rink the Ice Cube returns to Millennium Square, Leeds, in the New Year, complete with a new look.

Gearing up for its 12th year, the Ice Cube has been given a makeover, responding to feedback from visitors in previous years, and among the changes are a smaller, more family-focused main rink running alongside a nursery rink for younger children.

Prices have been reduced and the booking system revamped to allow sessions to be booked in advance.

Other changes include two new additional features – a 30-metre dry slope ‘Snow Slide’ toboggan run offering an adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers, and a bobsleigh simulator, providing a first-hand experience of the speed, twists and turns of one of the world’s most thrilling winter sports.

Until January 8, you can skate on the huge outdoor rink set in the beautiful parkland of the Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park, a 2,000-acre country estate near Wetherby and Harrogate.

While there you can visit the Enchanted Forest, a mixture of theatre and fantasy, ski on the Nordic cross-country ski trail, or lose yourself in the huge illuminated maze.

York’s Ice Factor has a new location at McArthur Glen’s York Designer Outlet, celebrating its seventh successive season in the historic city.

Also on until January 8, the Ice Factor’s 900sqm real ice rink will be turned into a Winter Wonderland-style village square, flanked by heated skate hire area, a cafe/bar and marquees. And it’s all surrounded by log cabins and an illuminated forest with reindeer, while a 30ft giant Christmas tree stands in the centre of the rink.

Hit ITV show Dancing On Ice returns to our screens on January 8, which will no doubt boost interest in Bradford Ice Arena.

Contestants from previous series of the popular show – including Pudsey actress Hayley Tamaddon, who was crowned winner of the 2010 series, and Wibsey actor Chris Fountain who was runner-up in 2008 – have trained at the city’s ice rink.

The venue, which traditionally enjoys a surge of people taking to the rink while Dancing On Ice is running, and in the weeks after the show has finished, runs general sessions and family sessions reserved for beginner skaters and families.

There is also a disco session with lights and loud music transforming the rink into a groovy venue.

Watching world-class skaters in razor-sharp blades scraping across a frozen stage at startling speeds is quite a thrill, and from January 22 to 29 you can do just that at Sheffield Motorpoint Arena, which is hosting the European Figure Skating Championships.

While you’re in Sheffield, why not take a winter wander around the South Yorkshire city? Built on seven hills, it is described as one of the greenest cities in Europe, with more than 200 parks, gardens and woodlands, and many canalside walks and nature trails.

Factfile

* Stockeld Park Christmas Adventure is on the A661 halfway between Wetherby and Spofforth. Entrance is free, and visitors pay for the activities they choose, including skating, Nordic skiing and entering the Enchanted Forest or Snowflake Maze. Each activity costs £7 for adults, £6 for children, plus £2 skating supplement. Alternatively, you can try all activities for £15 for adults, £13 for children.

* Ice Cube runs at the Millennium Square, Leeds, from Friday, January 27, to Sunday, February 26. To book, call 0844 8471523. For general inquiries and group bookings, call (01653) 619169 or visit theicefactor. co.uk.