Preparations are full steam ahead in and around Newcastle for the upcoming festive season, and it seems it's never too early to enter into the spirit of the occasion.

Bringing some welcome cheer, this November will see the switch-on of the city's Christmas lights and opening of its Christmas market - hot on the heels of the unveiling of Fenwick's Window - along with the arrival of festive pop-ups. And there will be similar scenes repeated across the region.

Among the pop-ups will be ice rinks which are always a huge hit each year with all ages and there's nothing like wrapping up warm for some fresh-air skating to add a bit of colour to the cheeks and some fun to life. Whether you glide around the ice or stumble across it, skating is just about enjoying yourself and having a laugh and there will be a range pop-up rinks across the region this year - including weather-protected options - which cater for everyone from beginners up.

• Read more: Pop-up bar Moosenwirt announces Newcastle return with new festive treats at alpine village

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What's more, there are opportunities to get booking now. The open-air rink at Life in Newcastle opens as early as next weekend, while there are other options available to book in advance of their opening later in the month.

Unfortunately, it seems there won't be any skating at Newcastle Racecourse this season as it has said the Winter Wonderland attraction, which brought an ice rink alongside other family attractions to Gosforth Park over the past few years, will not be back for its seasonal run this time.

Beamish Museum has yet to reveal any news on whether its own popular pop-up will be back at its County Durham site. Nor is there any information yet about a potential return of the outdoor rink at Manor Walks shopping centre in Cramlington where it was accompanied by festive snacks such as German Bratwurst and hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream - so watch this space as we'll be adding updates when there are further confirmations.

Newcastle

Life Science Centre

The annual favourite will be making its comeback to Times Square on November 11 and will bed down for its usual lengthy run, this time until January 7.

There are a range of hour-long slots available to book (which include 15 minutes for skate-fitting) for solos, families or private book-outs - and remember that those popular Christmas Eve sessions tend to be pre-booked quickly. Look out for extra-festive options during the season too, such as pre-booking refreshments.

To book ice rink tickets, which cost £15; £13.50 for 10-17-year-olds; £11.50 children or £46 for a family, see here and for group bookings call 0191 243 8223 between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. Special saver tickets including entry to Life are also available.

Here are more details about the ice rink. Life also will be running a Santa Experience show in its planetarium which can be combined with a skating session.

South Shields

Ocean Beach

The pleasure park is inviting families to take a spin on the ice once again at its pop-up between December 8 and January 7, when there will be a real festive feel with seasonal food and drink and decorations. Its arcades will be open daily too, save for Christmas Day.

Skating sessions on the real-ice rink will be an hour-long and the request is to arrive 15 minutes early to confirm your slot and don those skates, which are included in the price although you can choose to take your own. Skating aids will be available too, for a charge - last year it was £5.

Watch this space for information about costs, which are not yet available. Anyone interested in schools, groups or corporate mid-week bookings for up to around 40 people can email admin@oceanbeach.co.uk to make inquiries.

Sunderland

Keel Square

The annual ice rink- whose set-up as part of SunderlandBID's Frost Village winter market attraction previously suffered delays due to the weather - will be back in the city with a new all-weather marquee. And, while its precise dates have not been announced yet, organisers say it will be here this November and they are promising the best year yet.

The weather-protected rink is set to have daily opening until early January, save for New Year's Day. Sessions will last 45 minutes and advance bookings will be required for Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. In an additional treat for children, there will be magical characters joining them on the ice very Saturday at 10am leading up to Christmas. See here.

Rainton Arena

The Winter Wonderland event at the Houghton-le-Spring arena will be in action from November, with an outdoor ice rink again a star attraction. And organisers suggest that skating could prove the perfect activity for 'first date, play dates and best mates'.

Entry itself is free to the wonderland which will be open 4pm-8pm from November 24 until New Year's Eve with a Santa's grotto, evening fairground rides, a tipi bar and food stalls among the attractions. Those keen to glide - or slide - their way on the ice can book on Skiddle.

Sessions cost £2 mid-week and £6 at weekends - plus a £1 booking fee - which includes skate hire and an hour on the ice. To book see here. Skate aid hire is also available at £5 (£6 with the booking fee).