This week, the North Pole has come to Cambridge. Well, supposedly, anyway. What has actually happened is that Parker’s Piece has been is hosting a Christmas-themed fun fair replete with ice-rink and ludicrously expensive games, including favourites like hook-a-duck and darts. For those of you already disappointed with the over-commercialisation of Christmas, this is perhaps one to miss. If, however, you’re looking for a break from work to revel in the expensive wonders of an English Christmas fair, you won’t be disappointed.

A daytime visit proved slightly lacking, with the empty stands and Christmas music giving off a slightly eerie, horror-movie feel. I can’t say I was tempted to take a ride on the giant inflatable penguins floating in what looked like an absolutely freezing cold paddling pool, and after spending £8 trying to win a giant teddy bear I was slightly disappointed to leave with only a tiny Minion toy that the stall owner gave me out of sympathy more than anything else.

However, this disappointment was extremely short-lived as we took our turn on the ice-rink. Suddenly, the lack of crowds seemed like a massive bonus since we were sharing the rink with only a handful of other people. Whilst a great playlist of music ranging from Michael Bublé to the Jackson 5 played overhead, we could skate around at our own pace with lots of help from the friendly marshals. Having only ever experienced ice-skating at big London rinks like Somerset House, I was used to finding it an incredibly stressful hour of trying to avoid the semi-professionals who insist on spinning in circles around you, whilst also dodging the first-timers falling flat on their faces right in front of you.

Despite lacking some of the Christmassy feel of the bigger rinks, this was a much more better overall experience, particularly if you need some time to get used to the ice before speeding off in circles round the rink. In addition, the rink is surrounded by classic wooden huts serving a wide array of alcoholic and warm drinks, mulled wine included, so I can imagine this would be a great place to head with a big group of friends for an evening towards the end of term.

The food market sells loads of tasty-looking and locally-sourced meals, and there’s a snow-themed Helter Skelter for those who are daring enough. As Christmas gets nearer, however, the crowds will most definitely grow bigger, so I’d recommend heading over to Parker’s Piece closer to Bridgemas than actual Christmas in order to make the most of this little slice of holiday cheer.