Except, this is June - and it’s not Christmas.

Yet here I am in the heart of Brisbane CBD on a wintry afternoon, for a 45-minute glide around on King George Square’s temporary pop-up ice rink for the start of this year’s skating festival; feeling like an ice princess.

The coolant that keeps the ice from turning to slush runs 24 hours a day to ensure a smooth skating experience.

Undaunted by my lack of dexterity on the ice, I strap on my orange boots and hit the rink. Helmets are optional for adults.

Buoyed by the presence of attentive skate guards who monitor the rink for accidents or unruly skaters, they say the worst injuries people usually get are soaked bottoms and wet knees.

After a few wobbles, deranged turns, and manoeuvres that send out a spritz of cold water to bemused spectators, I take to the middle of the rink before waving madly to a skate guard for help.

Within seconds, a blue "kanga" support trolley is gliding towards me, although in the end I decide not to use it.

It’s low to the ground, and is more suited to children or teens than adults, but it does the job if you’re a first-time skater.

These can be hired for an extra $10, and other skating aids such as knee and elbow pads can be purchased at the box office to use and take home.

Should the crowds get too much, skaters can take rest on the benches.

Or, they can head for the very cool toboggan run adjacent to the ice rink.

It’s a wonderful slope, set against the picturesque backdrop of Brisbane City Hall, although you’ll be too busy trying to slow down to view it as you slide down.

My tip: wait until you get back up top to take in the view.

I finished my skating session before the 45 minutes was up because the ice had melted in some places which made my skating direction unpredictable.

Given that the city is known more for its synchronised sunburning than its synchronised skating, battling the heat from the city is going to be a daily challenge for the festival organisers.

But by the end of my session, the festival had weaved its magic on me and it was time to grab a welcome hot chocolate and head home.

The skating festival starts today and runs until July 15.

Tickets are discounted if bought online rather than at the box office. Skating aids, such as the kanga, are extras.

Prices are:

Kids aged 2-5: $10

Kids aged 5-13: $20

Adults: $28

Family pass (2 adults, 2 children): $90

Opening hours:

Mon-Wed: 10am-9pm

Thu-Fri: 10am-11pm

Sat: 9am-11pm

Sun: 9am-10pm