There are few experiences more magical than ice skating in London at Christmas. Whether you’re planning a memorable family outing or a special date night, London's pop-up ice skating rinks deliver, set against the backdrop of historic locations. Picture sparkling spruce trees, winter markets and twinkling fairy lights. Read on to discover the best Christmas ice skating rinks in London this holiday season, from Battersea Power Station’s riverside rink to a pop-up beneath the staggering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, plus where to warm up (and refuel) post-skate.
The ice rinks that will be returning for the 2026 festive season have not yet been announced. We update this page regularly, so check back often to find out about new hit exhibitions, must-see theatre shows and other unmissable activities.
The best ice rinks in London 2026
Canary Wharf Ice Rink in East London
Enjoy a magical ice skating London Christmas experience beneath sparkling lights at the Ice Rink in Canary Wharf this festive season. Surrounded by some of London’s tallest skyscrapers, it is the first rink to open and the last to close this festive season, staying open until the end of February. This makes it a great option for those looking to avoid the Christmas crowds. The Canary Wharf ice rink has been expanded this year, giving skaters extra space to show off their moves, and a new refreshment area has been added, making it the perfect spot to warm up between laps.
Look out for special events taking over the ice, including Country Music Night (14 Dec), R&B Night (7 Jan) and Disco Night (14 Jan). Once your 45-minute session has ended, head to the Oasis Bar & Terrace. This alpine-themed venue is the perfect place to soak up the ambience and enjoy breathtaking views of the Canary Wharf skyline while sipping a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate and enjoying sweet and savoury snacks.
Dates: 25 October 2025 to 22 February 2026
Opening times: There are 12 daily sessions, with the first starting at 10am and the last at 9pm. Each session lasts 45 minutes. Tickets are now available to book online so make sure to book in advance to secure your preferred session. Please note that the Canary Wharf ice rink is closed on 25 December.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Get your skates on at UK's largest outdoor ice rink at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Glide around a Victorian bandstand under a canopy of fairy lights and enjoy the tunes of a live band on Winter Wonderland’s ice rink. Ice skating is the perfect activity to warm up before exploring the bustling Christmas markets, hopping on thrilling funfair rides and tucking into seasonal food.
In 2025, skaters could upgrade for a festive package including some of the most popular attractions at Winter Wonderland, including access to ice skating, Magical Ice Kingdom and Real Ice Slide.
Dates: mid November to beginning of January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Opening times: There were 11 daily sessions, with the first starting at 10am and the last at 8pm. Each session lasted 45 minutes. Tickets were available to book online so make sure to book in advance to secure your preferred session.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
A visit to Hampton Court Palace is not complete without a quick spin on the ice, a festive tradition where history meets the thrill of ice skating, all while surrounded by fairy lights. Alternatively, make a day of it after exploring the former home of King Henry VIII, where you'll find the historic chocolate kitchen and fascinating artefacts. Set against the palace's spectacular Tudor façade, the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink lights up with a striking kaleidoscope of colours as darkness falls. This year's sessions allow fewer skaters on the ice, providing a more intimate and magical experience.
After skating, stop by the Ice Café and Bar to enjoy a delicious selection of seasonal refreshments. Choose from freshly brewed coffees and tasty hot chocolates, as well as homemade pastries and freshly baked savouries from local Deelight Bakery.
Dates: mid November to beginning of January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Opening times: There were 11 daily sessions, with the first starting at 10am and the last at 9pm. Each session lasted 45 minutes. Tickets were available to book online so make sure to book in advance to secure your preferred session. Please note that the Hampton Court Palace ice rink is closed on 25 December.
Enjoy iconic ice skating at Somerset House
Glide along the ice at London’s leading cultural hub and the picture-perfect setting of Somerset House. Spin around the neoclassical courtyard ice rink, and admire the giant Christmas tree during a daytime skating session. A firm favourite with Londoners during the Christmas season, ice skating at Somerset House is a staple of the winter season, complete with music and seasonal food staples. Children aged between six and ten can take part in special Kids Skate Club sessions, where they can learn to skate in a safe and fun environment while developing their skills (select dates – check the official website for details).
Alternatively, make the most of the late-night skates, which feature DJ soundtracks setting the vibe against the starry night sky, including a special Rhythm & Roots night with Jennie Baptiste. Afterwards, warm up with alpine winter favourites at The Chalet, enjoy festive treats from Blondie's Kitchen or sip a cocktail or two at the Skate Lounge.
Dates: mid November to beginning of January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Opening times: There were 14 skating sessions each day, each lasting 45 minutes. The first session started at 9am with the last at 10pm. Tickets were available to book online so make sure to book in advance to secure your preferred session. Please note that the Somerset House skating rink is closed on 25 December.
Skate Leicester Square
In 2025, a brand-new outdoor ice rink is coming to Leicester Square, right in the heart of London's West End. Set against a backdrop of sparkling Christmas lights and market stalls, it's the perfect place to enjoy some winter fun.
With regular skating slots available, Skate Leicester Square is just the place to enjoy some frosty fun between shopping sprees, with the famous Shakespeare statue standing proudly in the middle of the ice rink. When you step off the ice, you can enjoy a variety of delicious winter warmers, including cups of hot chocolate and mulled wine, alongside festive treats.
Dates: November to January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Opening times: Sessions started every 15 minutes, with each slot lasting 45 minutes. The first session started at 10.15am and the last at 9.15pm. Tickets were available to book online, so make sure you book in advance to secure your preferred session. Please note that the Skate Leicester Square ice rink is closed on 25 December.
Skate river-side at Battersea Power Station ice rink
London's first and only riverside ice rink returns for another festive season at the iconic Battersea Power Station, offering a variety activities. The magnificent open-air rink, Glide, is made up of three interconnected ice rinks – welcoming skaters of all abilities – with a spectacular 30-foot high Christmas tree at its centre. Battersea Glide is the first rink to introduce a skating trail, promising an unforgettable experience by the London riverside. For those who want to spend more time on the ice, the Battersea Power Station Ice Rink offers extended skating sessions at select times.
Off the ice, skaters can warm up at The Glass House with a selection of pizzas and other snacks, or enjoy a Chocomel hot chocolate. There's plenty of fun to be had off the ice this year too: enjoy vintage fairground rides such as the helter-skelter and carousel, as well as on-site darts and curling. Afterwards, explore Battersea Power Station and its wide range of shops and restaurants, or for the more adventurous, head up to The Chimney Lift for a 360-degree view.
Dates: November to January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Opening times: There were 15 skating sessions each day, each lasting 45 minutes. The first session started at 9am, with the last at 11pm. Tickets were available to book online so make sure to book in advance to secure your preferred session. Please note that the Glide skating rink is closed on 25 December.
Glide in style at Queen's House ice rink
After a year off in 2024, the outdoor ice rink at Greenwich, located in front of the Queen's House, made a come back in 2025. The Queen's House Ice Rink welcomes everyone, with special sessions dedicated to toddlers and quiet skate sessions for those who need an extra confidence boost. Skate in the stunning surroundings of a UNESCO World Heritage Site like royalty, then treat yourself to some well-deserved winter warmers and treats served at the Zero Degrees restaurant while admiring views of the river Thames and the sparkling lights of Canary Wharf.
Dates: November to January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Opening times: There were 11 skating sessions each day, each lasting 45 minutes. The first session started at 10am with the last at 8pm. Tickets were available to book online so make sure to book in advance to secure your preferred session. Please note that the Queen's House ice rink is closed on 25 December.
Winter Funland London – indoor ice rink
New for 2025, an indoor Christmas funfair opened at Winter Funland London at Olympia, offering the ultimate family experience with unlimited fairground rides, a gigantic ice rink and a festival circus, as well as a Christmas market boasting plenty of seasonal food favourites. Skate instructors were on hand to assist, and penguin skate aids were available to help children who needed extra help to shine on the ice.
Dates: December to January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Opening times: Your tickets gave you three-and-a-half-hour access to Winter Funland, starting either at 11am or 4.30pm. No time slot for the ice rink needed to be booked, with access controlled on site by stewards.
Enjoy festive skating at Westfield ice rink
At the centre of one of Europe's largest shopping centres, enjoy the festive season at Westfield London in Shepherd's Bush. After your shopping spree, strap on some skates and join your friends on one of the capital's largest ice rinks, complete with a spectacular 65-foot Christmas tree at its centre. Last year, the Westfield ice rink theme brought a tropical twist to wintry London in celebration of the release of Disney's Moana 2.
Dates: December to January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Where to go ice skating all year round in London
Love ice skating and don't want to wait for winter to go for a spin? Fear not, these ice rinks are open all year:
Queens
Grab a pair of skates and hit Queens, central London’s only year-round ice rink. It's also the only place where you can try your hand at curling year-round.
Alexandra Palace
Get your skates on and enjoy Ally Pally's year-round ice skating rink, set inside the iconic north London landmark. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the capital from Alexandra Palace Park following your session on the ice. The rink also hosts evening ice hockey fixtures throughout the year, featuring their home team, the Haringey Huskies.
Lee Valley Ice Centre
Two Olympic-sized ice rinks have re-opened in East London at the Lee Valley Ice Centre, the perfect occasion to get your skates out. Join public skating sessions or get the family together during one of the disco on ice sessions.
More to know about ice skating in London
Before you lace up your skates and hit the ice, check out these useful tips to help you plan your visit to one of London's ice skating rinks at Christmas.
Which London building has a famous public ice rink during the winter?
Many of London’s famous landmarks are transformed into ice rinks in winter, offering you the chance to skate in a variety of mesmerising and historic locations.
Every winter, Somerset House’s picturesque courtyard ice rink hosts festive skating events for all ages, right in the heart of the city. Alternatively, history enthusiasts can enjoy a spin at the stunning outdoor ice rink at Hampton Court Palace, the former home of King Henry VIII.
How much does it cost to go ice skating in London?
With so many outdoor ice skating rinks in London this December, including Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Skate at Leicester Square, and South London's royal properties and palaces, such as Queen's House and Hampton Court Palace, prices vary throughout the season depending on the location, time of year and whether you choose to skate at off-peak or peak times. It is best to check the price on each London ice skating rinks' website when buying your tickets.
How long do ice skating sessions last in London?
Most skating sessions at London's ice rinks last 45 minutes. It is usually recommended that you arrive about 30 minutes before your booked time to allow enough time to get kitted out in skates and store your belongings.
What should I wear to ice skating in London?
When dressing to go ice skating at one of London's outdoor rinks, it is important to layer up appropriately to stay warm, while also opting for stretchy fabrics for optimum comfort. Remember to bring gloves, a hat and thick socks to keep your hands and feet warm on the ice.
