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 find out about the best ice skating rinks in London this Christmas, from the riverside rink at Battersea Power Station to royal palaces transformed for the festive season with their own pop-up rinks. Also included are suggestions for places to warm up and refuel post-skate.
The best ice skating rinks at a glance
- 🎄 Glide at Battersea Power Station – Best for scenic riverside skating
- ⛸️ Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink – Best for a full festive day out
- ❄️ The Queen’s House Ice Rink – Best for a royal winter skate
- 🏛️ Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – Best for skating in historic surroundings
- ✨ Skate Leicester Square – Best for festive fun in the heart of the West End
- ☕ Skate at Somerset House – Best for picturesque skating and seasonal dining
How we chose the best ice skating rinks
Our pick of the best ice rinks in London has been carefully curated by the Visit London editorial team, drawing on local expertise, first-hand experience and insights into the season's standout skating spots.
From riverside rinks and prime shopping locations to festive food and drink offerings and fun-filled late-night sessions, we've selected a range of ice skating experiences to help every visitor make the most of the festive season.
Jump to the best ice skating rinks in London
Glide at Battersea Power Station – Best for festive skating with riverside views
London’s first and only riverside ice rink returns to the iconic Battersea Power Station for another festive season, offering an exciting variety of activities. The magnificent open-air rink, Glide, is made up of three interconnected ice rinks, welcoming skaters of all abilities, with a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree at its centre.
The first rink to introduce a 200m skating trail, Battersea Glide welcomes the popular feature back this year, promising an unforgettable experience by the London riverside.
Off the ice, warm up at The Glass House with pizzas, snacks and a Chocomel hot chocolate. There’s plenty of festive fun away from the rink too, including vintage fairground rides such as the helter-skelter and carousel. Afterwards, explore Battersea Power Station’s shops and restaurants, or head up to The Chimney Lift for stunning 360-degree views of London.
Best for: Families, couples and groups looking to combine riverside ice skating with festive activities and winter treats.
Good to know: Make the most of your time on the ice with Extended Skate Sessions lasting up to 3 hours and 45 minutes, available on most weekday mornings from 10am or 11am.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink – Best for a classic Christmas day out
Get your skates on at the UK's largest outdoor ice rink, Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Glide around the Victorian bandstand under a canopy of fairy lights and enjoy the tunes of a live band while skating on Winter Wonderland’s ice rink. Ice skating is the perfect activity before exploring the bustling Christmas markets, hopping on thrilling funfair rides and tucking into seasonal food.
Skaters can choose to upgrade to a festive package, which includes access to some of Winter Wonderland's most popular attractions. The Arctic Adventure Package grants access to the ice rink, the Magical Ice Kingdom and the Real Ice Slide.
Best for: Families and friends wanting to make a day of it with ice skating, rides and Christmas shopping.
Good to know: The ice rink is open from 10am to 9pm. Arrive 20 minutes before your skating session to get ready for the ice, and book online in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
The Queen’s House Ice Rink – Best for relaxed skating in a historic setting
The outdoor ice rink in Greenwich Park, located in front of the Queen's House, offers a truly royal and festive experience surrounded by history, with stunning views of the Thames. The Queen's House Ice Rink welcomes everyone, with special community sessions and quiet skating sessions for those who need an extra confidence boost.
Skate in the stunning surroundings of a UNESCO World Heritage Site like royalty, and check the schedule for a specially curated programme of events, themed nights and competitions. After your session, take the kids to visit Santa’s Grotto at the Queen’s House for live interactive performances, music and storytelling, and meet festive characters and the big man himself.
Best for: Skaters of all abilities looking for a festive experience surrounded by history.
Good to know: The rink opens at 11am and closes 9pm, with the last session starting at 8pm. It’s recommended that you arrive 30 to 40 minutes before your session to get ready to take to the ice.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink – Best for fairy-lit skating within royal surroundings
A visit to Hampton Court Palace is not complete without a quick spin on the ice rink. This year, the rink has been extended by eight metres, making it the perfect place to enjoy this festive tradition where history meets the thrill of ice skating. Surrounded by a canopy of 18,000 fairy lights and a giant Christmas tree, it’s a truly magical experience.
Set against the palace’s spectacular Tudor façade, the ice rink lights up with a striking kaleidoscope of colours as darkness falls. This year's sessions have a reduced capacity, providing a more intimate and magical experience.
After skating, stop by the Ice Café and Bar for seasonal refreshments, including freshly brewed coffees, hot chocolates, homemade pastries and freshly baked savouries from local Deelight Bakery. There’s plenty to enjoy off the ice too, with events throughout the season including live ice sculpting, skating with Santa, live DJs and themed cocktails.
Best for: A magical mix of festive skating and royal heritage for families, couples or groups.
Good to know: Sessions run from 10am to 8pm. If you're planning a December visit, look out for the palace's Festive Fayre on 4 to 6 and 11 to 13 December, with more than 100 artisan traders at this popular Christmas shopping event.
Skate Leicester Square – Best for festive fun between shopping trips
Head to Skate Leicester Square, as it returns for a second year, delighting Londoners and visitors alike with its outdoor ice rink in the heart of London's West End. Against a backdrop of sparkling Christmas lights and market stalls, it's the perfect place to enjoy winter activities.
With regular skating sessions available, Skate Leicester Square is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy some frosty fun between shopping sprees, with the famous Shakespeare statue standing proudly at the centre of the rink. When you step off the ice, warm up with a variety of delicious winter treats, including hot chocolate and mulled wine.
Best for: Shoppers, theatregoers and visitors looking to add some festive skating to a day out in the West End.
Good to know: Sessions run throughout the day, with the first starting at 10.15am and the last at 9.15pm.
Skate at Somerset House – Best for picturesque skating and seasonal dining
Glide along the ice at Somerset House, London’s leading cultural hub and a picture-perfect setting. Admire the giant 40-foot Christmas tree sparkling at the centre of the neoclassical courtyard rink. A firm festive favourite, Somerset House's ice rink is complete with seasonal music and food.
Public skating sessions run throughout the day, alongside themed evening sessions with live music on select dates. Children aged six to twelve can take part in Kids Skate Club sessions, where they can learn and develop their skating skills in a fun environment.
Make the most of Skate Lates with Aperol Spritz, featuring DJ soundtracks from Wednesdays to Fridays. Afterwards, warm up with a hot drink and sweet treat at the food huts beside the ice, or indulge in Alpine-inspired menus at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, where winter favourites include raclette served from personalised machines at each table.
Best for: Families and friends wanting to make a day of it with ice skating, festive dining and live entertainment.
Good to know: The first session starts at 10.15am and the last at 9.15pm. Arrive 30 minutes before your skating session to get ready for the ice. You can also pre-book dining and drinks packages ahead of your visit.
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.
Ice skating in London FAQs
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.
