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.
A few ice rinks have already been announced for the 2026 Christmas season, with more expected to be revealed soon. We’ll update this page as further ice rinks are announced, so check back later for the full list of festive skating experiences.
The best ice rinks in London 2026
Skate river-side at Battersea Power Station ice rink
Following popular demand, London's first and only riverside ice rink returns for another festive season at the iconic Battersea Power Station, 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 30-foot high Christmas tree at its centre. Battersea Glide is the first rink to introduce a skating trail, which is 200 metres long and promises an unforgettable experience by the London riverside.
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: 6 Nov 2026- 3 Jan 2027 (excluding Christmas day)
Opening times: There are up to 15 skating sessions each lasting 45 minutes. Some sessions are marked as 'extended skate', meaning they last up to three hours and 45 minutes for those keen to stay on the ice for longer. The first session started at 9am, with the last starting at 10pm. Tickets can be booked online, so make sure you book in advance to secure your preferred session.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Get your skates on as the UK's largest outdoor ice rink is back for another year 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.
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.
Dates: 19 Nov 2026-3 Jan 2027 (excluding Christmas day)
Opening times: There are 11 sessions each day, with the first starting at 10am and the last at 8pm. Each session lasts 45 minutes and skaters are asked to arrive at the rink 20 minutes before the start of their session. Tickets are now available online, so make sure you book in advance to secure your preferred session.
Glide in style at Queen's House ice rink
The outdoor ice rink in Greenwich Park, located in front of the Queen's House, is back again this year, offering 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 sessions dedicated to toddlers and quiet skating sessions for those who need an extra confidence boost. If you want to take a break mid-session, you can stop by the skate-off pit lane.
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: 18 Nov 2026- 3 Jan 2027 (excluding Christmas day)
Opening times: There are 11 skating sessions each day, each lasting 45 minutes. The first session starts at 10am, with the last starting at 8pm. Tickets can be booked online, so make sure you 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 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 standing in the middle of the rink, it is a truly magical experience. Set against the palace's spectacular Tudor facade, 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 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. There are plenty of other things to do off the ice, with a programme of events throughout the season, including live ice sculpting by Icebox's own carvers, skating with Santa, live DJs and themed cocktails.
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. If you're visiting the palace in December, make sure you come between the 4th and 6th or the 11th and 13th, when the palace is transformed into a magical festive fayre with over 100 artisans present at this popular Christmas shopping event.
Dates: 20 Nov 2026-3 January 2027 (excluding Christmas day)
Opening times: There are 11 daily sessions, with the first starting at 10am and the last at 8pm, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Tickets are soon to be released online so make sure to come back top this page to secure your preferred session.
Skate Leicester Square
Skate at Leicester Square is returning 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 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: 31 Oct 2026-3 Jan 2027 (excluding Christmas day)
Opening times: Sessions start every 15 minutes, with each one lasting 45 minutes. The first session starts at 10.15 am, with the last starting at 9.15 pm. 2026 tickets will be available to book online from 22 September, so make sure you book in advance to secure your preferred session.
Enjoy iconic ice skating at Somerset House
Glide along the ice at Somerset House, London’s leading cultural hub and a picture-perfect setting. Admire the giant 40-foot Christmas tree decorated with sparkling lights at the centre of the neoclassical courtyard ice rink. A firm favourite with Londoners during the festive season, Somerset House's ice rink is a winter staple, complete with seasonal music and food. Public skating sessions are available all day, and there are themed evening sessions with live music on select dates. Children aged six to 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).
Make the most of the late-night skating sessions, which feature DJ soundtracks setting the vibe against the starry night sky on select dates – details to be announced. Afterwards, warm up at the food stalls. Previous years have featured alpine winter favourites at The Chalet, festive treats from Blondie's Kitchen, and festive cocktails at the Skate Lounge.
Dates: 11 Nov 2026-10 Jan 2027 (excluding Christmas day)
Opening times: Details for the 2026 season are yet to be confirmed. Last year, there were 14 skating sessions each day, each lasting 45 minutes. The first session started at 9am, with the last starting at 10pm. Tickets could be booked online, so make sure to come back to this page later to secure your preferred session.
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.
