As Christmas approaches, many ice skating rinks in London start appearing for the season. Ice skating rinks are one of the most anticipated Christmas events in London.
This year you can swish around the biggest ice skating rink at Winter Wonderland, or the one with the impressive backdrop has to be Hampton Court Palace, our favourite one has always been Somerset House… but you could also try Glide at Battersea Power Station. You choose!
Our favourite Ice Skating Rinks in London during Christmas
| Ice rink | 2026–27 dates |
|---|---|
| Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park | 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 |
| Somerset House | 11 November 2026 – 10 January 2027 |
| Leicester Square | 31 October 2026 – 3 January 2027 |
| Queen’s House, Greenwich | 18 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 |
| Hampton Court Palace | 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 |
| Glide at Battersea Power Station | 6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027 |
Ice Skating Rinks in London
These are the top ice skating rinks in London for this season. Happy skating!
Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland is a Christmas paradise located in Hyde Park, a Christmas fair with attractions for all the family as well as one of the best Christmas markets in London.
There is also a circus, food stalls and numerous restaurants in traditional wooden cabins. And this is where we can find London´s biggest ice skating rink this Christmas. We love visiting Winter Wonderland in the afternoon when all the twinkly lights have been switched on, as the Christmas atmosphere is truly unique. You do have to book an entry ticket to get into Winter Wonderland, and we´d recommend buying tickets for the ice skating in advance too, through their website.
Information about Winter Wonderland’s Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: 19 November 2026 – 3 January 2027. Open every day except Christmas Day.
- Price: Check the official booking page for your date and session. Park entry and skating may need separate tickets.
- Location: See map
- Tickets: Winter Wonderland
- Website: Winter Wonderland
Somerset House
Without a doubt, Somerset House´s ice skating rink is one of my favourites, the Christmas atmosphere created inside Somerset House square is not easily surpassed!
With a huge Christmas tree, carols in the background and pop-up cafes, it is a lovely stop even if you are not skating. Somerset House also has Skate Lates with music and a Kids’ Club for children aged 6–10; choose a session that suits the people in your group. The courtyard is a natural addition to a Covent Garden and Strand walk.
Information about Somerset House’s Ice Skating Rink:
Somerset House:
- Dates: 11 November 2026 – 10 January 2027
- Opening times: Session times vary by date; check the booking calendar. Closed on Christmas Day, with altered sessions on 24, 26 and 31 December and 1 January.
- Price: Adult tickets currently start at £13 plus a £1.50 booking fee; prices vary by session.
- Location: See map
- Find out more: Somerset House
Leicester Square
Leicester Square is a convenient rink to combine with a West End show, Covent Garden and the Christmas lights. Underbelly lists Skate Leicester Square for 31 October 2026 to 3 January 2027. There are viewing platforms for anyone in your group who prefers to watch; check the rink’s skating age and boot size rules for younger children.
Information about Leicester Square’s Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: 31 October 2026 – 3 January 2027.
- Opening times: Choose a session on the rink’s booking calendar.
- Price: Prices depend on the day and session; see the rink’s booking calendar.
- Location: See map
- Find out more: Leicester Square
Battersea Power Station
Glide returns to Battersea Power Station for the 2026–27 season. The riverside location has a skate trail; check the official event page for sessions and prices.
Information about Battersea´s Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: 6 November 2026 – 3 January 2027. Check the booking calendar for Christmas Day and other exceptions.
- Price: Check the current session price before booking.
- Location: See map
- Tickets: Ticketmaster.
- Find out more: Glide at Battersea Power Station
Hampton Court Palace
This fantastic 16th-century Palace offers us one of the largest ice skating rinks in London. It will be located right in front of the Hampton Court Palace façade, offering us a unique opportunity to take some impressive photos.
Information about Hampton Court Palace’s Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: 20 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Day.
- Opening times: Check the date-specific booking calendar for available sessions.
- Price: Check the official booking page; the rink requires a separate ticket from palace admission.
- Location: See map
- Tickets: Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
- Find out more: Hampton Court Palace
Queen’s House Greenwich
The Queen’s House Ice Rink returns to Greenwich for 2026–27. Royal Museums Greenwich lists the season from 18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027; check the official booking page for available sessions and prices.
Information about Queen’s House Ice Skating Rink:
- Dates: 18 November 2026 – 3 January 2027, excluding Christmas Day.
- Price: Check the official booking page for current session prices and fees.
- Location: See map
- Find out more: Queen´s House
More ice skating rinks in London
In addition to these ice skating rinks that are only open during the winter, there are also some indoor ice rinks in London that are open all year round, such as Alexandra Palace and Queen’s Skate Dine Bowl on Queensway.
Map: Christmas Ice Skating Rinks in London
More information for ice skating in London at Christmas
Ice Skating in London: Price and Timings
- Check whether skate hire is included. Somerset House includes it, but other venues may have different terms.
- Book ahead for popular weekends and school holidays. On-the-day availability varies by venue.
- In some cases, you will see that buying tickets online in advance can be a little cheaper.
- Session lengths vary by rink, so check your chosen time slot before paying.
- Check each rink’s clothing and age rules; gloves are sensible for children.
Ice skating in London with kids
Some rinks offer skating aids for children, but age limits, availability and extra charges differ by venue. Check the rink’s rules before booking and reserve an aid in advance if the operator offers that option.
More things to do in London at Christmas
In addition to the ice skating rinks, don’t forget to visit the fantastic Christmas markets in London and see the spectacular Christmas lights.
Discover everything you can see this Christmas in London here: Christmas in London
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