Ready to get your skates on? We’ve rounded up the best Christmas ice-skating spots to grace your finest moves with this season.
One of our favourite things about Christmas is the array of seasonal activities that emerge in the run up to the big day — from markets and themed bars to pop-ups and festive events. And what better way to celebrate the festive period than your annual 45-minute attempt to relearn how to skate?
Grab your hat and gloves (and maybe knee pads?) and head down to one of London’s pop-up Christmas ice rinks. We’ve rounded up our favourites below (we’re not liable for any falls that follow), but be warned — it’s best to book in advance, as slots will fill up fast.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
Until 5 January
Ring in the festive season with an adrenaline-fuelled spin around the open-air ice rink that encircles the iconic Victorian bandstand at the capital’s most festive seasonal venue — Winter Wonderland.
At Ice Rink presented by Moco Museum, the largest outdoor rink in the UK, you’ll be enveloped under a canopy of twinkling lights from 10am to 10pm daily, surrounded by buzzy rollercoasters and attractions. Off the ice, browse various stalls, bars and rides before getting lost in the Magical Ice Kingdom, where life-size snow sculptures crafted from over 500 tonnes of ice and snow await. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, join in a Christmas singalong. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Hampton Court Palace
Until 5 January 2025
Just a short train ride from London, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink offers a skating experience that’s utterly palatial, against the enchanting backdrop of Henry VIII’s former home.
After a few leisurely turns around the rink, settle down at the Ice Café and Bar for some festive refreshments or visit the Festive Fayre, where you can shop for handmade gifts and foodie delights.
Read more: 18 Christmas events, parties, pop-ups and markets in London 2024
View this post on Instagram
To complete your perfect winter day out, take a peek inside the palace, explore 60 acres of gardens or take on the Hampton Court Palace Maze — the oldest surviving hedge maze in Britain. hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Skate at Somerset house
Until 12 January 2025
Renowned for its beautiful setting, Skate at Somerset House returns once again to host festive skating against the backdrop of Somerset House’s beautiful courtyard.
Read more: 7 best European Christmas markets for 2024
Party into the evening at Skate Lates with Rock Angel, as DJs take over the rink-side decks at special events and dedicated music nights. Visitors can also enjoy food and drink at pop-up restaurants and bars or gourmet dining at The Chalet, as well as drinks with rink-side views at Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel. You can even get some festive shopping done at the Shelter Boutique, a pop-up store featuring a handpicked selection of pre-loved clothing, homewares and gifts. somersethouse.org.uk
Glide Battersea
Until 5 January
Set against the backdrop of the recently restored and renovated Battersea Power Station, Glide Battersea lets you skate circles around three interconnecting rinks with a 30ft Christmas tree as the centrepiece. On select weekdays, the rink will host a range of theme nights — from Taylor Swift and rom-com night to ABBA and disco — so you can dance on ice to your favourite hits (as well as you can).
Read more: 10 best UK Christmas events — from light trails to concerts
View this post on Instagram
After your session, peruse some of the 120 shops and restaurants inside the power station and grab a hot chocolate or alcoholic drink at The Glass House, which will be hosting live DJs throughout the season with radio station KISS FM. glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Until 23 February 2025
For a seasonal thrill in one of London’s most iconic locations, head down to Ice Rink Canary Wharf. Open until February, this is London’s only covered outdoor ice rink, so you can skate in any weather.
Whirl round the ice with views of the imposing skyscrapers and captivating buildings that make up Canary Wharf. Once off the rink you can wander around the bustling neighbourhood, have a bite to eat or catch an exhibition. icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk
