Best ice skating in London this winter: 8 of the most festive spots

Among the countless festive activities the city offers, enjoying ice skating in London at one of its most beautiful rinks is truly unmissable. I blame this entirely on cheesy Christmas films, but there are few things that get me into the Christmas spirit quite like it. Every year, I convince myself that it can't actually be that difficult and that I definitely look graceful while trying to keep myself from falling – but, alas, I usually end up spending most of my time sitting on the ice.

Although I'm unlikely to ever win an ice skating competition, wrapping up in my warmest coat, putting on a pair of skates and attempting to glide across the ice always makes me happy and puts me in a festive mood. There are several things that make this even better. First: having a spectacular Christmas tree in the background and second: a steaming cup of hot chocolate waiting for me when I finally reach the exit.

And while I'm always tempted by a cosy winter holiday in the UK or a stay in one of the country's most beautiful hotels for Christmas, nowhere beats London during the festive season.

Every autumn, some of London’s most beautiful landmarks transform into spectacular outdoor ice rinks, making ice skating in London one of the loveliest ways to celebrate the arrival of the cold winter days. From the magnificent courtyard of Somerset House to the historic surroundings of Hampton Court Palace and the enormous Winter Wonderland ice rink in Hyde Park, there are plenty of places to practise your pirouettes (or simply try to stay upright). Whether you're planning a romantic date, a festive afternoon with friends or a family outing with little ones, the best ice rinks in London have something for everyone.

Of course, ice skating in London isn't just for Christmas. The capital is also home to several year-round ice rinks, including Alexandra Palace, Streatham Ice Rink and Lee Valley Ice Centre, where you can enjoy indoor skating, learn to skate with professional coaches or even watch a game of ice hockey. But it's the seasonal outdoor rinks, with their twinkling lights, festive music and irresistible Christmas atmosphere, that make winter skating a particularly special activity.

So, whether you're staying in London this December or planning a festive city break before heading somewhere warmer for some winter sun, these are the best places to go ice skating in London in 2026.

Hampton Court Palace

Skate in the shadow of a Tudor palace this winter as Hampton Court Palace's ice rink returns. Admire the regal beauty of the palace from every angle while gliding in the footsteps of some of England’s most famous Kings and Queens before refuelling at the newly designed café and bar. Inspired by King William III’s historic Orangery at Hampton Court Palace, the sparkling new area combines wood, lights and lush greenery to create a dazzling winter retreat. Watching on while pals take to the ice? Sip on a mulled wine or hot toddy from the award-winning Department of Coffee & Social Affairs and see the not-so-elegant tumbles play out.

Address: Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU
Website: hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk
Dates: 20 November 2026 - 3 January 2027

Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park

We know, we know: it's not the chicest recommendation. But Winter Wonderland is home to the UK's largest open-air ice rink, so if you're looking for garish festive excitement, this is the place for you. Glittering fairy lights and appearances from live musicians on the bandstand add to the festive atmosphere, while future pros get their first taste of the ice thanks to penguin aids designed for little ones. Book a session and enjoy all the fun of the fair before securing those blades, as some of the largest travelling funfair rides pop up. Feast on street food favourites, sip boozy hot chocolates, roam with indulgent toffee apples, or peruse the German market stalls littered across the park for some last-minute stocking fillers.

Address: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH
Website: hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
Dates: 19 November 2026 - 3 January 2027

Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace's ice rink is unique in that it's open year-round. Hundreds of thousands of skaters, from graceful professionals to not-so-graceful first-timers, take to the ice each year. Learn how to master the art of ice skating and turn it into a hobby with a course or private tuition, or just pop along for a thrilling themed evening. Once you’re done, tuck into mince pies or nurse a Baileys hot chocolate in the Festive East Court Café.

Address: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Website: alexandrapalace.com
Dates: Festive skates, 9 December 2026 - 4 January 2027

Skate at Somerset House

Gliding atop the shimmery ice in the shadow of Somerset House has become a tradition for Londoners in recent years. Between November and January, the courtyard transforms into a glorious festive destination, where music echoes off the neoclassical wings and onlookers sip steaming drinks while taking in the action from a distance. Virgin Atlantic Holidays brings its signature touches to the festivities for 2026 with a lounge-inspired Clubhouse with rink-side views, and the Chalet by Jimmy Garcia returns for indulgent helpings of signature raclette.

For those who prefer a livelier atmosphere, the popular Skate Lates with Aperol Spritz are also returning this year, transforming the rink into an open-air party with DJ sets on selected evenings. Taking place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8pm, the programme features an exciting line-up of DJs and music collectives, including Netil Radio, Daytimers, BUMPAH and Gauchoworld. After skating, visitors can enjoy an Aperol Spritz while soaking up the festive atmosphere and music. K-pop fans can also look forward to a special K-pop Party on 23 November, organised in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre UK, with DJ EMKAY playing everything from BTS and BLACKPINK hits to the latest K-pop tracks while skaters take to the ice.

Address: Skate at Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Website: somersethouse.org.uk
Dates: 11 November 2026 - 10 January 2027

Glide at Battersea Power Station

Looking for an excuse to check out the Battersea Power Station mega-development? Their winter addition, Glide, may be just that. Three interconnecting rinks come together around a gargantuan Christmas tree in the centre, bringing them all together. Also returning this year is the 200-metre riverside skate trail, offering skaters the chance to glide along the Thames while taking in spectacular views of the London skyline. Post-skate, rest wobbly legs at The Glass House over a steaming hot chocolate or punchy cocktail and watch the next group take to the ice. There’s fun for all the family away from the ice thanks to a host of exciting new additions to the area in recent years. Gordon Ramsay’s casual pizza concept sits alongside Cinnamon Kitchen, one of the tastiest Indian restaurants in London, offering wholesome multi-course dining, while bars and shopping opportunities are plentiful.

Address: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, London SW11 8EZ
Website: glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk
Dates: 6 November 2026 - 3 January 2027

Leicester Square

Leicester Square welcomes its second-ever ice rink for 2026, offering Londoners a skate among the hustle and bustle of the West End. Underbelly’s unique Christmas experience sees the square illuminated by sparkling lights in the evening, as music plays and skaters of all abilities and ages are invited to get involved. The circular rink surrounds the square's famous Shakespeare statue, with Christmas market stalls selling festive gifts and treats nearby. Once you've finished skating, head to the seasonal bar for a steaming hot chocolate, mulled wine or something a little stronger. Younger visitors can also make use of skate aids, while skate hire is included in the ticket price. As London’s only ice rink offering skating sessions that start every 15 minutes, it’s a great one for flexible itineraries.

Address: Leicester Square, London WC2H 7LU
Website: skateleicestersquare.co.uk
Dates: Until 3 January 2027

Queen’s House

There’s a solid argument for Queen’s House presenting the prettiest ice rink in London throughout the winter season. Glide around the heart of the stunning Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking things as speedy or slow as you like thanks to a ‘skate-off pit lane’ for mid-session breaks, and recover in Zero Degrees restaurant over warming favourites. For 2026, the rink has doubled in size while keeping the same capacity, meaning more space to practise your moves without bumping into fellow skaters. There's also a programme of themed evenings, quiet skating sessions and special offers, including discounted tickets for students and free skating for children during selected sessions.

Address: The Queen's House Ice Rink, Romney Road, London SE10 9NF
Website: rmg.co.uk
Dates: 18 November 2026 - 3 January 2027

On Ice at Brent Cross

If you're planning a Christmas shopping trip, why not combine it with a little ice skating? Returning to Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North London for the 2026 festive season, On Ice brings a touch of Christmas magic to the area outside John Lewis, with a spacious outdoor rink illuminated by festive lights. Suitable for skaters of all abilities, the rink offers 45-minute sessions, with ice marshals on hand to help beginners find their feet and penguin-shaped skate aids available for younger visitors. Once you've finished skating, head inside the shopping centre to warm up with a hot chocolate, grab a bite to eat or get some Christmas shopping done. Tickets start at £13 for children and £15 for adults, including skate hire, and there's free parking for those arriving by car.

Address: Brent Cross Shopping Centre, Prince Charles Drive, London NW4 3FP
Website: onice.co.uk
Dates: 23 October 2026 – 3 January 2027