There are few festive experiences more magical than ice skating in London. Whether you’re planning a memorable family adventure or a special date night, the capital’s ice rinks deliver with glorious pop-ups in historic settings – picture glittering spruce trees, winter markets and a smattering of fairy lights. Travelling from Battersea Power Station’s riverside rink to a pop-up beneath the staggering skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, read on to find the best places to go ice skating in London this Christmas and New Year – plus where to warm up (and refuel) post-skate.
The best ice rinks in London 2025
Ice Rink Canary Wharf
Dates: 25 October 2025 to 22 February 2026
Enjoy a magical ice skating experience beneath sparkling lights at Ice Rink Canary Wharf this festive season. Flanked by some of London’s tallest skyscrapers, the rink stays open until the end of February, making it a great option for those looking to swerve the Christmas crowds. Get competitive on the ice and play a game of curling, and once your 45-minute session has ended be sure to head to the Oasis Bar & Terrace for a mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink
Dates: 14 November 2025 to 1 January 2026
Get your skates on at UK's largest outdoor ice rink 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.
Skate at Somerset House
Dates: 12 November 2025 to 11 January 2026
Glide along the ice at London’s leading cultural hub and the picture-perfect setting of Somerset House. Spin around the neoclassical courtyard ice rink, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and admire the giant Christmas tree during a daytime skating session. Alternatively, make the most of the late-night skates, which feature DJ soundtracks setting the vibe against the starry night sky, including a special Rhythm & Roots night with Jennie Baptiste.
Afterwards, warm up with alpine winter favourites at The Chalet, enjoy festive treats from Blondie's Kitchen or sip a cocktail or two at the Skate Lounge.
Glide at Battersea Power Station
Dates: 7 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
London's first and only riverside ice rink returns for another festive season at the iconic Battersea Power Station, offering a variety activities including vintage fairground rides and a winter market. 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 as the centrepiece for an extra festive touch. Battersea Glide is the first rink to introduce a skating trail, promising 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 Lift 109 for a 360-degree view.
Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink
Dates: 21 November 2025 to 4 January 2026
Drop by Hampton Court Palace for a quick spin on the ice, or 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. The Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is set against the palace's spectacular Tudor facade, which lights up with a striking kaleidoscope of colours as darkness falls. After skating, stop by the Ice Café and Bar and indulge in a delicious selection of seasonal refreshments.
The Ice Rink at Westfield London
Dates: TBC
At the centre of one of Europe's largest shopping centres, enjoy the festive season at Westfield London in Shepherd's Bush. After your shopping spree, strap on some skates and join your friends on one of the capital's largest ice rinks, complete with a spectacular 65-foot Christmas tree at its centre.
Year-round ice skating
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 ice hockey matches with 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.
Which London building has a famous public ice rink during the winter?
Many of London’s famous buildings transform into ice rinks during the winter, so you can take your pick of beautiful locations to skate in.
Every winter, Somerset House’s picturesque courtyard ice rink offers festive ice skating events for all ages, right in the heart of the city. Or history fans can take a spin at the former home of King Henry VIII – the stunning outdoor ice rink at Hampton Court Palace is the perfect place for a winter adventure.
