Best Places to Ice Skate in London This Christmas

Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or a first-time novice, skating around a London ice rink will surely give you a Christmas memory to treasure for years to come. 

With so many incredible locations, you’ll be spoilt for choice. To help you decide which to visit, here’s a list of the best London ice rinks to skate around this Christmas. 

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

Head to the UK’s largest open-air ice rink this year for a full day of festive fun. 

Whizz around the Victorian bandstand, race your friends down the Real Ice Slide or make your very own ice sculpture. 

If you’re visiting with friends, you could hire an Ice Guide to escort you around the rink and teach you some new skating skills along the way. 

For those who prefer to enjoy the rink from the sidelines, there’s plenty to enjoy – take in the beautiful twinkling Christmas lights, listen to live music, have a ride at the fun fair, or take a stroll around the huge Christmas market. 

When? 18th Nov 2022 – 2nd Jan 2023

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Hampton Court Palace

Set in front of the former home of King Henry VIII, this is a truly historic location for an ice rink.

As night-time falls, you’ll see the palace illuminated in festive colours as you watch the ice rink come to life. This outdoor rink is perfect for families. You can even hire a penguin or dolphin skate-aid for little skaters.

Once you’re all skated out, try and find your way out of the Hampton Court Palace Maze - the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze, or take the winter lights trail to see glistening Christmas lights and shimmering decorations to get you in the festive spirit. 

When? 7th Nov 2022 – 8th Jan 2023

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Ice Rink Canary Wharf 

If you like the idea of skating outdoors but want protection against wintry weather, the ice rink at Canada Square, Canary Wharf, is your ideal destination.

The see-through roof at the Ice Rink Canary Wharf means you’ll be able to skate whatever the weather – and your impressive view of the iconic London skyline will not be interrupted.

Once you’ve finished whizzing around the ice, head to the heated rinkside bar. Here, you’ll be able to warm up with a hot beverage as you sit back and watch the skaters glide past under the glistening lights of the rink’s giant mirror ball. 

When? 22nd Oct 2022 – 25th Feb 2023

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Queen’s House Ice Rink

South London’s only outdoor ice rink returns for the fourth time this year. 

This popular Greenwich rink is set within a Unesco World Heritage Site, making it one of the most beautiful ice rinks in London, and is the perfect way to fill your heart, and your skates, with festive cheer this year.

As you breeze across the ice, you’ll be spoilt with views of the dazzling Canary Wharf, the shimmering River Thames, and the historic Queen’s House.   

If you need a break from the skating, head to the nearby food stalls, where you can feast on seasonal snacks and warm yourself up with a festive refreshment. 

When? 17th Nov 2022 – 8th Jan 2023 

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Skylight Tobacco Dock

If you’ve always wanted to ice skate on a rooftop, your wish has been granted. 

Skylight Tobacco Dock is the only rooftop ice rink in Europe and offers 360º views of the breath-taking London skyline as you glide across the ice. 

This year, there will be pop-up heated igloos and cosy Alpine huts where groups can feast on platters, snack on street food and sip on cocktails, making it the perfect spot for after-work drinks or your office Christmas party. 

When? Check for dates and availability here

Glide at Battersea Power Station

Brand new for 2022 and just around the corner from Prince of Wales Drive, this is London’s only outdoor riverside ice rink, Glide.

Brought to you by the same creative team behind the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, there are three interconnected ice rinks to skate across and a towering 30ft Christmas tree to glide past on your way around.

If you prefer to spectate, there’s plenty to do off-rink. Head to one of the fun fair rides, take a festive snap in one of the photo booths, or fill up on snacks and mulled wine. 

When? 11th Nov 2022 – 8th Jan 2023

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Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

This incredibly popular indoor ice rink brings skating fun to locals all year round, but it gets a particularly merry makeover in the run-up to Christmas.

Festive Skate sessions are available and provide a selection of classic Christmas tunes to listen to as you whizz around the rink. On 23rd December, the rink will also be transformed into Club de Fromage on Ice for a Christmas disco, complete with festive pop hits and fancy dress.

If you’re visiting during the day, don’t forget to stop by the East Court Café for a comforting mince pie, a warming cup of mulled wine or a naughty-but-nice bailey’s hot chocolate. 

When? Open all year, but the Festive Skate sessions run from 28th Nov 2022 – 8th Jan 2023.

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Ice Skating at Somerset House

This 900-square-metre outdoor rink is set within the courtyard of the stunning Neoclassical Somerset House.

At night, the building is illuminated in beautiful colours, providing the perfect backdrop as you take your blades for a spin.

For newbies, you can book a skating lesson with Skate School, or for seasoned pros, visit for an evening session where DJs will provide the perfect skating soundtrack. 

When you’re ready for a break, you can enjoy champagne and cocktails in the Skate Lounge as you gaze up at the tastefully decorated 40ft Moët & Chandon Christmas tree. 

When? 16th Nov 2022 – 15th Jan 2023

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