Best Places to Ice Skate in London This Christmas 2026

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

London's Winter rink line-up changes every year, so here's what's confirmed for London ice skating 2026. 


London Ice Skating 2026 at a Glance 

Ice rink Dates Adult tickets from Good for
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 19 Nov 2026 –3 Jan 2027 £12.65 Full day out
Hampton Court Palace 20 Nov 2026 –3 Jan 2027 £18 Historic setting
Queen's House, Greenwich 18 Nov 2026 –3 Jan 2027 £12.75 Greenwich
Glide, Battersea 6 Nov 2026 –3 Jan 2027 £17 Riverside skating
Alexandra Palace Year-round £10.50 Year-round skating
Somerset House 11 Nov 2026 –10 Jan 2027 £11 Central London


Places to Ice Skate in London over the Christmas Period 2026


Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

2026 dates: 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 
Tickets: From £12.65 adults, £9.35 children (plus Winter Wonderland entry ticket, from £1 off-peak to £8.25 peak) 
Note: Arrive at the rink 20 minutes before your session. You must book a timed entry ticket for Winter Wonderland before you can skate. 
Website: https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/ice-skating/ 

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.  

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Rink

Hampton Court Palace

2026 dates: 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 
Tickets: Adults from £18, children from £13, family tickets from £46 
Website: https://hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk/ 

Skate in front of Henry VIII's former home as the Tudor palace glows in festive colours. The rink is supersized, giving plenty of room even on busy sessions. Penguin and dolphin skate-aids are available for young children. Quiet and calm sessions with reduced capacity and softer music run daily at 10am. 

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. You can also stop at the redesigned Skate Exchange and café, inspired by the original Orangery at Hampton Court Palace.  

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Queen’s House Ice Rink

2026 dates: 18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 
Tickets: Adults from £12.75, children from £8.50 
Website: https://www.rmg.co.uk/queens-house/attractions/queens-house-ice-rink 

The Queen's House Ice Rink returns to Greenwich for Christmas 2026, set within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the most beautiful ice rinks in London. 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.  

The Zero Degrees restaurant on site is a good spot for a hot chocolate or festive cocktail once you come off the ice. You can also combine your skating trip with a visit to the National Maritime Museum or a trip to see Santa at the Grotto inside the Queen’s House. 

The rink offers special sessions for toddlers and SEND families. 

Glide at Battersea Power Station

2026 dates: 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 
Tickets: Adults from £17, children from £10.50, family tickets from £52 
Website: https://glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/ 

Three interconnected outdoor rinks surround a towering 30-foot Christmas tree, with the Thames on one side and the restored Battersea Power Station on the other. The 200-metre riverside skate trail allows you to skate alongside the River Thames. Extended London Christmas ice skating sessions and accessible skate sessions with fewer skaters and reduced lighting are available. Fairground rides, food stalls and bars make this a full festive day out. You can even hire a private igloo for drinks after your skate. 

Particularly convenient for residents near Berkeley's Battersea and Nine Elms homes. 

Glide at Battersea Power Station 

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink

2026 dates: Open year-round. Festive sessions from December (closed 6-9 November 2026) 
Tickets: Adults from £11.75, children (under 12) from £10.50 
Website: https://www.alexandrapalace.com/the-ice-rink/book-now/ 

The ice rink at Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as ‘Ally Pally’, is open year-round and given a full festive makeover in December with a Christmas tree, fairy lights and themed music sessions. Christmas Ice Discos run through the season for those who want to combine skating with a party atmosphere. 

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.  

Ice Skating at Somerset House

2026 dates: 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027 
Tickets: Adults from £11, children from £8, concessions available 
Website: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house 

Over the Christmas period Somerset House's grand Neoclassical courtyard is transformed into a 900-square-metre rink, illuminated at night beneath a 40-foot Christmas tree. Evening DJ sessions run for adults, and Skate School lessons and Kids Skate Club are available for beginners. This year's edition is presented in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Holidays. 

Somerset House allows manual wheelchair users on all public sessions subject to availability, and also runs dedicated wheelchair sessions. This rink offers both relaxed and extended skate sessions. 

Ice Skating at Somerset House

Rinks not returning for 2026 

Two popular London ice rinks from previous years are not operating this season: 
  • Ice Rink Canary Wharf (Canada Square Park) 
  • Skylight Tobacco Dock 

London Christmas Ice Skating 2026 Booking Tips 

  • Many of these popular ice rinks sells out weeks in advance, so book early. 
  • Some ice rinks have age or height restrictions. Check the individual venue's website before booking.
  • Most rinks run sessions of 45 minutes. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to collect skates and get to the ice on time (Hyde Park Winter Wonderland requires 20 minutes). 
  • Skate aids (penguins, dolphins) are available at most rinks but are first-come, first-served unless stated otherwise. Arrive at opening time if you need one. 
  • Quiet and calm sessions with reduced capacity and softer music run at several rinks, including Hampton Court and Glide. Check individual venue websites for times. 

Living in London 

London’s seasonal events are one of many reasons to enjoy living in the capital. Explore Berkeley's London developments to find a home close to the city's best Christmas experiences. 

Christmas Ice Skating in London 2026: FAQs 

What should I wear when ice skating?

Outdoor ice rinks operate in a range of weather conditions, so check the forecast beforehand and dress appropriately. Warm layers, gloves and comfortable socks are a good idea. Avoid very thick socks, as these can make skates feel tighter rather than more comfortable. A change of socks for after skating is also often a good idea.

Do you need to book London ice rinks in advance?

Booking in advance is recommended, particularly for evenings, weekends and dates around Christmas. Popular sessions can sell out, so check availability with the rink before travelling.

Are London ice rinks suitable for beginners?

Yes. Most London ice rinks welcome beginners as well as experienced skaters, and some offer skating lessons or skate aids for children. Check the individual rink before visiting if you need lessons or additional support. 

Are London ice rinks suitable for children?

Many London ice rinks welcome children and offer facilities or sessions designed for younger skaters. Age restrictions, skate aids and children's sessions vary by venue, so check the rink's rules before booking.

Can you bring bags when ice skating?

Bag policies and storage facilities vary between London ice rinks, so check the venue's rules before travelling. It's best to bring only a small bag and avoid arriving with luggage or large items unless the rink confirms that suitable storage is available.

Can you bring your own skates to London’s ice rinks?

Some ice rinks do allow you to bring your own skates (sometimes referred to as BYOS) but are often subject to a suitability check. Speed skates may not be allowed. Check individual ice rink websites for rules before attending.

Are ice rinks wheelchair accessible?

Many London ice rinks are accessible to wheelchair users, although arrangements vary between venues. It’s best to check the individual rink’s accessibility information and contact the venue before booking if you have specific requirements.

Do ice rinks offer relaxed sessions for neurodiverse visitors and those with additional needs?

Yes, some London ice rinks offer quieter or relaxed sessions with features such as reduced capacity, softer music or adjusted lighting. Check the individual rink's schedule before booking, as availability and arrangements vary.