Christmas ice rinks in London 2026: the best places to skate

As Christmas approaches, several of London's most iconic locations open seasonal ice rinks for a few weeks. In 2026, you can skate in the courtyard of Somerset House, in front of Hampton Court Palace, beside the Thames at Battersea Power Station or in the heart of Winter Wonderland.

However, not all London ice rinks return every winter. Some popular venues from previous years are not operating in 2026, while the Queen's House Ice Rink is back in Greenwich.

Here is our selection of the best Christmas ice rinks in London in 2026, with their dates, main features and practical advice to help you choose the right one for your trip.

To plan the rest of your festive stay, see our guide to Christmas in London in 2026, covering the main events, shows and seasonal activities.

What are the best Christmas ice rinks in London in 2026?

The best Christmas ice rinks in London in 2026

Skate at Somerset House: the most iconic

It is difficult to find a more recognisably London setting for ice skating. Every winter, the grand neoclassical courtyard of Somerset House, just a short walk from Covent Garden, hosts one of the capital's best-known Christmas ice rinks.

For the 2026-2027 season, Skate at Somerset House runs from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027. A large Christmas tree stands in the centre of the courtyard and seasonal events take place throughout the winter. The Skate Lates programme also includes evening sessions with DJs.

This would be our choice for a first Christmas ice-skating experience in London, as well as for a date or evening out as a couple. Its central location and popularity do mean that evening and weekend sessions are among the most in demand.

Practical information

• Dates: 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027
• Announced prices: £11 to £28.50 depending on the session
• Location: Somerset House, Strand
• Nearest station: Temple (Circle and District lines)
• Best for: the setting, couples and a first festive visit to London

Glide at Battersea Power Station: the most modern

Glide at Battersea Power Station offers a very different atmosphere. Instead of a palace or historic courtyard, you skate beneath the four famous chimneys of Battersea Power Station, close to the River Thames.

The ice rink returns from 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. It is made up of three interconnected skating areas and can easily be combined with the restaurants, shops and seasonal entertainment around Battersea Power Station.

It is a good choice if you have already seen London's classic Christmas attractions or want something more contemporary. The area is particularly enjoyable in the late afternoon, as the festive lights begin to come on.

Practical information

• Dates: 6 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
• Location: Battersea Power Station
• Nearest station: Battersea Power Station (Northern line)
• Best for: architecture, the Thames riverside and combining skating with dinner or shopping

Queen's House Ice Rink: skating in Greenwich

Following its return to London's winter calendar, the Queen's House Ice Rink will once again be open from 18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.

Set in front of the Queen's House in the heart of Maritime Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has one of the most photogenic locations in the city. From the rink, there are views towards the Thames and the towers of Canary Wharf.

It is particularly worthwhile if you plan to spend half a day or a full day in Greenwich. You can easily combine skating with a visit to the Cutty Sark or other attractions in the area.

Practical information

• Dates: 18 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
• Announced opening hours: 10am to 9pm
• Location: Queen's House, Greenwich
• Best for: views, families and a day out in Greenwich

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink: the most historic

Skating in front of Hampton Court Palace is a very different experience. Henry VIII's former palace lies outside central London, but the journey is worthwhile if you want to combine ice skating with history and heritage.

The ice rink will be open from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with the first session at 10am and the final session at 8pm. It will be closed on 25 December.

One important detail when planning your day is that an ice-rink ticket does not include entry to the palace. If you want to do both, book them separately and allow enough time for each experience.

Practical information

• Dates: 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
• Closed: 25 December
• Sessions: first session at 10am, final session at 8pm
• Getting there: Hampton Court station (National Rail)
• Best for: the palace setting, a trip outside central London and couples or families

Winter Wonderland Ice Rink: for a full evening in Hyde Park

The ice rink at Winter Wonderland makes most sense if you want to do much more than skate. Set around the Victorian Bandstand in Hyde Park, it forms part of a huge winter event with rides, shows, food stalls and a Christmas market.

Winter Wonderland runs from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027 and is closed on 25 December. The rink is described by the organisers as the largest open-air ice rink in the UK.

If your main priority is the setting of the ice rink itself, Somerset House or Hampton Court may appeal more. However, if you want to spend several hours in one festive location, Winter Wonderland is hard to beat.

Practical information

• Winter Wonderland season: 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027
• Closed: 25 December
• Location: Hyde Park
• Best for: combining skating with rides, food and Christmas entertainment

Alexandra Palace Ice Rink: the indoor alternative

Unlike the other rinks in this guide, the ice rink at Alexandra Palace is not seasonal: it is open throughout the year. It still deserves a place here thanks to Ally Pally's festive programme during the Christmas period.

Its biggest advantage is straightforward: it is indoors. This makes it a useful option on a rainy or particularly cold day, when an outdoor rink may be less appealing.

In December 2026, Alexandra Palace will also host several ice-based events, including Cinderella on Ice from 3 to 6 December.

Practical information

• Open: all year
• Location: Alexandra Palace
• Getting there: Alexandra Palace (National Rail) or Wood Green (Piccadilly line), followed by a bus
• Best for: indoor skating or exploring Alexandra Palace

Which London ice rinks are not returning in 2026?

London's winter line-up can change significantly from one year to the next. A popular ice rink from a previous season is therefore not necessarily operating the following winter.

Canary Wharf Ice Rink

Natural History Museum Ice Rink

The famous rink once installed outside the Natural History Museum no longer exists. Its final season was 2021-2022, before the museum gardens were redeveloped as part of the Urban Nature Project.

It still appears in older travel guides and online searches, but there is no return planned for Christmas 2026.

What about Skate Leicester Square?

The Leicester Square ice rink has been one of the more recent additions to the West End Christmas season. At the time this guide was updated, however, full details for its 2026-2027 season had not yet been published.

We therefore prefer not to include it in our main selection until its dates and opening arrangements are officially confirmed.

Which London ice rink should you choose?

There is no single “best” ice rink. The right choice mainly depends on your itinerary and who you are travelling with.

How much does ice skating in London cost at Christmas?

Prices vary considerably depending on the rink, date and session. Some venues also charge different prices for off-peak and peak periods.

At Somerset House, for example, tickets for the 2026-2027 season have been announced at between £11 and £28.50. For other ice rinks, check the price shown when selecting your session rather than relying on previous years' prices.

Do you need to book Christmas ice rinks in London in advance?

Yes, booking in advance is recommended. Last-minute availability is sometimes possible, but advance booking gives you far more choice, particularly in December.

Sessions after dark are especially popular because you can enjoy the festive lights at the same time. Weekends and school holidays also tend to be busier.

If you are visiting London specifically for the festive season, it is worth booking your other activities early too. Our guides to the Christmas lights in London and Christmas markets in London can help you plan the rest of your day.

Ice skating in London with children

Most major ice rinks welcome families, but the rules are not identical everywhere. A minimum age may apply and younger children usually need to be accompanied on the ice.

Some rinks also provide skating aids for beginners, often shaped like penguins or other animals. Numbers can be limited and they may require advance booking or an additional fee.

Practical tips before you go ice skating

• Wear gloves: they help with the cold and also protect your hands if you fall.
• Dress in layers: you may feel cold before starting but will quickly warm up once you begin skating.
• Avoid bulky bags: storage facilities vary from one rink to another.
• Arrive early: allow time for ticket checks, skate collection and changing your shoes.
• Check the weather: rain and other conditions can affect the experience at outdoor rinks and may occasionally affect operations.
• Do not rely on last year's opening hours: sessions can vary by date, particularly around 24, 25 and 31 December.

How to get to London's ice rinks

Most of the ice rinks are easy to reach by public transport. Somerset House is one of the most central, while Hampton Court requires a train journey from London.

Contactless payment is generally the simplest option for getting around. If you want to understand fare zones and the different travel options, read our guide to the Oyster Card and public transport in London.

Driving is rarely the best choice, particularly in central London during the Christmas period, because of traffic, parking and restrictions.

FAQ about Christmas ice rinks in London in 2026

What is the most beautiful Christmas ice rink in London?

Somerset House remains one of the most impressive thanks to its neoclassical courtyard and large Christmas tree. Hampton Court Palace is an excellent alternative if you prefer a grand historic setting.

Which ice rink is best with children?

Queen's House, Winter Wonderland and Alexandra Palace are all good options for families. However, always check minimum ages, adult supervision rules and the availability of skating aids before booking.

How long does an ice-skating session last?

The duration varies between venues. Many seasonal ice rinks organise sessions of around 45 minutes, but this is not a universal rule. Check the duration shown on your ticket.

Is skate hire included?

Skate hire is generally included in tickets for the main seasonal ice rinks, but conditions can vary. Children's skating aids are often charged separately.

Can you go ice skating in London on Christmas Day?

Most major tourist ice rinks are closed on Christmas Day. JW3, the Jewish community centre near Finchley Road, traditionally offers sessions on 25 December and is a notable exception. Check availability and 2026 opening times before travelling.

Does the Natural History Museum still have an ice rink?

No. The rink closed after the 2021-2022 season and is no longer held outside the museum.

Is Canary Wharf Ice Rink open in 2026?

No. The organisers have announced a break for the 2026-2027 winter season.

What can you do after an ice-skating session?

Take advantage of the area you are already visiting. Covent Garden and the West End combine easily with Somerset House, Greenwich works well with Queen's House, and Hyde Park can be paired with Winter Wonderland. You can also continue your evening with Christmas lights or a festive market.

Summary

For Christmas ice skating in London in 2026, Somerset House remains our pick for a first-time experience, while Hampton Court Palace offers the most spectacular historic setting. Battersea Power Station suits visitors looking for something more contemporary, Queen's House makes it easy to combine skating with a day in Greenwich, and Winter Wonderland is ideal if you want to turn your session into a full festive evening.

Alexandra Palace is a useful indoor option and remains open throughout the year. However, do not rely on older guides: Canary Wharf is not returning for the 2026-2027 season, while the Natural History Museum ice rink has permanently closed.

Whichever rink you choose, book early if you want an evening or weekend session, and check the opening times and conditions for your exact date before travelling.