There is nothing that ‘says Christmas’ quite like gliding around an ice rink, surrounded by twinkling lights. Whether skating against the backdrop of Hampton Court Palace or in the midst of magic at Winter Wonderland, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Battersea Power Station (to 5 Jan)
One of London’s newest additions, the ice rink at Battersea Power Station, ‘Glide’, is positioned between the historic building (renovated following a monumental restoration) and the Thames. It is also the only riverside ice rink. It also features three interconnected rinks with an impressive Christmas tree at its centre. Expect many great food and drink options, vintage-style fairground rides, photo booths and entertainment. Relax in The Glass House with something warming to drink and you will be mesmerised by the views. Find out more.
Somerset House (13 Nov-12 Jan)
Somerset House’s ice rink is one of the most iconic in London. Skate around the grand neoclassical courtyard on this huge, 900-square-metre outdoor rink, with a 40-foot Christmas tree sure to demand attention. You can also expect pop-up restaurants and bars, Skate Lates with Rock Angel (DJ takeovers, rink-side) and festive shopping. Find out more.
Hampton Court Palace (22 Nov-5 Jan)
Don your skates and glide across the ice, against the majestic backdrop of Henry VIII’s former residence at Hampton Court Palace. Once your skating session is over, take a seat at the Ice Rink Café & Bar and enjoy a festive mince pie or two. Or couple your skating experience with a trip to Festive Fayre (6-8 and 13-15 December). Find out more.
Canary Wharf (to 23 Feb)
Enjoy the ice rink in Canary Wharf’s Canada Square Park whatever the weather all winter long as skaters are protected by a transparent roof. Dance around the central Christmas tree and glide underneath the shimmering lights of the suspended mirror ball. Looking for aprés-skate fun? Get cosy in the Oasis Bar’s covered terrace. Find out more.
Alexandra Palace (11 Dec-5 Jan)
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The ice rink at Alexandra Palace is a year-round attraction visited by hundreds of thousands of skaters annually (open daily during the holidays). From first-timers up to seasoned pros and national champions, it’s perfect for all abilities. At this year’s Festive Skate, glide around the rink beneath the twinkling tree with festive music and even a sprinkling of falling ‘snow’! Top it all off with a delicious mince pie, mulled wine or Bailey’s hot chocolate in the East Court Café. Other year-round ice rinks include Lea Valley Ice Centre, Streatham Ice Rink, and Queens Ice And Bowl. Find out more.
Westfield London Winter Village (15 Nov-5 Jan)
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Westfield London boasts a whopping 65-ft-tall Christmas tree – the tallest in Europe. Alongside this, a 1,000-metre-squared open-air rink will provide fun for adults and children alike. This year you can expect a tropical theme in celebration of Disney’s Moana 2. Get ready to be transported to the vibrant world of Oceania. This year, 25p from every ticket will go towards supporting crucial environmental initiatives. Find out more.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (21 Nov-5 Jan)
Arguably the home of Christmas in London, of course there has to be an ice rink at Winter Wonderland! As well as a Christmas market, German-style beer hall and cosy Christmas film area, it also boasts the biggest outdoor ice rink in the UK, which surrounds a Victorian bandstand and is illuminated with more than 100,000 twinkly lights. There is plenty of family fun to be had, including a magical ice kingdom, Santa Land and Zippo’s Christmas Circus. Find out more.
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