Keep up date with festive happenings in the capital on our Christmas 2026 in London page.
Keen to go ice skating in London this winter? We've rounded up the best pop-up winter ice rinks in London for Christmas 2026 — and we're raring to get our skates on! We'll add more 2026 details as they're announced over the coming months. See you on the ice?
Skate Leicester Square ice rink: Christmas 2026
After a successful inaugural run last year, Skate Leicester Square is back for Christmas 2026. The pop-up skating venue takes up residence slap bang in the middle of the world-famous square, encircling the statue of William Shakespeare. The Underbelly team, which has run the Christmas in Leicester Square market and theatre for several years, manages the open-air rink, surrounded by twinkling lights, and market stalls offering food, drink and gift options.
Skate Leicester Square, 31 October 2026-3 January 2027.
Glide ice rink at Battersea Power Station: Christmas 2026
The backdrop of Battersea Power Station illuminated at night makes for one heck of a photogenic ice rink. Glide sits with the iconic power station building on one side, and the Thames on the other, and consists of three interconnected ice rinks, all centred around a 30ft Christmas tree. That riverside skate trail — which we absolutely loved last year — is back for 2026, carving a twinkling path through the trees, away from the buzz of the main rink.
Fairground rides pitch up near the ice, and there are lashings of restaurants, cafes and shops for skaters to make use of. Or, stay rink-side for your pre- or post-skate refreshments, at the Glass House bar.
Glide at Battersea Power Station, 6 November 2026-3 January 2027.
Skate at Somerset House ice rink: Christmas 2026
We don't like to play favourites, but we do have a soft spot for the Skate at Somerset House ice rin. Located in the Fountain Court, it's once again sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Holidays, so expect to see that 40ft Christmas tree dotted with teeny aeroplaces once again.
We're also crossing our fingers for the return of Skate Lates, Skate School and food pop ups. We'll update this article as more 2026 details are announced.
Skate at Somerset House. 11 November 2026-10 January 2027.
Queen's House ice rink, Greenwich: Christmas 2026
The Queen's House ice rink returns to Greenwich for Christmas 2026, pitching up in the open-air at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's doubled in size this time round, but capacity remains the same, meaning more space for everyone to practice their best moves slip and slide all over the place.
The events programme includes dedicated quiet and toddler sessions, student events and themed nights. And perhaps most useful of all, once you've booked you can change the date and time of your skate up to 24 hours before your booking — ideal if the weather's looking less than ideal, or if plans change.
Queen's House ice rink, 18 November 2026-3 January 2027.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ice rink: Christmas 2026
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is back for Christmas 2026, including the ice rink set around the Victorian bandstand — the UK's largest open-air ice rink. If you can block out the fairground madness going on around you, the rink itself is rather charming, with fairy lights strung in a canopy overhead, and occasional acoustic performances by musicians in the bandstand. This year it's sponsored by Priority from O2 — though whether that increases your chances of getting any phone signal among the crowds remains to be seen.
Further details for 2026 are yet to be announced, but here are some details from last year:
Wheelchairs are allowed on this ice rink (motors must be off on electric chairs), with ramps onto and off of the rink. You'll need to prebook your entry into the Winter Wonderland site — prices vary depending on what time you visit, though some off-peak sessions offer free entry. However, if you spend more than £25 booking attractions (including the ice rink) in the same transaction, your entry automatically becomes free. To confuse things even more, ice rink prices also vary depending when you visit, starting at £11.50 adult/£8.50 child — so you'll need to add a couple of rides or a show to reach that free entry threshold.
Ice rink at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland. 19 November 2026-3 January 2027.
Hampton Court Palace ice rink: Christmas 2026
The Tudor backdrop of Hampton Court Palace makes an enchanting setting for taking to the ice. Once you've glided and twirled to your heart's content, warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate and festive snacks at the redesigned Skate Exchange Cafe & Bar.
There's plenty of entertainment this year, including DJ sets, live ice-sculpting displays, Santa on Ice and adults-only evenings — all on selected dates.
Skate aids for children are available to hire (£6) on a first come, first served basis. The rink is accessible to wheelchair users, but electric wheelchairs must be set to manual mode while on the ice.
Our top tip: Book a slot to coincide with sunset. If you time it right (as we did — completely accidentally — last year) you can enjoy the sun dipping over the river, and the moon rising over the palace, all within your skating session. Magic.
Hampton Court Palace ice rink, 20 November 2026-3 January 2027.
Ice Rink Canary Wharf: Christmas 2026
Sadly, after several successful seasons, London's ice rink among the skyscrapers has announced it won't be returning for Christmas 2026. As the longest-running rink each year, opening in October and staying in situ until the end of February, it'll be missed.
