We love London in the winter. If skating's your thing, you're in the right place, as we've rounded up the best Christmas 2019 ice skating rinks in London. Looking for other festive things to do? Take a look at our Christmas in London page.
Skate at Somerset House ice rink 2019
Somerset House marks the 20th anniversary of its ice rink this year. The courtyard at Somerset House will be frozen over once again for the Fortnum & Mason rink, centred around a 40ft tall Christmas tree. Look out for the special club nights , plus skate school, and Alpine-themed Fortnum's Lodge.
The Christmas Arcade returns too, for a chance to stock up on Fortnum's goodies before the big day, as well as the Skate Lounge — a bar and cafe overlooking the ice rink (we highly recommend the gingerbread, if last year is anything to go by).
New for 2019 is 24-hour skating — not every night, but on selected days, the rink will be open 24 hours to tie in with the 24/7 exhibition.
Take a look at the 2018 rink:
Somerset House, 13 November 2019-12 January 2020. Tickets on sale in September 2019.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ice rink 2019
The ice rink at Winter Wonderland is set around the bandstand, with a fairy light canopy, and acoustic musicians serenading the skaters on evening sessions. For atmosphere alone, it's one of our faves, and it also claims to be the largest open air ice rink in the UK (it does get busy). Of course, you have to battle through the madness of Winter Wonderland to get there, which loses it a few points.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, 21 November 2019-5 January 2020
Tower of London ice rink 2019
Take to the ice in the moat of the Tower of London, with a cafe in an adjoining marquee, and snowflakes projected onto the castle walls.
Tower of Londom ice rink. From 16 November 2019.
Hampton Court Palace ice rink 2019
The Tudor backdrop of Hampton Court Palace makes a fantastic setting for taking to the ice. Once you've glided and twirled to your heart's content, warm up with mulled wine, other hot, cold and alcoholic drinks as well as festive snacks at the Ice Rink Cafe & Bar.
Hampton Court Palace ice rink. From 22 November 2019.
Natural History Museum ice rink
This South Kensington ice rink is always the first to open for the season, in time for October half term. Skate around the Christmas tree in the courtyard of the museum, surrounded by fairylit trees. Not a skater? No problem — the cafe bar and balcony, offers a view over the ice rink while you sup on a hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Natural History Museum. It ran October 2018-January 2019. Keep an eye on the website for the 2019 launch date, probably sometime in October.
John Lewis Oxford Street rooftop ice rink
For Christmas 2018, a rooftop ice rink opened on John Lewis on Oxford Street. Keep an eye on the website to see if it'll return for Christmas 2019.
Winterville ice rink
No word yet on whether Winterville is returning to Clapham for Christmas 2019. Keep an eye on the website for details.
Winterville ran 15 November 2018-23 December 2018. Keep an eye on the website for Christmas 2019 details.
Skylight at Tobacco Dock
It was only a matter of time before ice rinks on London rooftops became prevalent. The chosen rooftop was Tobacco Dock. Keep an eye on the website for Christmas 2020 details.
Skylight ran November 2018 to January 2019. Check website for Christmas 2019 launch date.
Note: prices may vary by peak/off peak sessions, and many get booked up in advance, so plan ahead. See individual venue websites for price and booking information.
Looking for other things to do with kids at Christmas? Take a look at our guide to Christmas 2019 in London, including Santa's grottos, winter light festivals and Christmas film screenings.