Freeze The Day! There's A Free Winter Ice Festival In London This Week

By Laura Reynolds Last edited 16 months ago

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Last Updated 13 December 2022

Laura Reynolds Freeze The Day! There's A Free Winter Ice Festival In London This Week

A man uses a chainsaw to carve a sculpture from a huge block of ice

Looking for something free and festive to do in London this weekend? Head to Canary Wharf for the free Winter Ice festival.

Across three days (17-19 November), frosty, family-friendly fun takes place around the Canary Wharf Estate, including ice graffiti walls in Montgomery Square, Adams Plaza and Cabot Bullnose. During a 15-minute slot, make your mark on the ice under the guidance of a professional.

People silhouetted against a wall of ice at night, with some carving things into the ice

On Friday and Saturday, a trail of 15 ice sculptures takes over Jubilee Park. Each one depicts a different bird or animal, all representing an endangered species. And if that inspires you, free ice sculpting classes are going on in Montgomery Square and Crossrail Place Roof Garden, where professionals are on hand to help you carve your own polar bear from the ice.

A man sculpting a seal from ice, with the One Canada Square tower in Canary Wharf in the background

Speaking of the professionals, you can catch them in action at live ice block carving shows around the area, creating chilly artworks in front of your eyes. (with complimentary drinks and snacks to enjoy as you watch).

A man uses a chisel to sculpt a block of ice — Some things are best left to the professionals...

If that's not enough ice for you, or you want to really make a day of it, the Canary Wharf ice rink is now open too.

Winter Ice takes place in Canary Wharf, Thursday 17-Saturday 19 November 2022. It's free to visit. See the website for full details of schedule and locations.