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Skating on one of London’s Christmas ice rinks in 2023 is a seasonal rite of passage and a jolly n-’ice’ activity too. In the Winter months, London is abuzz with bright Christmas lights and ice skating nights and 2023 is no different.
From annual favourites like Somerset House in the heart of the city to this year’s new skating rinks at Kensington Palace, here is our lowdown on the best Christmas ice skating rinks coming up in London in 2023:
Please note all London Christmas ice-skating rinks are closed on Christmas Day – 25th December 2023
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Table of Contents
Christmas ice skating rinks in London 2023
1. (Ice) Skate at Somerset House
Skate at Somerset House 2023 / 2024 – 15th November 2023 to 14th January 2024
A Swiss Christmas in London! Sponsored in 2023 / 2024 by Switzerland Tourism, the courtyard at Somerset House will be transformed into an awesome alpine setting, including specially curated skating sessions inspired by the Swiss regions of Lucerne, Bern, and Valais.
We’ve been to the ice skating rink at Somerset House most years not only because the courtyard setting is one of the most instagrammable places in London, but also because the outer buildings in and around the main square are transformed into one of the best Christmas markets in London.
The 40 foot Christmas Tree at Somerset House is stunning too, rivalling the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree in terms of its serene setting.
You’ll find yuletide hampers, traditional decorations and all manner of festive gifts available to buy – plus new for 2023, a pop-up store, Shelter Boutique, will host a handpicked selection of second hand vintage, luxury, designer and high-street clothing and presents.
So even if you don’t want to ice-skate in London this Christmas, Skate at Somerset House 2023 /2024 is still very much worth a visit this winter to buy presents or watch family and friends skate on by.
The West Wing restaurant is set to be transformed into a festive Swiss chalet (‘Chalet Suisse’ by Jimmy Garcia), with an additional rink side terrace and ice-skating lounge,
Other Christmas ice-skating activities include Skate Lates with Rock Angel (8pm to 10pm), evening skating sessions with DJs plus Skate School.
Skate at Somerset House runs from 15 November 2023 to 14 January 2024, with adult skating prices starting from £15 and children under 12 from £8.50 (booking fees also apply) – special skating events at Somerset House may cost extra.
Book your ice skating tickets for Somerset House >
Try this: London by Night Open Top Bus Tour with Christmas Lights >
2. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland Ice Skating
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland ice skating – 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024
Hop on over to Hyde Park (or should that be ‘toe loop’ on over) for the return of Winter Wonderland in 2023 / 2024, London’s biggest Christmas event with one of the largest Christmas ice-skating rinks in London (this year sponsored by Lidl).
Attracting visitors from far and wide, this is THE Christmas event in London – although note this year there are some Winter Wonderland admission fees in place if you aren’t pre booking activities or food and drink.
Built around Hyde Park’s famous Victorian bandstand, London’s Winter Wonderland is the UK’s largest outdoor ice-rink and is open from 10am to 10pm daily (last skating entry is at 9pm).
Unusually, they also do BYOS (bring your own skates) but definitely not BYOB (bring your own booze) – bag searches are in place at all the main entrances.
Different from most other Christmas ice skating rinks in London in 2023 / 2024, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland operates a tiered pricing structure with high prices at busier times – you have to buy an entry ticket as well as ice-skating ticket on top if you want to skate.
Adult skating prices at Winter Wonderland in 2023 are £11.50 off peak and £15 peak (based on a 50 minute session) and £8.50 off peak for children and £10 at peak times (their off peak family passes are also very competitively priced at £34 per family).
New for 2023 / 2024, the Winter Wonderland Christmas Ice skating rink in London’s Hyde Park will also be served up Lidl’s Deluxe pigs in blankets (chipolatas wrapped in bacon) with a seasonal sauce for just £3, in aid of charity ‘Neighbourly’.
Ice sculpting workshops are also held elsewhere in Winter Wonderland for an additional fee.
Ice skating at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland runs from 17th November 2023 to 1st January 2024.
Book your 2023 Winter Wonderland ice skating tickets and admission to the park here >
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3. Canary Wharf Ice Skating
Canary Wharf ice skating rink runs from October 21st 2023 – 24th February 2024.
Christmas Ice skating comes to London’s Canada Square Park in Canary Wharf this Christmas 2023 from October 21st – it is also London’s longest running Christmas ice-skating rink running for over four months (it is open for 18 weeks).
So if you enjoyed skating here before Christmas, you can return to skate at Canary Wharf until late February; it could be a nice Valentine’s day or first date activity.
The usual hustle and bustle of bankers (not rhyming slang) and city workers gives over to a fun family fair of ice-skating, hot toddies and twinkling Christmas lights in the heart of Canary Wharf.
Given the location, you also have a huge choice of family friendly restaurants (or bars) to unwind in after skating including popular restaurant chains Wahaca and Shake Shack right next to the rink. Or treat to yourself to award winning Japanese Restaurant Roka that has a full view of the ice-skating rink.
In 2023 there is also a really nice themed alpine style pop up bar with Czech beer, and the Grandstand Bar, cosy fireside tables and blankets for all.
We are huge fans of Canary Wharf as there are so many activities to do here all year round including the Crossrail Botanical Gardens and some incredible outdoor art and activations – read our Canary Wharf things to do guide here >
Ice skating sessions at Canary Wharf in 2023 / 2024 include skate hire and last 50 minutes with prices starting from £17.95 per adult off-peak and £20.95 per adult peak times and £13.50 for children under 12 at off peak times and £15.95 peak times.
A Canary Wharf Christmas ice-skating family saver pass for 2 adults and 2 children is £53.95 off-peak (and £59 peak).
Canary Wharf Christmas ice skating in 2023 /2024 runs from October 21st 2023 – 24th February 2024.
Book your 2023 / 2024 Canary Wharf ice skating rink tickets >
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4. Glide at Battersea Power Station
Glide at Battersea Power Station – 10th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
Brand new last year, ‘Glide at Battersea’ returns for 2023 / 2024 – Battersea’s Christmas ice-skating is one of the best skating rink set-ups in the capital.
Against a backdrop of one of the London’s most iconic buildings – the Grade II* listed Battersea Power Station, it is the only open-air ice skating rink that is located by the River Thames and features three interconnecting rinks and a huge 30ft Christmas tree.
Away from the rink, remove your skates at Battersea Christmas ice-skating rink and have a go on a selection of vintage-style fairground rides and or enjoy live music and entertainment in The Glass House.
Glide at Battersea Power Station ice skating prices start from £8.50 for children and £12.50 for adults (booking fees may apply) or a family pass from £38; all include ice skate hire. Battersea ice skating prices correct as of October 2023.
Glide at Battersea Power Station runs from 10th November 2023 to 7th January 2024 – arrive in style by UBER Clipper Boat.
Book your Glide ice skating ticket online >
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5. Christmas Ice Skating at Skylight Tobacco Dock
Christmas ice skating at Skylight Tobacco Dock –11th November 2023 to 31st December 2023
Europe’s only real rooftop skating rink (try saying that after several egg nogs) returns to Wapping from 11th November 2023 promising a ‘Canalside Christmas’.
In 2023, Tobacco Dock is being taken over with Christmas activities and expanding above and beyond just the rooftop setting – seriously, this has to be one of London’s best panoramic views.
As well as a skating rink (offering views of the historic boats at Tobacco Dock as stunning London skyline vistas), there will be Christmas igloos to eat and drink in. The heated Winter igloos at Tobacco Dock Wapping launch from October 7th 2023.
Ice skating at Skylight Tobacco Dock in 2023 costs £15pp for 45 minutes of ice skating, including skate rental.
However unlike a lot of Christmas ice-skating rinks in London, this is first come first served (or should that be skate) – no pre-booking is allowed. An igloo advance reservation is however highly recommended.
Christmas ice skating at Skylight Tobacco Dock runs from 11 November 2023 to 31 December 2023 – find our more here >
Make a day of it and take a wander through Wapping – read our dedicated Wapping area guide here >
6. Queen’s House Ice Skating Rink in Greenwich
Queen’s House Ice Skating Rink in Greenwich – 23rd November 2023 to Sunday 7th January 2024
Set against the backdrop of Royal Greenwich Museum’s Queen’s House, this is a ‘royally’ good affair (sorry) and one of London’s most scenic ice skating rinks in 2023 / 2024.
With views of the river and the historical maritime buildings of Greenwich, this is a great thing to do In Greenwich at Christmas.
The magical open-air Queen’s House skating rink in Greenwich opens up from 22nd November 2023 until early January 2024 (closed Christmas Day) with prices starting from £17 to £19 per adult and £8 to £12 per child under 12.
As well as the historic naval setting at the Queen’s House in Greenwich, you’ll be skating with views of London’s skyline and Canary Wharf sparkling in the background. Feeling cold after skating?
The Greenwich Christmas skating rink at Queen’s House also has a Benugo cafe bar next to the rink serving up hot and cold drinks (treat yourself to a mulled wine or hot choc after those ice skating spins – you deserve it!).
Afterwards, treat yourself to a pint or mulled wine in one of these top pubs in Greenwich >
Greenwich Christmas ice skating rink is open from 23rd November 2023 to Sunday 7th January 2024
Book your 2023 / 2024 tickets to Queen’s House Ice Skating Rink >
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7. Hampton Court Palace Ice Skating Rink
Hampton Court Palace Ice Skating Rink runs from 17th November 2023 to 7th January 2024
By Royal Appointment, the Hampton Court Palace Ice Skating rink opens daily from 17 November 2023 to7 2024 (except Christmas Day) at Henry VIII’s former home.
Set up right in front of the palace, this is an ice skating rink fit for a King with over 500 years of history all around, with incredible Tudor splendour the perfect setting for your skating.
Skating sessions at Hampton Court Palace Skating Rink in 2023 / 2024 costs £20.30 per adult and £15.30 per child under 12 at off peak times (or £22.30 per adult and £16.80 per child during peak times) including booking fees.
Ice skating sessions last up to 45 minutes long and include skate hire. Ice skating runs from 10am until 8:45pm daily.
Afterwards, you can grab the usual hot winter fare like mince pies, hot chocolate and mulled wine from the Hampton Court Palace cafe and bar – Henry VIII would have (probably) approved of all this sumptuous seasonal fare.
Book your ticket for Hampton Court Christmas ice skating 2023 / 2024 >
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8. Alexandra Palace (all year round ice-skating) plus Festive Skate
Alexandra Palace Christmas Ice Skating 2023 dates still to be confirmed as of October 2023
Ice-skating in London isn’t just for Christmas (actually, that might be a dog but you can see where we are going with this)!
Alexandra Palace ice-skating rink (or Ally Pally as it lovingly referred to by locals) is open all year round and is cheaper than most temporary Christmas ice-skating rinks.
At Christmas, ‘Festive Skate’ ice-skating ticket packages will likely be available at Alexandra Palace from November 2023 until early January 2024.
Regular ice skating at Alexandra Palace is available every day from 11am to 4.30pm during term time and 11,30am to 5.30pm during school holidays.
Regular ice skating prices at Alexandra Palace start from £9.50 per adult off peak / £11 peak and £8.50 per child (under 16) off peak or £10 peak.
Festive fact fans: did you know the ice-skating scenes from the recent hit festive movie ‘Last Christmas’ were filmed here? If not, that is our Christmas gift to you – you’re welcome!
Book your ticket for Alexandra Palace Christmas ice skating 2023 >
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9. Christmas Ice Skating Rink at Winter Village, Westfield White City
Ice Rink at Winter Village, Westfield London – Friday 10th November 2023 to Sunday 7th January 2024
New to Shepherd’s Bush, this festive outdoor Christmas London ice rink is located in Westfield’s Winter Village (outside by John Lewis) and has a Wonka movie theme for 2023, including a Wonka themed Christmas tree in the middle of the rink plus a special hot chocolate van.
The Westfield Christmas ice rink has several food and drink vans around the outside plus is only a few steps away from other restaurants and bars – we’d rate Westfield London as one of our best places for London Christmas shopping.
Westfield London Christmas ice skating also has a quiet / ‘calm’ hour of ice-skating on select mornings at 10am.
The Christmas ice skating prices at Westfield London in 2023 start from £16.30 for adults and £12.30 for children off-peak including booking fees or £19.30 per adult and £14.30 per child at peak times including fees.
Family ice skating tickets at Westfield start from £44.30 (1 Adult and 3 Children or 2 Adults and 2 Children). Sessions last 45 minutes and opening hours are 10am to 9pm.
Other Christmas events at Westfield London in previous years include a Father Christmas grotto and Santa Calls to the North Pole. Keep an eye on their website for further details.
After skating, reward yourself with a drink in one of Shepherd Bush’s best pubs or bars or grab a game of minigolf at Putt Shack Westfield, one of the best mini golf courses in London.
Christmas ice skating at Westfield London runs from Friday 10th November 2023 to Sunday 7th January 2024.
Book your ticket for Westfield Shepherd’s Bush Christmas ice skating 2023 >
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10. QUEENS skate dine bowl XXXMAS, Bayswater
Queen’s skate dine bowl in Bayswater is an all year round ice-skating rink (and bowling alley) that also does special ice-skating events at Christmas.
For Christmas 2023, QUEENS skate dine bowl is offering a range of Christmas skating packages, including the lowest price Ebenezer package at £25 per person, which includes ice skating, boot hire plus a meat liquor lighter lunch (must be completed by 2pm).
Christmas team build options and office Christmas party packages including ice skating are also available.
Find out more about QUEENS ice skating here >
11. Kingdom of Winter ice rink at Excel Centre, Docklands
Kingdom of Winter ice rink at Excel Centre – 8th December 2023 to 7th January 2024.
A brand new London Christmas event and ice-skating rink, Kingdom of Winter ice rink opens at Excel Centre on 8th December.
Billed as “London’s biggest indoor festive experience…”, this KIngdom of Winter is an all weather affair and has an indoor Christmas ice-skating rink.
Similar to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, there is an admission fee just to enter the Kingdom of Winter (from £5.50) plus ice-skating is then extra on top.
Activities and attractions at Excel’s Kingdom of Winter include an immersive ice expedition trail, fairground rides, a Christmas circus (up to 4 shows a day), Christmas shopping and much more.
Details for Christmas ice-skating at London’s Kingdom of Winter are quite limited but there are sessions every hour daily from 8 December and prices start from £7 for children with ice skating sessions lasting 45 minutes.
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12. Ice at Kensington Palace rink
UPDATE – Ice at Kensington Palace rink has been cancelled this year
A new London Christmas ice-skating rink for 2023 / 2024, the Ice at Kensington Palace rink promises to be a classy affair with a sustainable Christmas at its core.
Launching 30th November 2023 and hot on the heels of the Queen’s House Ice Skating Rink in Greenwich, Ice at Kensington Palace rink promises to be the UK’s largest temporary ice skating rink with stunning views of both the palace and gardens in winter time.
It is also covered so it is an all weather skating affair (here’s hoping for a white Christmas).
Luxury Christmas shopping is also available at this chic Kensington Palace Christmas event including goods and luxury hampers to buy from premier brands like Fortnum & Mason or Cecconi’s.
Prices at Ice at Kensington Palace rink in 2023 for skating start from £24.20 per adult including fees or £20.20 per child.
If you aren’t ice skating, there is a general admission fee to enter Ice at Kensington Palace rink, starting from £4 per person – all prices correct as of October 2023.
13. Skate West End Hanover Square
Skate West End Hanover Square is open until 1st January 2024
New for 2023 and on until 1st January 2024, Skate West End Hanover Square has an epic elliptical near to Oxford Street and Bond Street (so a great one to combine with London Christmas shopping).
Presented by Underbelly and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (with some proceeds going to the latter), the Skate West End Hanover Square is set to be a festive favourite and also has food and drink stalls to warm up your spirits.
Skate West End Hanover Square prices start from £10.50 for concessions during off peak periods and costs £19.50 per adult during peak periods (or £56 for a family of four) – skate hire is included.
14. Brent Cross Winter Festival Ice Skating
Brent Cross Winter Festival Ice Skating is ‘taking a break’ in 2023
Westfield isn’t the only London shopping centre to get in on the ice-skating action. New for 2022, Brent Cross Shopping Centre used to host one of London’s largest real ice-skating rinks.
In 2022, prices started at £17 per adult and £15 per child which included entry to the Winter Festival and at least 40 minutes on the ice – if you want to hire a penguin skate aid (alas only for children!) they are an additional £5.
So if you aren’t into ice-skating, you can always go for some retail therapy whilst the rest of the family glide about – big up Brent Cross Shopping Centre.
15. London Christmas Ice skating at the Natural History Museum (permanently closed)
2023 UPDATE: London Christmas Ice skating at the Natural History Museum has now permanently closed
South Kensington’s sublime seasonal set-up makes this the most iconic ice skating rink in London and it is also the first to open this winter.
Sadly after 16 years of ice-skating, 2021 will be the last year of the Natural History Museum ice skating rink – they will be transforming their garden area into an urban wildlife park, as part of a future campaign to encourage Londoners to help nature on their doorstep… so get your skates on now!
Incredibly beautiful and creating their very own Winter Wonderland along Cromwell Road, the annual London Christmas Ice skating rink at the Natural History Museum is a magical site – even if you don’t like ice-skating, we’d recommend you go just to get a glimpse of all the festive fun from Exhibition Road.
The Natural History Museum ice skating prices in 2021 start from £12.65 per adult and £8.80 for children with family passes also available. This South Kensington London Christmas Ice skating rink runs until 16 January 2022 (open every day except Christmas Day) and booking in advance is advised.
Note in 2023, the following locations and attractions that have previously had ice skating rinks do not this year or have been cancelled indefinitely.
- Tower of London
- Natural History Museum
- Clapham Common Winterville
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