When it comes to celebrating Christmas, London goes all out. The lights, the markets and of course, the urban ice rinks.
So, whether you’re happy twirling like a pro or clinging to the barrier for dear life, London has an ice skating experience for everyone.
Fresh from my own Christmas trip to the capital city this week, I rounded up the best Christmas ice rinks in London.
Get your skates on and let’s go.
The Best Christmas Ice Rinks in London
Somerset House - The Classic Winter Skate
iStock Photo / Anatoleya
When?: 13th Nov 2024 to 12th Jan 2025
Somerset House is the jewel in London’s crown when it comes to winter ice rinks.
Framed by dramatic neoclassical architecture, the rink is lit up by fairy lights, overlooked by a 40-foot tree and is as picturesque as it gets.
Continuing the party, it also hosts a line up of music nights, offers gourmet dining with an alpine-inspired pop-up and après skate evenings.
Pro tip: Book early - tickets disappear faster than Malteser Celebrations at a family get-together.
Canary Wharf - Ice Skating Under the Lights
iStock Photo / coldsnowstorm
When?: 26th Oct 2024 - 23rd Feb 2025.
Let’s talk business - tucked away in London’s financial district, the Canary Wharf ice rink is a wintery treasure.
It’s surrounded by skyscrapers and twinkling lights, just the thing if you fancy skating in a futuristic Christmas movie.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite on the ice, there’s a bar and restaurant on-site to recharge your batteries.
Very generously, it’s also open for almost four months. So if you don’t bag a ticket for busy spots such as Somerset House, you need not miss out on the winter skating fun.
Glide Battersea - Parks and Power Stations
Adobe Free Stock
When?: 8th Nov 2024 to 5th Jan 2025.
Battersea Power station is one of London’s most recognisable sights.
And until early January 2025, you can skate past it in all its glory, complete with stunning views over the Thames.
Outshining its one-rink competitors, Glide has three interconnected rinks, overlooked by a 30-foot Christmas tree.
Grab a hot drink and thaw on-site at the Glass House bar while watching fellow skaters glide by.
Or head over to the vintage-style fairground and treat yourself to a snack from street vendors selling food from pancakes to poke.
Alexandra Palace - Ice Skating and a Winter Fair
Adobe Free Stock
When?: 13th Dec 2024 to 5th Jan 2025.
Alexandra Palace’s ice rink is open year-round, but it gets a festive makeover in December.
There’s a winter fair with rides, games and food stalls, making it a one-stop shop for Christmas fun.
It’s also up on a hill, so you’ll get some fantastic wintery views of London while you’re there.
On that note, at Airalo, we offer travellers the best eSIMs for Europe, so you can share your snaps and stay online without falling down.
Pro tip: The car park can get packed, so take public transport if you can.
Get on the Ice at Winter Wonderland
Adobe Free Stock
When?: 21st Nov 2024 to 5th Jan 2025.
It might not be your cup of tea if you dislike crowds.
But there’s no denying that Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland delivers winter in droves and is a surefire bet for feeling Christmassy.
This year, Winter Wonderland’s ice rink is open until early January and draws crowds with food, drink, live music sessions and even a bar made entirely of ice.
Perfect stuff for superpowering your winter photos.
Ice Skating Outside of London
iStock Photo / Michaela Fainova
Hampton Court Palace - Skating Royalty
When?: 22nd Nov 2024 to 5th Jan 2025.
Feel like skating in front of a Tudor palace? Hampton Court Palace ice rink is worth the short trip from London for the visual drama alone.
The rink itself is supersized, so there’s plenty of room to show off your spins. Or, let’s be honest, to fall flat on your face.
And of course, you can enjoy wintery snacks and sipping mulled wine or hot chocolate while overlooking one of the most beautiful buildings and gardens in the country.
Dream Big, Travel Far, Stay Connected - A Little Gift From Us to You
Speaking of the holiday season, here’s a little something from us at team Airalo to you. Unwrap the magic of connection with our festive winter video:
Wishing you joy, laughter and adventures this December.
