We have categorized your list to help you decide on the perfect rink for your festive mood, from the most historic and romantic to the most vibrant and modern.
| Rink Name | Best For | 2025/2026 Key Dates |
| Hyde Park Winter Wonderland | The Ultimate Festive Experience (and the largest rink) | Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026 |
| Somerset House | Iconic Elegance & Late-Night DJ Sessions | Nov 12, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026 |
| Queen’s House Ice Rink | The Most Picturesque Historic Setting | Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 |
| Hampton Court Palace | A Royal Day Trip & Dramatic Tudor Backdrop | Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 |
| Glide at Battersea Power Station | Modern Skyline Views & A Multi-Rink “Skate Trail” | Nov 7, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 |
| Skate Leicester Square | Central Location & West End Convenience (New for 2025) | Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 |
| Winter Funland at Olympia | Family Fun & Weather-Proof Indoor Skating | Dec 13, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026 |
| Canary Wharf Ice Rink | The Longest Season (Skate into the New Year) | Oct 25, 2025 – Feb 23, 2026 |
| Alexandra Palace | Year-Round Skating with Festive Ice Discos | Dec 11, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026 (Festive Sessions) |
1. For the Iconic & Most Atmospheric Experience
Somerset House
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Best For: Elegant, sophisticated skating. It’s often considered the most romantic and aesthetically pleasing rink in London.
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The Vibe: Set in the stunning neoclassical courtyard, the rink features a towering 40ft Christmas tree. After dark, the atmosphere is transformed with Skate Lates, featuring music from top DJs. The rink is often paired with a luxury partner, offering a bespoke alpine-style experience and high-end festive shopping.
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Key Dates: November 12, 2025 – January 11, 2026
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland
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Best For: The biggest, most high-energy, and all-encompassing festive day out.
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The Vibe: This is the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink, wrapping around the Victorian bandstand and illuminated by over 100,000 twinkling fairy lights. It is the centrepiece of the massive Winter Wonderland fairground, which includes rides, markets, bars, and shows—perfect for a full day of festive fun.
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Key Dates: November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026
2. For the Unique & Historic Backdrops
Queen’s House Ice Rink
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Best For: A uniquely beautiful, picturesque, and calm setting away from the central crowds.
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The Vibe: Located in Greenwich, this rink offers unparalleled views of the Queen’s House (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the twinkling Canary Wharf skyline across the river. For the 2025 season, they have brought back the “Skate On/Skate Off Pit Lane” for mid-session breaks. It’s known for offering special Parent & Mini Skater sessions for a quieter experience.
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Key Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Hampton Court Palace
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Best For: A dramatic, royal setting that feels like stepping into a historical Christmas card.
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The Vibe: Glide across the ice with the magnificent Tudor façade of Henry VIII’s palace towering behind you. It’s ideal for a day trip or an evening session, where the palace is beautifully lit. They also offer Quiet & Calm Sessions early in the morning for a more relaxed start.
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Key Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 4, 2026
3. For Modern Views & Urban Excitement
Glide at Battersea Power Station
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Best For: Contemporary views and a fun, multi-area skate experience.
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The Vibe: This aesthetic rink is set on the riverfront next to the newly redeveloped Battersea Power Station. It features three interconnected rinks and a towering Christmas tree. It’s often referred to as a “Skate Trail” and offers fantastic views of the Thames and the London skyline.
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Key Dates: November 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
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Best For: The longest skating season, running well into the New Year, and a modern, city-sleek atmosphere.
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The Vibe: Located in Canada Square Park, this rink is surrounded by the sparkling skyscrapers of London’s financial district. It’s typically the first to open and the last to close, making it a great option for an early or late-season skate. For 2025/2026, the rink has been expanded for more room to glide.
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Key Dates: October 25, 2025 – February 23, 2026
Skate Leicester Square
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Best For: Combining skating with theatre shows and shopping in the heart of the West End.
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The Vibe: New for the 2025 season, this rink is set right in the middle of Leicester Square, encircled by the Christmas Market stalls. Its ultra-central location makes it perfect for a pre-show glide or a break during a shopping spree.
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Key Dates: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
4. For Indoor & All-Inclusive Family Fun
Winter Funland at Olympia
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Best For: Guaranteeing fun regardless of the weather, with an all-inclusive ticket.
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The Vibe: This is a huge indoor Christmas fairground experience. Your ticket includes access to the Giant Indoor Ice Rink, unlimited fairground rides, and a spectacular festive circus show, all under the roof of the historic Olympia Exhibition Centre.
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Key Dates: December 13, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink
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Best For: Experienced skaters and dedicated festive discos.
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The Vibe: This is a year-round permanent indoor rink, which gets a full festive makeover for Christmas with decorations, a tree, and special Christmas Ice Disco sessions, making it a reliable and spacious choice.
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Key Dates: December 11, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (Festive Skate sessions)