There’s nothing quite like London in the run-up to Christmas: the golden-hued shopping streets, twinkling department store windows, chorusing carol singers, and the sweet smell of mulled wine. November always brings with it a Yuletide-tinged buzz, but if you’re not feeling festive just yet, there’s one sure-fire way to get you in the holiday spirit: ice skating. 

While every corner of the capital prepares for Christmas, several famous locations are transforming into winter wonderlands featuring gleaming ice rinks. Where else but London would you get the chance to skate across the courtyard of a neoclassical 18th-century building? Or practise your toe loops under the lights of the city’s skyscrapers? So, pull on your cashmere jumper and zip up your parka, because it’s time to get your skates on. 

Ice Rink Canary Wharf

Surrounded by shining skyscrapers at every turn, Ice Rink Canary Wharf has made quite the name for itself over the past few years. For 2023, it returns for an extended winter season, with a larger skating arena which is bigger and better than ever before, spanning 1,275 sqm. In the heart of London’s financial district, the rink’s transparent roof, illuminated by the shimmering lights of a giant mirror ball, protects the ice from London’s inclement climate so skaters can practise their moves, whatever the weather. Rest your legs at The Grandstand Bar, which will transform into a cosy, alpine-themed retreat home to a rink-side DJ while serving up winter warmers and post-skate coolers – there’s no better spot to take in all the action.

When: Until 24 February 2023

Where: Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London E14

Book: icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

Skate at Somerset House

Add a dash of festive sparkle to your skating experience at Somerset House, which has partnered with Switzerland Tourism for the festive season beginning on 15 November. Twirl around the iced courtyard of this impressive 18th-century, neoclassical building which has been transformed into the ultimate Swiss-inspired winter playground where specially-curated sessions inspired by the regions of Bern, Lucerne and Valais will also be offered.

When you’re not practising your Axels, peruse the gift selection from Shelter Boutique, stocking a handpicked selection of pre-loved vintage, designer and high-street clothing and gifts, or sample gourmet dining at Chalet Suisse by Jimmy Garcia – both providing the perfect post-skate treat. Better yet, make a night of it by booking expert-led skating lessons and watching trailblazing DJs on rinkside decks. Finally, toast your skating efforts – whether they ended with a twirl or a tumble – with a glass of Provence rosé in the Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel.

When: Until 14 January 2024

Where: Skate at Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA

Book: somersethouse.org.uk

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

The UK’s largest outdoor ice rink returns to one of the capital’s most famous parks, ready to host thousands of eager skaters from 17 November. At the centre of the rink, musicians will take to the charming Victorian bandstand to perform jolly tunes as you spin under a canopy of glistening lights. It’s particularly great for families, as little ones can enjoy a taste of dancing on ice alongside their parents thanks to the rink’s penguin aids.

In keeping with the frozen theme, Winter Wonderland has also curated an array of other ice-themed attractions, including a new Magical Ice Kingdom inspired by Norse mythology and an ice slide. For a chilled post-skate tipple, head to the new Bar Ice: a 1980s-inspired après ski venue where even the tables, chairs, and glasses are made of ice. Don’t worry, you’ll be offered a complimentary cocktail and an all-important thermal cloak to keep out the -10°C cold upon arrival. 

When: Until 1 January 2024

Where: Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Book: hydeparkwinterwonderland.com

Glide at Battersea Power Station

If you haven’t already spent much time at the multi-million-pound development of Battersea Power Station, the ice rink is just one reason to venture to the grand complex this Christmas. Glide, open from 10 November and pioneered by the team who created the beloved skating arena at the Natural History Museum, is the latest addition to the power station’s festive programme. It’s set to rival many of the other rinks in the city with its sheer size, as three interconnecting ice pads intertwine around a 30-foot, dazzling Christmas tree in the centre. Once off the ice, follow your nose around the station’s foodie streets and mall, which is open until 9pm during the week, posing as the perfect excuse to get some Christmas shopping done. 

When: Until 7 January 2024

Where: Battersea Power Station, Circus Road West, Nine Elms, London SW11 8EZ 

Book: glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk

The Ice Rink at Alexandra Palace

While ice skating is a year-round activity at Ally Pally, it feels particularly merry at Christmas time, giving family and friends an opportunity for a full-on festive day out. Book one of the Christmas skate sessions from 24 November and enjoy whizzing around the rink to your favourite Christmas tunes, followed by a mulled wine, Bailey's hot chocolate, and mince pies in the East Court Café. The beloved pantomime on ice returns for a special edition of Peter Pan and elsewhere, you can follow the trail of Christmas lights and carol singing to East Court’s Santa’s Grotto, where children can meet, receive a gift and have photos taken with the big man in red.

When: Until 7 January 2024

Where: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY

Book: alexandrapalace.com

Read more: London’s most dazzling 2023 Christmas lights switch-ons