London's Christmas Ice Rinks 2026: What's Open and What's Not
Several popular festive skating locations will return, but one major rink will not operate this year.
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The reporting is based on information from the venues themselves, but no independent sources are cited.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
The article clearly separates fact from comment and provides specific details about each ice rink.
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The article uses enthusiastic language but remains largely proportionate to the subject matter.
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Londoners seeking festive ice skating experiences this Christmas will find several familiar locations returning, alongside one notable closure. The 2026 season will see pop-up rinks open across the capital, offering opportunities for skating amidst seasonal decorations and attractions.
Confirmed Rink Openings and Dates
London's Festive Season Kicks Off October 27
A calendar of major Christmas events includes ice rinks, light switch-ons, and theatre.
Skate Leicester Square, managed by the Underbelly team, will be the first to open its doors on 31 October 2026, situated in the centre of the famous square. Following this, Glide ice rink at Battersea Power Station will begin operations on 6 November 2026. This rink features three interconnected ice paths around a central Christmas tree, with views of the Thames.
Skate at Somerset House, sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Holidays, is scheduled to open on 11 November 2026 and will run until 10 January 2027. The Queen's House ice rink in Greenwich will also open in November, from the 18th, and will be accessible to skaters until 3 January 2027. This rink has reportedly doubled in size for the upcoming season.
Further skating options include the rink at Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, which will operate from 19 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. This is noted as the UK's largest open-air ice rink. Hampton Court Palace will host its ice rink from 20 November 2026, also concluding on 3 January 2027, offering a backdrop of the historic Tudor building.
London Events: October 8-11, 2026
A range of exhibitions, markets, and free activities are scheduled across the capital.
Ice Rink Canary Wharf Ceases Operations
In contrast to the returning venues, Ice Rink Canary Wharf has announced it will not be returning for Christmas 2026. After operating for several seasons among the skyscrapers, its absence will be noted by regular visitors.
Details for some rinks, such as specific event programming and sponsorship impacts, are still being announced. Londonist stated it would update its coverage as more information becomes available for the 2026 season.
Questions this report answers
+Which ice rinks are confirmed to be open in London for Christmas 2026?
Several popular ice rinks will be open, including Skate Leicester Square (31 Oct 2026 - 3 Jan 2027), Glide at Battersea Power Station (6 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027), Skate at Somerset House (11 Nov 2026 - 10 Jan 2027), Queen's House ice rink in Greenwich (18 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027), Hyde Park Winter Wonderland (19 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027), and Hampton Court Palace (20 Nov 2026 - 3 Jan 2027).
+Will Ice Rink Canary Wharf be open for Christmas 2026?
No, Ice Rink Canary Wharf has announced that it will not be returning for the Christmas 2026 season. This marks the end of its operation after several successful years.
+When do the London Christmas ice rinks open and close in 2026?
The earliest opening is Skate Leicester Square on 31 October 2026. Most other rinks begin operations in early to mid-November 2026. All confirmed rinks are scheduled to close by 10 January 2027 at the latest, with most ending on 3 January 2027.
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
More Coverage in Projects
London's Festive Season Kicks Off October 27
London Events: October 8-11, 2026
