London’s most beloved winter tradition is back as Somerset House transforms its neoclassical courtyard into a magical skating wonderland from November 12th to January 11th.
The capital’s most picturesque ice rink returns for another season, marking the finale to Somerset House’s 25th birthday year celebrations. Set against the stunning backdrop of the 18th-century courtyard, Skate at Somerset House promises an enchanting winter experience complete with festive dining, unique shopping opportunities, and evening entertainment.
A Christmas Movie Setting Come to Life
From mid-November, Somerset House will transform into what organizers describe as “a scene from a beloved Christmas movie.” The centerpiece will be a dazzling 40-foot Christmas tree, sponsored by Virgin Atlantic Holidays, which will tower over the ice rink against the building’s iconic neoclassical architecture.
Visitors can glide across the ice with family and friends, enjoy warming drinks rinkside, and soak up the festive atmosphere in one of London’s most photogenic settings. The experience caters to all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to confident skaters looking for a romantic evening out.
Late-Night Skating with London’s Hottest DJs
Skate Lates return this winter, transforming selected weekday evenings into what promises to be “the most original open-air party of the season.” These after-dark sessions feature live DJ sets from some of London’s most exciting talent, with music echoing across the illuminated courtyard.
Special programming will celebrate Somerset House’s current exhibitions. DJ Shortee Blitz, who was photographed by Jennie Baptiste as part of her seminal series on London’s late-1990s hip-hop scene, will spin records in honor of the “Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots” exhibition. Studio Wayne McGregor will also take over the ice to mark the major winter exhibition “Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies.”
The lineup includes party-starting sets from Foundation FM featuring Kennedy Taylor, Knoxx and ELLAHDC, NTS legend Ruf Dug, and queer dance collective Sue Veneers. All DJ performances will be livestreamed to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse on-site, ensuring visitors don’t miss any of the action.
New Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse Experience
A major addition for 2025 is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, inspired by the airline’s iconic lounge designs. This cozy space overlooks the ice rink and offers seasonal drinks and treats, providing a perfect vantage point for watching the skating action below.
Virgin Atlantic Holidays will host special themed skating sessions throughout the winter, with each evening inspired by their holiday destinations and featuring “delightful surprises” for participants.
Festive Dining and Shopping
The Alpine-inspired restaurant The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia returns with their winter warming menu. Highlights include Jimmy’s signature freshly cut raclette served with charcuterie, buttered new potatoes, freshly baked bread, cornichons, and salad. New addition Blondies Kitchen will offer a bespoke festive menu featuring their popular Mince Pie Cookie Cups.
The Shelter Boutique, supported by HSBC UK, offers guilt-free shopping for a good cause. Weekly guest takeovers from brands including AllSaints, Nobody’s Child, Oliver Bonas, and Topshop will feature donated stock at reduced prices, with all proceeds supporting Shelter’s work with housing and homelessness. The boutique will also host wreath-making workshops using repurposed fabrics.
Artistic Innovation on Ice
This year’s Skate features its most ambitious artistic installation to date, with a special commission by artist Harold Offeh. The ice rink itself becomes a communal canvas where skaters can unleash their creativity, making movements and dynamic drawings on the ice inspired by Offeh’s “Creating Patterns” series. This transforms every visitor into a temporary artist contributing to Somerset House’s creative program.
Inclusive Skating for Everyone
The popular Skate School returns with coaching sessions from National Ice Skating Association (NISA) accredited instructors. Children aged 6-10 can participate in the Kids’ Skate Club using individual stabilizers with support from experienced ice marshals.
Reduced capacity “Chilled Out” sessions run on select weekday mornings for a more relaxed experience. Somerset House welcomes wheelchair users with both general sessions and dedicated wheelchair sessions available. Visitors can also enjoy the festive courtyard atmosphere free of charge as spectators, with all viewing areas wheelchair accessible.
Planning Your Visit
Skate at Somerset House runs from November 12th, 2025, through January 11th, 2026. Tickets range from £11 to £26.50 and can be booked online from September 26th. Early booking is strongly recommended as sessions regularly sell out.
The skating experience runs alongside two major exhibitions: “Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots” (October 17, 2025 – January 4, 2026) and “Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies” (October 30, 2025 – February 22, 2026), making for a perfect cultural day out.
Somerset House is located on the Strand in central London, easily accessible via Temple or Covent Garden tube stations. The combination of world-class art exhibitions, magical ice skating, excellent dining, and unique shopping makes this winter destination a quintessential London experience that captures the magic of the festive season in one of the capital’s most beautiful settings.
For tickets and more information, visit somersethouse.org.uk
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