The BEST Places for Ice Skating in London for Christmas

How do you decide where to go ice skating in London for Christmas?

If you aren’t from London and are visiting for the holidays, it can be very hard to decide what to do when you visit this fabulous town.

That’s why this year I went to all the places I think are the best locations for ice skating in London and have them here for you!

Ice Skating in London: Tower of London

One of the last to open during the Christmas season, the Tower of London could be considered the most dangerous place to go ice skating in London.

Ok, ok, that’s just a silly joke because this location is historically a place of torture.

As you can see, it’s a very large rink, and the surrounding views are stunning. Not only can skaters whiz by the Tower of London every time they circle the rink, but also they can see the Mayor of London’s office, the Gherkin and The Shard. This year the Tower of London Ice Rink is open until January 3, 2016.

There is a cafe located nearby called The PieMan, so if you work up an appetite you can grab food too.

Ice Skating in London: Somerset House Ice Rink

In my Periscope broadcast of Somerset House Ice Rink, I called it the ‘most fashionable’ place to go ice skating in London. This is because the location hosted Fashion Week from 2009 up until February 2015.

During the day, people skating around the rink can see the stunning Somerset House courtyard and the beautiful Fortnum and Mason sponsored Christmas tree. It’s also right near Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery so if you’re just in London for the day, it’s easy to pair it with other fun, free things to do in London.

In the evening, this rink hosts ‘Club Nights’, which are said to be some of the best international clubs and festivals. The Skate Lounge offers cocktails and hot chocolate, and there is a Skate School and a Polar Cub Club for kids.

Ice Skating in London: Eyeskate Ice Rink

While the rink at the London Eye is certainly the smallest of all the ones listed on the blog, it’s by far the most breathtaking at night.

It’s the centerpiece of ‘Frostival’ in the Southbank Centre are of London for Christmas.

For this reason, I would suggest making sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy all the surrounding festivities when you visit.

Eyeskate closes January 3, 2016.

Since I am super scared of ice skating myself, I suggest that if you’re going to visit Eyeskate either to actually skate or to take stunning pictures, that you also visit Bump. It’s only a minute or two walk from the London Eye, and it’s for four-wheelers. 😉

Ice Skating in London: Ski Zilertall Ice Rink

Everyone in London looks forward to Winter Wonderland, so it stands to reason that this ice rink is probably the ‘most popular’ during the holiday season. Of all the ice skating in London rinks, this one is certainly the most stereotypical of the ‘London attraction’ experience.

They have professional photographers who can take souvenir photos for you, and it’s super crowded during peak times. I suggest this location for thrill-seekers because there are also so many amusement rides at Winter Wonderland. If you aren’t going to pair your evening with those activities and a trip to the Bavarian Village, you probably want to consider another rink.

Ice skating sessions here last 50 minutes like nearly all the other rinks. Guests must arrive 20 minutes prior to their booking time. Winter Wonderland ends January 3, 2016.

Ice Skating in London: Swarovski Ice Rink

This ice skating location sits with a fabulous backdrop of the Natural History Museum. It’s very convenient from the South Kensington Underground Station, as you walk underground following the ‘Museum’ signs until you arrive at the rink.

The Café Bar has a bird’s-eye view of the rink and is open daily until the Ice Rink closes. It has a range of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, mulled wine, a variety of wines, beers and soft drinks. Other special offers are the Cream Tea Skate and Champagne Skate

Given its outside the Natural History Museum, I vote this location as the best for families and children because you can pair it with a free museum.

The Swarovski Rink at the Natural History Museum closes January 3, 2016.

Given its outside the Natural History Museum, I vote this location as the best for families and children because you can pair it with a free museum trip.

The Swarovski Rink at the Natural History Museum closes January 3, 2016.

Ice Skating in London: Ice Rink Canary Wharf

This is the only ice rink on this list that is not in Central London.  It’s in the heart of Canary Wharf and is just a few minutes walk from both the Canary Wharf Underground and DLR stations.

It’s billed as ‘London’s 5 Star Ice Rink.’ Canary Wharf has London’s only skate path, which is a ‘glittering trail of fairy-lit trees beneath Canary Wharf’s soaring towers’. I agree. It’s the most luxurious experience of all the ones listed on the blog.

Attached to the rink is a fantastic outdoor viewing terrace where people can sit and watch the skaters. Also part of this rink is The Tasting Room.

It has sharing menus, sandwiches, and cheese fondue. The venue offers winter cocktails, wines, draught and craft beers and is available for private parties.

For the 2015 holiday season, Ice Rink Canary Wharf is open until February 27.

Personally, I wouldn’t mix my drinks with ice, but if you think you can handle them both, please tag me in your video on Instagram!

Before you book your tickets online (as most of the locations require that), check to see how far in advance you must arrive before your session.  One does suggest 40 minutes. Some of their prices fluctuate based on peak times.

So, those are the Sunny in London blog picks for the best places for ice skating in London for Christmas. Where do you recommend? Have you been to these ice rinks? Or, are you like me and you prefer to leave your skates safely here and watch all the other brave individuals…

For ways to save money on attractions in London, be sure to spend a few minutes on my London Pass section. The blog has has a very popular Guide to London, Best Things to Do in London for Christmas, and Advice for Winter Wonderland available to you too!