Image Credit: noorda
eParenting is supported by our readers. When you purchase through a link on this page, we may earn commission.
Visiting an Christmas ice skating rink is fast becoming part of the Christmas festivities - the popularity of Christmas skating just seems to keep growing every year.
This winter there are more temporary Christmas ice rinks than ever. You can skate next to some of the UK's most historic buildings, glide by an iconic landmark, salchow in a shopping centre or even pivot by a Pavillion.
But many if these pop up ice skating rinks offer much, much more than just ice. They offer lots of other fun things to go with the skating - many of the outdoor ice rinks include a Christmas Market as well as cafes, bars and restaurants.
You can warm up after your session on the ice with a snack, a meal, a hot drink or maybe something stronger...
Here are the best festive skating rinks around the UK. There is bound to be one of these temporary skating rinks near you. So wrap up warm and get your skates on!
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland boasts the UK’s largest outdoor ice rink in the heart of London’s Hyde Park, set under a picturesque canopy of twinkly lights and built around the iconic Victorian bandstand.
You can also a dventure down the rabbit hole with the classic story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland taking over Magical Ice Kingdom, featuring larger-than-life ice and snow sculptures.
Plus you can have a go on the fairground which has Santaland rides for younger kids and thrilling rides for older kids and adults, shop in the Christmas market, see Cirque Bezerk or Zippo's Circus and much more.
Glide at Battersea Power Station is returning for 2024 after it's successful visit for the last two years.
At this iconic London building you can enjoy unrivalled views of the Thames as you glide around three interconnecting rinks surrounded by twinkling lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree.
When you've finished skating you can watch live entertainment, hop on a vintage funfair ride, enjoy a mulled wine or grab something to eat at The Glass House.
The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink once again hosts it's popular Ice Rink for 2024 with opening date to be announced.
Held in the grounds of Brighton's magnificent pavillion, Penguin Skate Aids are available for kids under 1.3m and skate hire is included.
Romantic and child-friendly, when you have finished skating you can visit the rinkside Bar & Kitchen for beautiful food and drinks whether you want a snack, lunch or dinner. This year powered entirely by Green Energy so it is better for the environment too.
Canary Wharf Ice Rink is back again in it's fabulous Canada Square Park location for 2024 with opening date to be announced. Surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants, Canary Wharf Ice Rink is a unique skating experience, surrounded by stunning architecture and enchanting greenery.
Skate hire is included, and early birds who arrive for the first session of the day can skate at a discounted price.
Head down to Royal Pavilion, Royal Victoria Park for Bath on Ice. Non-skaters can play Glow Golf or visit the Moguls bar which will be serving delicious food, spicy mulled wine and hot chocolate.
With wintery music, a cosy bar, and seasonal drinks, you can enjoy this outdoor rink day or night. Opening in November 2024.
Right in the centre of Derby is the Cathedral Quarter Ice Rink where you can skate in a covered real ice rink with views of the river, Museum of Making and Cathedral. Sitting and standing skate aids are available.
So join in the fun by relaxing amongst the twinkling lights and listening to the festive playlist. and afterwards you can grab a hot chocolate or a mulled wine.
Somerset House Ice Rink lets you skate beneath the stars as Somerset House ice rink returns in November 2024. Choose from open sessions, kids specials, club nights or learn the basics at Skate School. Or shop at Fortum's Arcade then eat at Fortnum's Lodge.
Last year's popular Skate Lates are returning this Christmas, with a specially curated programme of music nights throughout the season - the perfect start to your weekend.
The hugely popular Windsor Ice Rink returns to the historic Alexandra Gardens next to the river Thames this year from 15th November 2024.
A host of family festive attractions including Dodgems, a large main covered rink and a smaller open air rink there is something for skaters of all levels of experience, along with fairground rides, bar and cafe, all within site of Windsor's historic castle.
While you are in Windsor you could make a day of it with these 10 Free Things To Do In Windsor - some of them are right next door to the ice rink!
York Ice Rink - The Ice Factor returns this year to York Designer Outlet. The ice rink is just the centre piece of Yorkshire’s Winter Wonderland surrounded by a festive market and traditional fair rides.
With its 975 sq m of real ice and 30ft high sparkling Christmas tree as its centrepiece, the rink is Yorkshire's largest outdoor ice rink and there is a bar and cafe where you can warm up after you have skated.
Tunbridge Wells Ice Rink this year returns to Calvery Grounds next to the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells.
Skate in an open-air real ice rink with a bar & cafe where you can warm up and refuel after a skating.
There is a programme of events at this ice rink including music, story telling and Christmas wreath-making workshops. Opens 1st December 2024.
There are no Christmas Ice Rinks listed for Scotland at present.
Newport South Wales is the home of S K A T E, and indoor, synthetic ice rink which returns for Christmas 2024. Then you can eat, drink and be merry at the festive food and drink stalls.
journey through magical illuminated light tunnels and falling ‘snow’. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or beginner, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!
Looking for the perfect gift? Visit the Christmas gift stalls which will have a wide variety of unique and festive items.
There are no Christmas Ice Rinks listed for Northern Ireland at present.
Last updated 4th August 2024