London’s most photogenic and festive ice rink is lacing up again, and we could not be more thrilled. Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays opens on 11 November and glides on until 10 January 2027, bringing back the courtyard that has starred in Love, Actually and Strictly Come Dancing, along with a fresh round of firsts that have us eyeing our diaries.
What to expect
More of the magical, wondrous usual, of course. For starters, the staggering Virgin Atlantic Holidays Christmas tree once again holds court over the neoclassical courtyard. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse that made its debut last year is back with rink-side views, as is The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, still serving its beloved raclette for anyone whose Christmas is synonymous with plenty of indulgence.
Skate Lates return to bring DJs to the ice on weekday nights, and Shelter Boutique, brought to you by HSBC UK, is back with donated stock from high-end brands. Skate School and Kids’ Club are on hand for anyone still finding their feet on the rink, and onlookers can soak up the atmosphere from outside of the rink. More on this below.
New for 2026: K-pop on ice and extra time on the rink
On Monday 23 November, Skate hosts its first K-pop party, in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre UK. DJ EMKAY plays a live set that runs from BTS and BLACKPINK to the next big band worth knowing about, so expect a high-energy evening.
New this November are extended sessions, giving skaters twice as long on the ice for the price of a single session. A welcome bonus for anyone who spends the first half hour clinging to the barrier for dear life before finding their feet or, of course, those who simply can’t get enough of the ice.
Skate Lates: an open-air dance floor
From Wednesday to Friday evenings, the rink becomes a winter party venue, with DJs playing under the stars until 11pm and an Aperol Spritz van parked rink-side for a cheeky and refreshing spritz between laps. Guests include South Asian creative collective Daytimers, community broadcasters Netil Radio, youth culture platform Gauchoworld and bass collective BUMPAH, the latter two appearing at Skate for the first time. A night of contemporary Sámi music, DJed by Matti Aikio, ties in with the free exhibition Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture, which runs throughout Skate.
Skating for everyone
Weekend mornings bring Skate School for adults and teens, while Kids’ Club gives children aged 6 to 12 a space of their own, with coaching from the team behind Team GB’s future skating stars. Reduced-capacity Relaxed sessions and dedicated wheelchair sessions sit alongside the main programme. Entry to the site is free, and tickets are only needed if you want to skate, so even those terrified of all the glides and slides can soak up the atmosphere from the sidelines.
Food, drink and festive shopping
Pop-up restaurant The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia is back to satisfy all our winter comfort-food cravings, bringing a taste of the Alps to the Strand with raclette melted straight from the wheel, alpine-inspired dishes and gingerbread house workshops (we nod affirmatively to all three, mouth watering and all). Outside, hot chocolates, German hot dogs and freshly made waffles will keep your frosty gloved hands warm.
If you enjoy your festive doings with a side of understated luxury, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse returns with free entry and front-row views of the ice, and the Shelter Boutique pop-up by HSBC UK offers fashion from brands including AllSaints and Nobody’s Child, with every purchase supporting Shelter’s housing advice work.
What’s next?
Somerset House’s winter programme continues after Skate closes with WONDER: Why We Believe in Magic, opening in February 2027, so keep your eyes peeled for that.
Key details
Dates: 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027
Tickets: Tickets cost from £11 to £28.50
Where: Somerset House, Strand, London
Book: somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house
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