London's West End has welcomed an spectacular new winter attraction that's set to become a highlight of the capital's festive season. The Skate ice rink has opened in Leicester Square with great excitement, offering visitors a magical skating experience right in the heart of London's entertainment district.
Ticket Prices and Opening Information
The ice rink will operate from 10am to 10pm daily until January 4, 2026, with the exception of Christmas Day. The first skating sessions begin at 10:15am, while the final sessions start at 9:15pm. Each skating session lasts for 45 minutes, and visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled time to allow for skate fitting.
Ticket prices vary between weekdays and weekends, with November offering lower rates before prices increase in December. During November weekdays, adult tickets for skaters aged 12 and above cost £15.50, while children under 12 pay £11.50. Family tickets covering two adults and two children are priced at £48.
Come December, weekday prices will rise to £18.50 for adults, £13.50 for children, and £56 for family tickets. Weekend rates are higher throughout the entire season, with adult tickets costing £21.50, children's tickets at £14.50, and family tickets priced at £62.
Practical Details and Charity Support
Skate hire is included in all ticket prices, though visitors may bring their own skates provided they meet safety standards. Modified skates and speed skates are not permitted on the ice. The rink accommodates skate sizes from children's size 7 up to adult size 15.
Children aged between 3 and 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult while skating. The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users, and complimentary personal assistant tickets can be arranged for carers upon request.
An important aspect of the event is its charitable dimension. Every ticket includes a donation to the Angel Child Fund at The Brain Tumour Charity, established by Ed Bartlam, co-founder of event organiser Underbelly, in memory of his son Alfie.
Refreshments and Nearby Attractions
Visitors can warm up with reasonably priced hot drinks available for purchase in advance alongside tickets. Hot chocolate is available for £4, while both mulled cider and mulled wine cost £6.90 each. These drink prices remain consistent throughout the week.
Photography is restricted on the ice for safety reasons, but spectators can capture memories from designated viewing platforms surrounding the rink.
The ice rink forms part of Leicester Square's broader Christmas offerings, which include the return of the traditional Christmas Market featuring seasonal treats, food, drinks, and gifts. Another notable attraction is the 1920s-style Spiegeltent, home to La Clique, a popular circus show that has become a Christmas tradition in the square.
Positioned alongside other major London winter attractions like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Trafalgar Square Christmas Market, Skate Leicester Square promises to be a memorable addition to London's festive landscape, offering both entertainment and charitable support throughout the holiday season.
