Three temporary ice rinks have been confirmed for Christmas 2026 across south east London and north Kent, offering festive skating at Greenwich's Queen's House, Ruxley Manor in Sidcup, and Bluewater Shopping Centre in Greenhithe. The venues will open between November 5 and November 18, 2026, with ticket prices ranging from £6 per person at Ruxley Manor to £49.95 for family tickets at Queen's House.
Queen's House Ice Rink Returns to Greenwich
The Queen's House Ice Rink, set against the historic Queen's House and Greenwich's UNESCO World Heritage Site, will run from Wednesday, November 18, 2026 to Sunday, January 3, 2027. Open daily from 10am to 9pm, the rink will offer 45-minute skating sessions throughout the day, with skate hire included in the ticket price. Adult tickets start at £19, children's tickets at £16.50, and family tickets at £49.95.
In addition to standard sessions, the rink will feature parent and mini skater sessions, student discounts, SEND sessions, community group bookings, and special offers for Greenwich residents. The rink will be part of Greenwich's wider festive celebrations, which include Santa's Grotto, a festive trail, Greenwich Market, and the borough's Christmas lights switch-on event.
Ruxley Manor Offers Affordable Skating in Sidcup
Ruxley Manor Garden Centre in Sidcup will host its covered ice rink from Friday, November 13, 2026 to Monday, January 4, 2027, with tickets from £6 per person. The rink has become a festive favourite for families, offering standard skating sessions, Little Penguin sessions for younger skaters, and quieter SEN sessions with reduced music, lighting, and capacity.
Skate hire is included, and penguin and banana skating aids are available for younger children. The rink is part of Ruxley Manor's broader Christmas offering, which includes a festive food market, Christmas shopping displays, live music events, a Santa's Grotto, and the Lemax Christmas Village.
Bluewater's Ice Rink Opens Early in Greenhithe
Bluewater Shopping Centre's undercover ice rink, located outside The Village near Zizzi, will open on Thursday, November 5, 2026 and run until Sunday, January 3, 2027. Advance tickets start at £15 for adults and £13 for children, with 45-minute sessions and skate hire included.
The rink will host themed events throughout the winter, including quiet sessions, parent and toddler skates, adults-only Disco Nights, Skate & Sing sessions, and charity Skate to Donate events raising money for ellenor. Visitors can also enjoy Bluewater's Winterland attraction, featuring festive rides, food and drink stalls, a licensed bar, illuminated displays, and a giant observation wheel.
No temporary festive ice rinks have yet been confirmed in Bromley or Lewisham for Christmas 2026, although announcements could still be made later in the year.
