This winter, Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays returns for one of London’s favourite festive traditions. This iconic ice rink set within the historic courtyard of Somerset House has captured imaginations on screen, from Love, Actually to Strictly Come Dancing, and for many people has become the setting for their own magical memories with loved ones.
From November, Somerset House’s spectacular courtyard located in the heart of London will be transformed into a dazzling seasonal destination, with skating for all ages, warming winter treats and one-of-a-kind gift shopping. At the centre of it all, the magnificent Christmas tree, decorated in Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ signature style, will provide a picture-perfect backdrop to capture celebrations with family and friends.
Skate Lates with Aperol Spritz bring the party to the ice, with DJs spinning vibrant soundtracks under the stars until 11pm every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night. Skate Lates include sets from South Asian creative collective Daytimers, masters of real-life radio from local London communities Netil Radio, the team behind the youth culture platform Gauchoworld, bass music mixes from UKF and BUMPAH, plus Lantinx queer party purveyors 2CPERREA. Inspired by Somerset House’s winter exhibition Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture, Skate Lates also presents a celebration of contemporary music from Sámi artists, the only recognised indigenous group in the European Union, DJ’d by co-curator of the exhibition Matti Aikio. Aperol Spritz’s iconic orange van will be situated rink-side, serving spritzes for al-fresco catch-ups at every Skate Lates night.
In collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK), Skate will present its first K-Pop Party on 23 November. From BTS and BLACKPINK to the need-to-know next big band, expect a high-energy evening at this special live set from DJ EMKAY.
Whether to get fit for the festive season or get a head start on New Year’s resolutions, on weekend mornings Skate School offers lessons for adults and teens looking to learn or hone their skating skills in the stunning surroundings of Somerset House and Kids’ Club provides a dedicated space for children age 6-12, all coached by the team behind Team GB’s future skating stars.
Reduced-capacity Relaxed sessions and dedicated wheelchair skating sessions also form part of the Skate at Somerset House programme, ensuring everyone can enjoy their time on the ice. Extended sessions will be available for the very first time this November, offering skating enthusiasts double the amount of time on the ice for the same price as a single session.
Skate at Somerset House offers free entry to the site for all to soak up the atmosphere, indulge in delectable festive dining and discover unique gifts – tickets are only required for those wishing to skate. Also presented as part of Somerset House’s winter programming will be free exhibition Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture, celebrating the arts and heritage of Sámi people who live across Northern Europe and are the only recognised indigenous group in the European Union. Opening in November, the exhibition will run throughout Skate.
The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse returns, bringing the holiday spirit rinkside for the Christmas season. Entry is free, with front-row views of the ice and plenty to discover. Skaters and spectators are welcomed to step inside for destination inspiration, festive surprises and playful ways to put their next holiday on the cards, alongside signature drinks and seasonal treats from the Clubhouse bar – plus a taste of the premium retail experience coming to the new flagship Virgin Atlantic Holidays store at Battersea Power Station.
Further food and drink highlights include cosy pop-up restaurant The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, bringing an immersive ski lodge escape to London with melted raclette straight from the wheel and alpine-inspired dishes. Outdoors, grab winter warmers on-the-go—from decadent hot chocolates to German hot dogs and freshly made waffles. The Chalet will also host a seasonal programme of festive workshops, including gingerbread house decorating, alongside family events throughout the winter season. Somerset House is home to some of London’s finest independent food and drink providers, with six permanent restaurants, cafés and bars from Chinese home cooking and Syrian sharing plates to award-winning coffee, refined dining experiences and considered plant-first options.
For festive shopping with a purpose, the Shelter Boutique pop-up, brought to you by HSBC UK, brings a curated selection of fashion and lifestyle brands including AllSaints and Nobody’s Child who will be donating stock throughout the season. Every purchase will help support Shelter’s vital work providing expert housing advice to people facing homelessness, allowing visitors to find thoughtful gifts or the perfect party outfit whilst giving back.
Somerset House’s winter season continues after Skate closes with major exhibition WONDER: Why We Believe in Magic. Opening in February 2027, this landmark show journeys across time and cultures, from the earliest evidence of supernatural belief to current digital phenomena such as WitchTok and AI, to explore why we continually return to the magical to find meaning in the world. A dynamic public programme will accompany the exhibition, inviting audiences of all ages to participate in their own acts of magic. Every Sunday, audiences will be able to experience reinterpreted rituals, such as tarot performances with Jesstress Joan, magic shows including drag magician Kat Da Bra and incense making workshops with Lulu Wang. For families, during February half term and the Easter holidays, Marvin’s Magic brings the excitement, wonder and theatre of its world-famous demonstrations, alongside stay and make sessions and sensory playspaces. Tickets will be made available at the same time as Skate.
Somerset House offers the perfect winter day out, combining culture, creativity and festive celebration in one unforgettable destination.
