Lace up your skates because something magical has now arrived at Leicester Square. The brand-new outdoor ice rink has opened in the heart of London’s West End.
Underbelly brings this unique Christmas experience to the heart of the West End, which reimagines Christmas in Leicester Square and brings winter fun to life with sparkling Christmas lights, music and activity for all ages.
Underbelly has a proven track record of delivering some of the UK’s most spectacular live events and for the past nine years, they’ve been the creative force behind Christmas in Leicester Square, transforming the iconic location into a festive favourite for Londoners and visitors alike.
Now, they’re adding even more magic to the heart of the capital with the launch of the brand-new ice rink – set to be one of London’s most exciting winter highlights. With Underbelly’s signature flair for unforgettable experiences, the ice rink is a now must-visit destination bringing sparkle, atmosphere and a true sense of celebration to London’s Christmas season. What’s more, it is the only ice rink offering skating sessions that start every 15 minutes, which are available for both online bookings and walk-in visitors, making it easy for everyone to hit the ice.
Skate Leicester Square is the best place for visitors to glide, spin and make memories, whether a seasoned skater or just stepping onto the ice for the first time. The famous Shakespeare statue, encircled by the ice rink, creates a captivating centrepiece. The popular Christmas pop-up market has returned offering winter warmer food and drink options, as well as seasonal gifting opportunities, all adding to the experience.
Tickets are priced from £14.50 for adults and from £9.50 for kids with family tickets from £40. An optional donation will be added to each transaction in support of Angel Child Fund at The Brain Tumour Charity – a fund created by Ed Bartlam, co-founder of Underbelly, in honour of his son Alfie, who tragically passed away from an extremely rare brain tumour in 2019 aged seven. To date the fund has raised over £700,000 for a specific project in Cambridge to find new treatments for some of the most aggressive paediatric brain tumours.
Ed Bartlam, co-founder of Underbelly comments: “We are excited to officially launch Skate Leicester Square, introducing this beautiful and striking new addition to Christmas in Leicester Square. Having produced this event for the past nine years, we felt it was the perfect moment to evolve and offer something fresh, while still capturing the magic and atmosphere that audiences know and love. The introduction of an open-air ice rink in the heart of the West End is an exciting new chapter for the event and one that we hope will become a much-loved seasonal highlight for Londoners and visitors alike.”
Cllr Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality at Westminster City Council said: “Skate Leicester Square is a brilliant addition to Westminster’s festive calendar, bringing people together of all ages and backgrounds in one of London’s most well-known locations.”
“We are committed to providing access to more cultural events throughout the festive season for all our residents. The special offer for discounted tickets in November means more residents can enjoy some festive fun. This creative and inclusive experience in the heart of the West End is a great way for visitors and locals to enjoy our city this Christmas.”
(From left) Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications, Discover Leicester Square, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Hamza Taouzzale, Westminster City Council and Underbelly, Ed Bartlam, co-founder at the newly opened Skate Leicester Square.
Photo credit: Matt Alexander/PA Media Assignments
Designed to bring the community together and provide a backdrop for festive fun, Skate Leicester Square offers a unique recreational experience throughout the winter season, open every day of the week now until Sunday 4th January 2026.
Skate Leicester Square ice rink bookings are open now and every day there will be a selection of tickets available for walk-ins, offering flexibility to London visitors and groups. Ice skating sessions will start every 15 minutes and will be 45 mins in duration with the rink opening every day between 10am – 10pm.
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications, Discover Leicester Square: “We’re thrilled to see Skate Leicester Square come to life and bring a magical new experience to London’s West End. Visitors can soak up the festive energy of London’s iconic entertainment district, from gliding on the ice rink to exploring the market and enjoying seasonal treats – it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and have an incredible experience with your friends and loved ones.”
