Skate at Somerset House returns to London from November 2026.
Skate Lates will feature DJs and collectives including Daytimers, Netil Radio, UKF and BUMPAH.
Somerset House will also host its first K-Pop Party with DJ EMKAY on 23 November 2026.
The festive favourite returns with ice skating, K-pop, late-night DJs, alpine dining and seasonal shopping.
London’s festive calendar is beginning to take shape. This winter, Skate at Somerset House will return to the capital, transforming one of London’s most recognisable courtyards into a seasonal playground.
Opening in November, the 900-square-metre ice rink will take over the neoclassical courtyard at Somerset House. The setting has appeared across popular culture, including Love Actually and Strictly Come Dancing, and has become one of London’s best-known destinations for Christmas skating. At the centre of the courtyard, a towering Christmas tree will provide the backdrop for the open-air ice rink.
Music takes centre stage after dark with Skate Lates with Aperol Spritz, running every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until 11pm. This year’s programme includes South Asian creative collective Daytimers, community-focused Netil Radio, youth culture platform Gauchoworld, electronic music names UKF and BUMPAH, and Latinx queer party collective 2CPERREA.
A new addition for 2026 is Somerset House’s first K-Pop Party, created in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre UK. Taking place on 23 November 2026, DJ EMKAY will soundtrack the evening with music spanning major acts such as BTS and BLACKPINK alongside emerging K-pop names.
Those looking to improve their skills can join Skate School on weekend mornings, with lessons available for adults and teenagers. Younger visitors aged six to 12 can take part in Kids’ Club, while reduced-capacity Relaxed sessions and dedicated wheelchair skating sessions will also return.
For the first time, November will also feature Extended Sessions, giving skaters twice as much time on the ice for the price of a standard session.
Visitors do not need a skating ticket to enter Somerset House during the festive season. Access to the site remains free, making it possible to enjoy the atmosphere, restaurants, exhibitions and shopping without stepping onto the rink.
Food is another major part of the experience. The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia will recreate the atmosphere of an Alpine ski lodge, serving raclette from the wheel and mountain-inspired comfort food. Outdoor stalls will offer hot chocolate, German hot dogs and freshly made waffles, while The Chalet will host seasonal workshops including gingerbread house decorating.
Now, no Christmas is complete without some shopping, which is why Somerset House also has a Shelter Boutique pop-up where you can explore pre-loved designer and vintage clothing. Brands including AllSaints and Nobody’s Child will donate stock to the store, with proceeds from any purchases going towards those in need, staying true to the festive spirit of giving while also securing a spot on Santa’s Nice List.
The programme will also connect with Somerset House’s winter exhibition, Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture. Exhibition co-curator Matti Aikio will lead a night dedicated to contemporary music from Sámi artists. An Aperol Spritz van will also sit beside the rink throughout Skate Lates.
Where: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA, United Kingdom
When: From November 2026
Contact: www.somersethouse.org.uk