Skate Leicester Square Brings a Christmas First to the West End

This Christmas, the heart of London is getting its first ever ice rink. Leicester Square, already synonymous with theatre lights and red-carpet premieres, is set to add a new tradition to its seasonal calendar. From November, visitors will be able to lace up their skates and glide around an outdoor rink designed to capture the magic of the city at its most festive.

The project comes from Underbelly, the creative team who for nearly a decade have been behind Christmas in Leicester Square. Known for turning the capital into a playground of light, sound and seasonal spectacle, they are now expanding their vision by adding skating to the mix. The result promises to be one of the defining winter experiences in the West End.

This is not just any rink. Sessions will begin every fifteen minutes, making it accessible to both pre-booked skaters and those who decide to step onto the ice on a whim. At the centre, the Shakespeare statue will become a striking focal point, encircled by skaters and illuminated by festive lights. Surrounding the ice, a Christmas market will offer food, drink and gifts, giving the square the feel of a traditional European festive destination right in the middle of London.

Tickets are priced from £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for children, with family bundles available. Each booking includes the option of a donation to the Angel Child Fund at The Brain Tumour Charity, an initiative created by Underbelly co-founder Ed Bartlam in memory of his son Alfie. Since its launch, the fund has raised over £700,000 for pioneering research into paediatric brain tumours, bringing purpose and hope into a season already rooted in community and generosity.

The Brain Tumour Charity remains the world’s leading organisation dedicated to tackling this devastating illness. Its work is centred on supporting families, improving treatment and pushing for faster diagnoses. By tying the launch of Skate Leicester Square to the Angel Child Fund, Underbelly has ensured that this glittering new event carries a deeper resonance for all who take part.

Visitors can expect the rink to open daily from Saturday 1 November 2025 until Sunday 4 January 2026, with sessions running from morning through to late evening. Alongside the skating, the surrounding market will offer warming drinks, indulgent winter food and stalls packed with seasonal gifts.

Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications at Discover Leicester Square, describes the project as another way for visitors to immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the West End during the festive season. It is a chance to take in the lights, the energy and the unmistakable sense of London at Christmas.

Skate Leicester Square feels destined to become part of the city’s festive identity, combining spectacle with community, and joy with generosity. For those who make it onto the ice this winter, it will be more than just a glide through the cold air. It will be a memory forged in one of the most iconic squares in the world, in a city that knows how to celebrate the season better than anywhere else.

Bookings are open now at skateleicestersquare.co.uk.