Every year, we’re used to seeing Leicester Square kitted out and splashed with the Christmas spirit, with huts serving mulled wine and festive variety shows. What we’re not used to is an ice rink slap bang in the middle of the space, but that’s exactly what we’re getting this year.
For the first time, an ice rink is being welcomed to Leicester Square, which will see revellers slide through to after they’ve enjoyed a chilly day out in the city. Skate Leicester Square will be with us in just under two months’ time for its inaugural year of ice cool pirouettes and gliding across the frozen floor at the Central London plaza.
Credit: @leicestersqxmas, via IG
Skate Leicester Square
Underbelly, which has been running Christmas in Leicester Square for almost a decade, are behind the move to bring an ice rink to the famous square. You’ll be able to take to the ice for 45-minute sessions that kick off every 15 minutes between 10am – 10pm throughout the festive season from November 1, 2025 to January 4, 2026.
It’ll be another string to the bow of the festive happenings in Leicester Square, and once you’ve finished up on the ice, you’ll be able to glug some glühwein and munch down on some bratwurst before picking out a Christmas gift.
There’s also a chance to skate across the rink this Christmas for a worthy cause. Those who purchase a ticket will also have the option to donate to Angel Child Fund at the Brain Tumour Charitywhich was created by Underbelly co-founder Ed Bartlam to honour his son who tragically lost his life aged just seven to a rare brain tumour in 2019. The fund works towards better treatment, quicker diagnoses, improved care and the acceleration towards a cure. (Read more about the fund here and donate directly if you choose)
Speaking on the news, Ed Bartlam, co-founder of Underbelly, said: “We’re excited to be launching Skate Leicester Square and bringing a beautiful and striking new addition to Christmas in Leicester Square. Having produced this event for the past nine years, we felt it was time to evolve and offer something fresh that still captures the magic and atmosphere audiences know and love. Introducing an open-air ice rink right in the heart of the West End marks an exciting new chapter and one that we hope will become a new seasonal favourite for Londoners and visitors alike”.
Skate lands at Leicester Square on November 1, 2025, and will run until January 4, 2026. Tickets are £14.50 adults, £9.50 for children, and £40 for family tickets. Find out more and book your spot here.
