The Wick List

Doing Skate at Somerset House

The 2025 winter season has returned with full sparkle at Skate at Somerset House — and this year’s offering feels special. Running to 11 January 2026, the iconic neoclassical courtyard of Somerset House transforms into a festive open-air ice rink, crowned by a towering 40-foot Christmas tree and surrounded by Georgian façades. For those seeking a winter outing that mixes classic London architecture, festive cheer, art, music and food — Skate at Somerset House 2025 offers all that and more.

What’s new in 2025 is part of Somerset House’s 25-year anniversary — including a special artistic commission from Harold Offeh. Skaters will literally leave their mark on the ice as each glide contributes to a collective “ice canvas,” blending movement, sound, and creative patterns in motion.

The rinkside experience comes loaded with options: the new Virgin Atlantic Holidays-backed Clubhouse offers lounge-style seasonal drinks and views over the rink, while returning favourites — the Alpine-inspired eatery The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia and pop-up café Blondies Kitchen — serve warming raclette, mince-pie desserts and festive comfort food. Evenings bring another kind of magic with “Skate Lates” — DJ-led sessions featuring sets from cutting-edge music collectives such as Foundation FM and Sue Veneers, as well as specially curated nights inspired by on-site exhibitions.

Share story
Further information
somersethouse.org.uk
READ MORE
The Wick Culture - Children of Graceland (project). Credit: Hayley Louisa Brown
The Wick List

Viewing HOLY POP!

The Wick Culture - Courtesy of Hay Festival
The Wick List

Viewing Hay Festival 2026

The Wick Culture - Jack White in the Studio, Photographed by David James Swanson © The Artist
The Wick List

Viewing Jack White: THESE THOUGHTS MAY DISAPPEAR

The Wick Culture - Image Credit: The Wick
The Wick List

Viewing Photo London 2026

The Wick Culture - 2000.021
AH XIAN, 1960
China China - Bust no.4, 1998
The Wick List

Viewing Rising Voices: Contemporary Art from Asia, Australia and the Pacific

The Wick Culture - Alia Ali, Peak (2024). Archival pigment print, mounted, UV laminated, frame upholstered by the artist in hand-printed wood block Rajasthani, 66 x 45, 1/2 x 3 inches
The Wick List

Viewing Rhythm in the Blues