London’s premier winter experience returns to Somerset House this November

Skate at Somerset House, one of the UK’s most beloved winter traditions, returns this November. As Somerset House’s iconic neoclassical courtyard is transformed into a glistening fairytale scene, Skate ushers in the festive season with an unparalleled winter experience: professional-standard ice skating, delectable and decadent warming winter treats, contemporary music, unique gift shopping in the heart of the city and extra special exclusives all ensure Skate stands out as a season showstopper. The beautifully illuminated Georgian architecture and the spectacular 40 ft Christmas tree awash with twinkling lights and glittering baubles add to the magical atmosphere, making unforgettable memories with loved ones on crisp winter days and evenings. Presented in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Holidays this year, Skate at Somerset House experiences include:

• Exclusive evenings hosted by Virgin Atlantic Holidays – complete with signature special touches and the chance to win exclusive prizes
• Pop-up restaurants and bars – gourmet dining at The Chalet and festive cheer with rink-side views at Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel
• Skate Lates with Rock Angel – DJ takeovers of rink-side decks to party into the evening
• Skate School and Kids’ Skate Club – coaching for all ages to become skating superstars
• Chilled Out sessions – reduced capacity, lower-level music and indoor break spaces for those that need to skate in a more relaxed setting
• Festive shopping from Shelter Boutique brought to you by HSBC UK – a special pop-up store at Skate featuring a handpicked selection of pre-loved clothing, homewares and gifts

The unmissable Skate Lates with Rock Angel allow skaters to glide around the ice rink after-hours to a soundtrack mixed live rink-side by London’s best DJs, artists and collectives. This season’s Skate Lates line-up includes DJs from Rinse FM, celebrating 30 years on London’s radio airwaves as a pioneer of the UK underground music scene, with a special three-night takeover featuring their favourite garage, grime and funky house tunes from the past three decades. Part of the Asian Underground crew DAYTIMERS, Rohan Rakhit will open Skate Lates in November spotlighting the South Asian scene. In December, DJs of Dankie Sounds, fresh from their sell-out sets in Ibiza, Dubai and Amsterdam, take to the decks with infectious mixes of amapiano, afrobeats, and afrohouse, before Jay Jay Revlon brings the best ballroom beats to Skate Lates’ closing party in January.

Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel is the perfect place for friends and families to watch the skaters in warmth, with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows right on the rink for picture perfect moments, and celebrate with festive cheer. A selection of hot and cold festive rosé cocktails will be on offer, from steaming cups of mulled rosé to icy glasses of Provence Rosé.

The legendary Jimmy Garcia returns with his cosy restaurant The Chalet, offering a delicious menu of Alpine-inspired winter warmers made with artisan British produce, from British cheese (Keen’s & Ogleshield) fondue to poached apples and pears with orange posset and a ginger crumb.

New for 2024, The Chalet brings the social affair of après-ski to Somerset House with its special Après Skate evenings. After showcasing spins and taking on twizzles on the ice rink, everyone can come together to share in a rich, gooey, comfort food feast, with free-flowing drinks, and even heartier conversations. Live music entertainment will extend seamlessly into the evening, rounding off the revelries with a stomping singalong around the piano.

The Petit Chalet accompanies the restaurant al-fresco, serving up a selection of gourmet snacks, sweet treats and hot drinks to enjoy on the ice rink’s viewing terrace.

Skate School returns to Somerset House this year, offering beginners and enthusiasts the opportunity to brush up their skills and become skating superstars with daytime coaching courses run by National Ice Skating Association (NISA) accredited instructors. Children aged 6-10 can take their first steps on the ice in the safe, fun and friendly environment of Kids’ Skate Club, using individual stabilisers and support from Skate’s experienced team of ice marshals. Reduced capacity Chilled Out sessions will run on select weekday mornings, and the rink is open to wheelchair users for all sessions, with additional dedicated times also scheduled.

For the first time, Virgin Atlantic Holidays partners with Skate, bringing its signature special touches to Somerset House to make winter trips even more memorable this festive season. Enabling everyone to live the high life at dedicated sessions hosted by Virgin Atlantic Holidays, skaters and spectators will all receive five-star treatment with the chance to win exclusive prizes including a Virgin Atlantic Holiday.

A handpicked selection of pre-loved vintage, designer, quality clothing and gifts will be on offer throughout Skate. Shelter Boutique brought to you by HSBC UK will be running a pop-up store on-site, with funds raised going towards Shelter’s vital services and tackling the housing emergency. The perfect place to pick up a gift for a loved one over the festive period.

American Express partners with Skate for the fourth time this year, offering early ticket access and exclusive benefits to American Express® Cardmembers.

Skate at Somerset House is one of the most iconic winter activities on offer in London. As it enters its 25th year, it is proving more popular than ever, with the last two years bringing record numbers of people together to experience the magic of skating around the historic courtyard. Early booking is advised to avoid missing out on a quintessential London festive highlight.

Dates: 13 November 2024 – 12 January 2025

Tickets: Prices range from £15 – £26.50 for adults / £10 – £15 for children including skate hire (a booking fee will apply). Prices may vary throughout the run and we advise early booking for access to your preferred dates and slots. Tickets on sale from 30 September for American Express® Cardmembers and those subscribed to Somerset House’s newsletter will have exclusive access to skating slots from 1 October ahead of general on-sale on 2 October. Sign up here for first access to tickets:

https://my.somersethouse.org.uk/account/create/brief