Skate Leicester Square will open this November in London’s West End as part of Underbelly’s annual Christmas in Leicester Square event, offering a fresh addition to the festive calendar.
The rink will surround the iconic Shakespeare statue and will operate daily from 10am to 10pm, giving visitors the chance to skate under twinkling lights and festive music.
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 Leicester Square will be the only ice rink offering skating sessions that start every 15 minutes, with both online and walk-in bookings available.
Each session will last 45 minutes, and tickets are priced from £14.50 for adults and £9.50 for children, with family tickets starting at £40.
An optional donation will be added to each transaction in support of Angel Child Fund at The Brain Tumour Charity – a fund created by Ed Bartlam, co-founder of Underbelly, in honour of his son Alfie, who tragically passed away from an extremely rare brain tumour in 2019 aged seven.
To date, the fund has raised over £700,000 for a specific project in Cambridge to find new treatments for some of the most aggressive paediatric brain tumours.
The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading charity dedicated to fighting brain tumours. It funds pioneering research, raises awareness, and provides vital support to patients and their families.
The Leicester Square ice rink will be surrounded by a festive marketplace featuring food, drinks, and seasonal gifts.
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, director of marketing and communications at Discover Leicester Square, said: “We’re very excited to see Underbelly work its magic and bring this brand-new experience to London’s iconic entertainment district.
“Skate Leicester Square offers West End visitors yet another way to soak up the area’s unrivalled festive energy.
“After lacing up their skates, visitors will be spoilt for choice—whether enjoying a festive treat, a warming drink, or even an impromptu stay, they’re guaranteed a truly unforgettable experience.”
Bookings are now open, with a selection of walk-in tickets available each day.
