Booking open for Skate at Somerset House

Yes, you've hardly felt the nip of autumn yet and it's far too early to be thinking about Christmas, but if you want to enjoy a festive experience at peak time, you'd better get your skates on. Booking for the ice-skating rink at Somerset House has just opened, and while it's not going to sell out right away, we've found that the weekend slots and prime evenings close to Christmas fill up very fast.

Skate at Somerset House is celebrating its 20th year this winter with special events as well as daily opportunities to show off your leaps, twirls and styled-out falls on the ice. Celebrations include London's first ever 24-hour skating event (7 – 8 December), which is being held in conjunction with the launch of Somerset House’s winter season and the opening of the major exhibition, 24/7.

The ice rink, with its backdrop of crisp Georgian architecture, has become a beloved staple of London's winter season. Here, you can glide in front of a 40ft Christmas tree laden with Fortnum & Mason's hampers, then head inside F&M’s on-site skate lodge, to warm up with a hot chocolate or steaming plate of Welsh rarebit. Or, make yours a hard one at the Baileys Treat Bar – where drinks include a Baileys chocolate reindeer cocktail.

For the first time this year, the sugary turrets of the Museum of Architecture's much-loved Gingerbread City are going on show at Somerset House, offering skaters the chance to gaze in wonder at the mini city made entirely from gingerbread. Meanwhile, Skate Lates returns this season, bringing with it the chance to glide long after dark to a line-up of leading DJs including Nabihah Iqbal, RockersLDN and Eat Your Own Ears.

Little skaters can take their first steps onto the ice with lessons for all ages at the Polar Bear Club, and don’t despair if you’re the Bambi of your family or friendship group – instruction is also available for adults, so anyone can brush up on their (potentially non-existent) skills. All teachers are accredited by the National Ice Skating Association and under their instruction, you’ll build confidence on the ice in no time.

Booking is now open