Saturday 14 November 2026
One of London’s favourite festive traditions is back. SKATE at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays is now open in the grand illuminated courtyard of Somerset House, running until 10 January 2027. It opened with a VIP party attended by guests including Neve Campbell, Kelly Osbourne, Keisha Buchanan and Vanessa White, with drag icon and DJ Bimini playing a headline set at the rinkside decks. From DJ nights to cosy food and charity shopping, here are five reasons to lace up this winter.
1. A 40ft Christmas tree inspired by travel
The centrepiece of the courtyard is a magnificent 40ft Christmas tree, decorated by Virgin Atlantic Holidays, which has partnered with SKATE for the third year running. Decorated in Virgin’s signature style and inspired by the magic of travel, it shows off baubles from destinations including New York, Las Vegas and Seoul. The tree stands on a base of suitcases adorned with travel stamps from Virgin Atlantic’s popular holiday destinations. At the opening, guests were also greeted by a giant Wilbur & Orville installation, a nod to the airline’s iconic onboard salt and pepper shakers, making for a perfect photo opportunity.
2. Skate Lates with trailblazing DJs
If you would rather skate to a soundtrack, Skate Lates is the session to book. Presented by Aperol Spritz for the second year running, it is a specially curated series of takeovers from trailblazing DJs every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday throughout the season. Bimini kicked things off with house music hits at the opening party, and London and Paris based DJ OLUWA, who also played on opening night, will return to play the closing Skate Lates set on 8 January. The rink is set in Somerset House’s iconic illuminated courtyard, so it makes a memorable setting for a festive night out with friends.
3. Alpine food at The Chalet and a free rinkside Clubhouse
SKATE’s cosy pop-up restaurant, The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, serves indulgent alpine-influenced food made with artisan British produce, including hearty croque-monsieurs and hot dogs. The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse has also returned for a second year, bringing the holiday spirit rinkside with free entry, front-row views of the ice, signature drinks and seasonal treats from the Clubhouse bar. At the opening, guests enjoyed Aperol Spritz, cocktails made with Pantalones Tequila and glasses of Laurent-Perrier. Tea tastemakers Twinings are back too, with a pop-up serving a selection of warming wellbeing blends and their Swiss Hot Chocolate.
4. Christmas shopping that gives back
Gift hunters should head to the exclusive pop-up store from Shelter Boutique, brought to you by HSBC UK. It features a curated selection of fashion and lifestyle brands, including AllSaints and Nobody’s Child. The pop-up also showcases a very special VIP collection of one-of-a-kind pieces donated by much-loved celebrities who support Shelter’s mission, including Laura Whitmore, Bella Mackie, Gok Wan and Tom Daley. Every purchase helps support Shelter’s vital work providing expert housing advice to people facing homelessness, so you can pick up a thoughtful present or the perfect party outfit while giving something back this Christmas.
5. Sámi art and culture under the dome
Look up from the ice and you will see the Sámi flag flying atop Somerset House’s dome, overlooking the rink and the River Thames throughout SKATE. It coincides with the brand new exhibition Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture, the UK’s first group exhibition to celebrate the arts and culture of Sámi people. The flag was designed by Norwegian Sámi artist Astrid Båhl, who built on earlier designs including one by Synnøve Persen, and it is the officially recognised flag of the Sámi people and Sápmi. The exhibition runs until 7 February 2027, so you can pair a skate with a gallery visit.
Book
SKATE at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays
Somerset House, London WC2R 1LA
Dates: 11 November 2026 – 10 January 2027
Tickets: £11 – £28.50
Skate Lates: every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; closing set by OLUWA on 8 January
Tickets are also available through Virgin Red, with adult tickets from 4,000 Virgin Points
Through Our Eyes: Sámi Art and Culture runs until 7 February 2027