Skate at Somerset House
3 Min Read | Published: 27 November 2023
Updated: 25 November 2024
Written by American Express
Somerset House’s grand courtyard, one of London’s most picturesque locations, has been transformed once again into a winter retreat. Glide on the iconic ice rink under the glow of the illuminated Georgian building and admire the impressive 40-foot Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights.
The temporary ice rink in the heart of the capital has a long history and marks the start of the festive season every year. Since it first opened in 2000, the skating rink at Somerset House has welcomed thousands of people, offering the opportunity to enjoy a festive activity while connecting and sharing joyful moments with loved ones.
Throughout the festive season, you can savour warming winter treats, contemporary music events, and discover unique gifts right in the heart of the city. It's an ideal opportunity to create memorable moments with loved ones on crisp winter days and evenings.
American Express is partnering with Skate at Somerset House for its fourth year as its Official Payment Partner, bringing exclusive benefits to its American Express® Cardmembers, including exclusive presale access for Skate at Somerset House on 28 November and an exclusive 48 hour presale access for New Year’s Eve at Somerset House with The Bitten Peach.
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Skate at Somerset runs from 13 November 2024 until 12 January 2025, and features plenty of festive experiences, from an exciting series of rink-side deck takeovers with DJ sets to chilled-out skate sessions that run at a reduced capacity.
Here are this year's events:
Make the most of Skate Lates with Rock Angel
Enjoy great music and a curated line-up of DJs, artists and collectives as you skate late into the evening. This season's lineup features DJs from Rinse FM, celebrating with a special three-night takeover (27 to 29 November) featuring garage, grime, and funky house from the past three decades.
Experience The Chalet's Après Skate evenings
Experience the social buzz of après-ski right at Somerset House. After twirling on the ice, gather at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia for rich comfort food, festive drinks, and hearty conversations. Live music rounds off the evening with a lively singalong around the piano on Thursday 5, Friday 13 and Thursday 19 December.
Find out more about Après Skate at The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia
Take a skating lesson
Brush up your skills your skills at Skate School with daytime coaching courses led by National Ice Skating Association (NISA) accredited instructors. Get the kids to spin around the courtyard with special Kids' Club sessions for children 6 years old and over.
Join a chilled-out session
Try reduced capacity Skate sessions for a quieter and more spacious environment. Wheelchair users are welcome to skate at Somerset House at any time, while there are also exclusive wheelchair sessions.
Find out more about chilled out and dedicated wheelchair sessions
Tickets are available through the official Somerset House website. Prices start from £15 for adults and £10 for children, and booking in advance is advisable as sessions sell out quickly.
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