Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays

A dazzling finale to Somerset House’s 25th birthday year as London’s most iconic rink returns with skating for all ages, warming winter treats and one-of-a-kind gift shopping, plus a specially-commissioned artwork from Harold Offeh in Skate’s spectacular surroundings.

Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays returns this winter, bringing the enchantment of the festive season to London’s most iconic courtyard. From November, Somerset House will transform into a scene from a beloved Christmas movie. Visitors can glide across the ice with loved ones, enjoy a cosy drink by the rink, indulge in a delectable festive feast, and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in the heart of the city. The dazzling 40ft Christmas tree – brought to you by Virgin Atlantic Holidays – set against the neoclassical architecture of the courtyard will create the perfect setting for a unique and unforgettable festive experience. Skate Lates return to transform selected weekday nights into the most original open-air party of the season. Skaters can take a spin beneath the stars until late, whether catching up with friends or on a romantic date. London’s hottest DJs will set the vibe rink-side, with electrifying takeovers of Skate’s soundtrack each evening.

In celebration of Somerset House’s 25th birthday year, a series of special sets will turn up the volume on the themes of exhibitions on show inside Somerset House. In honour of Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots—the acclaimed photographer’s debut exhibition at Somerset House— Skate Lates will present a special set from DJ Shortee Blitz. Photographed by Baptiste as part of her seminal series Revolutions @ 33 ⅓ rpm on London’s late-1990s hip-hop DJ scene DJ Shortee Blitz will spin hip-hop and club records all night long evocative of Baptiste’s musicfocused career. Studio Wayne McGregor will also programme a takeover of the ice to mark Somerset House’s major winter exhibition, Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies. These special sessions sit alongside party-starting sets from the trailblazing Foundation FM – featuring Kennedy Taylor, Knoxx and ELLAHDC, NTS legend Ruf Dug, and queer dance collective Sue Veneers. All DJ sets will be livestreamed directly to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Skate, so visitors never miss a beat.

New for 2025, visitors to Skate can get into the festive spirit at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse which is inspired by their iconic lounge designs. Visitors will be able to enjoy a delightful selection of seasonal drinks and treats with a view of the ice rink. On top the of special little touches found in the Clubhouse, Virgin Atlantic Holidays will host a series of Skate sessions to make this winter the most memorable yet. Inspired by some of their most incredible holiday destinations, the sessions will be elevated to new heights with some delightful surprises to be enjoyed throughout the night.

Cosy Alpine-inspired restaurant, The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia will return to Skate, with a winter warming menu including Jimmy’s signature freshly cut raclette, served with charcuterie, buttered new potatoes, in-house freshly baked bread, cornichons and salad. Blondies Kitchen will join the line-up at Skate for the first time with a bespoke menu featuring festive fan favourites, Mince Pie Cookie Cups.

As part of Somerset House’s special 25th Birthday programme, this year’s Skate will feature its most ambitious artistic installation to date with a special commission by artist Harold Offeh.The ice rink itself will become a communal canvas where skaters can unleash their creativity to become the latest artists on show at Somerset House, making playful movements and dynamic drawings on the ice, inspired by Offeh’s Creating Patterns series.

Shelter Boutique brought to you by HSBC UK will be the go-to destination for style-savvy shoppers looking to give back. In support of Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity, this year’s boutique will feature guest takeovers from brand favourites like AllSaints, Nobody’s Child, Oliver Bonas and Topshop who’ll be donating stock each week in the run-up to Christmas—ready to be snapped up at great prices. With all proceeds going to help fund Shelter’s vital work, visitors can shop with purpose while finding the perfect gifts for loved ones. Shelter will also host a series of wreath-making workshops, using repurposed fabrics, to create a stylish and sustainable festive statement for the home.

The much-loved Skate School will return to Somerset House for another season, offering beginners and enthusiasts the opportunity to brush up their skills and become skating superstars with daytime coaching sessions 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 Somerset House welcomes wheelchair users to Skate, with options for both general sessions and dedicated wheelchair sessions on the ice. Visitors are also welcome to soak up the courtyard festive atmosphere free of charge as a spectator rinkside, all of which is wheelchair accessible.

Skate at Somerset House will run alongside exhibitions, Jennie Baptiste: Rhythm & Roots (17 Oct 2025–4 Jan 2026) and Wayne McGregor: Infinite Bodies (30 October 2025 - 22 February 2026) offering a creative day out for all ages.

Book tickets online at Somerset House from 26 September 2025. Early booking recommended to avoid missing out.