Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Holidays returns for an unforgettable festive season

This winter, Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays returns for one of London’s favourite festive traditions.  From November, the historic courtyard will be transformed into a spectacular seasonal destination, with skating for all ages, warming winter treats and one-of-a-kind gift shopping.  At the centre of it all, the magnificent Christmas tree, decorated in Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ signature style, will provide a picture-perfect backdrop to capture celebrations with loved ones.

Skate Lates with Aperol Spritz bring the party to the ice, with DJs spinning vibrant soundtracks under the stars.  New for 2026, Skate Lates include sets from South Asian creative collective Daytimers, masters of real-life radio from local London communities Netil Radio, the team behind the youth culture platform Gauchoworld and bass music mixes from UKF. Aperol Spritz’s iconic orange van will be situated rink-side, serving all-season spritzs for al-fresco catch-ups at every Skate Lates night.

Every weekend morning, aspiring skaters can learn or hone their skills in the most stunning surroundings of Skate at Somerset House.  Whether to get fit for the festive season or get a head start on New Year’s resolutions, Skate School offers lessons for adults and teens, and Kids’ Club provides a dedicated space for children aged 6-10, all coached by the team behind Team GB’s future skating stars.

Reduced-capacity Relaxed sessions and dedicated wheelchair skating sessions also form part of the Skate at Somerset House programme, ensuring everyone can enjoy their time on the ice.  Skate at Somerset House offers free entry to the site for all to soak up the atmosphere, indulge in delectable festive dining and discover unique gifts - tickets are only required for those wishing to skate.

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse returns for a stylish rink-side retreat, inspired by the design of mid-century travel luxury.  Skaters and spectators are welcome to enter for free to enjoy both unbeatable views of the ice and festive drinks and treats from the Clubhouse bar.

Further food and drink highlights include cosy pop-up restaurant The Chalet by Jimmy Garcia, serving its signature raclette and alpine-inspired dishes, alongside the outdoor The Petits Chalets for winter warmers on-the-go, from rich hot chocolates to German hot dogs.

For festive shopping with a purpose, the Shelter Boutique pop-up, brought to you by HSBC UK, brings a curated selection of fashion and lifestyle brands who will be donating stock throughout the season. Every purchase will help support Shelter's vital work providing expert housing advice to people facing homelessness, allowing visitors to find thoughtful gifts or the perfect party outfit whilst giving back.

Somerset House invites everyone to experience the wonder of winter this season, with Skate presented as part of the cultural destination’s wider winter programme.  Opening in November and running for the Skate season, free exhibition Through Our Eyes celebrates the arts and heritage of Sámi people, who live across Northern Europe and are the only recognised indigenous group in the European Union.

Somerset House’s winter season continues after Skate closes with major exhibition Wonder: Why We Believe in Magic. Opening in February 2027, the exhibition will reveal how magic, wonder and supernatural belief shape the way humans understand, explain and imagine in the world. Journeying across time and cultures, from the earliest evidence of supernatural belief to current digital phenomena such as WitchTok and AI, this landmark show traces why we continually return to magic to find meaning in the unknown.

Somerset House offers the perfect winter day out, combining culture, creativity and festive celebration in one unforgettable destination.