Where to get your skates on this Christmas
Ok, so we don’t have an ice rink in Henley and we doubt that we’ll see the Thames freeze over, so where can you get some of those Christmas vibes gliding on ice. We have rounded up a few places where to get those icy Christmas feels, from just down the road in Reading to the shiny lights of London.
Winter Wonderland Reading
Reading’s Winter Wonderland returns to Hill’s Meadow from 8th November to 4th January, transforming the riverside into a festive playground with a real ice rink, over 15 funfair rides, and a cosy German bar serving mulled wine and bratwurst. Visitors can skate beneath twinkling lights, meet Santa in his grotto, and enjoy unlimited ride wristbands for four hours of seasonal thrills. With Alpine lodge hire, sweet stalls, and a giant observation wheel, it’s a magical day out just 20 minutes from Henley.
Save driving into Reading and parking by taking the bus for just £3.00
Windsor on Ice
Windsor On Ice returns to Alexandra Gardens this festive season, offering a magical riverside skating experience beneath the shadow of Windsor Castle. Open daily from 17th November to 7th January, the covered real ice rink welcomes skaters of all ages, with penguin skate aids for little ones and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for families and festive outings. Beyond the rink, visitors can enjoy traditional funfair rides, seasonal food stalls, and warming drinks from the Alpine Bar, all set within a twinkling winter village. Less than 30 mins by car or an hour on the train from Henley, it’s a charming day trip that blends royal scenery with Christmas sparkle.
“The Great Skate” at Blenheim Palace
This year, Blenheim Palace unveils “The Great Skate,” a breath-taking new addition to its Christmas programme, inviting visitors to glide across real ice in the grandeur of the Great Court.
Set against the splendour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the covered rink offers a magical skating experience from 14th November to 3rd January, with twinkling lights, rink-side treats, and picture-perfect views of the Palace’s illuminated façade.
It’s a dazzling centrepiece to a wider celebration that includes the Palace’s immersive “The Palace of Oz” transformation, a glowing after-dark trail, and one of the UK’s most charming Christmas markets.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace | Market & Illuminated Light Trail
Skate Leicester Square
Skate Leicester Square brings festive flair to the heart of London’s West End, offering a charming circular rink surrounded by twinkling lights, Christmas market stalls, and the buzz of Theatreland. Open daily from 1st November to 4th January, this seasonal favourite invites skaters of all ages to glide beneath the stars, then warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate from the cosy bar.
Skate at Somerset House
Skate at Somerset House returns from 12th November to 11th January, transforming the iconic Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court into London’s most stylish winter rink. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, this year’s programme features exclusive Virgin Atlantic Holidays sessions, DJ-led Skate Lates, and rink-side dining from Jimmy Garcia’s Chalet and Blondies Kitchen. Visitors can enjoy relaxed sessions, skate school lessons, and a festive pop-up Shelter Boutique supporting homelessness initiatives, all beneath a towering 40ft Christmas tree.
