Leicester Square Gets Its First Ever Open-Air Ice Rink This Winter

Leicester Square's popular winter Christmas market is adding something new this year: an open-air ice rink, appearing in the square for the very first time. The rink wraps around the garden's central Shakespeare statue and sits alongside the familiar seasonal stalls selling mulled wine, mince pies and traditional Christmas gifts. Entertainment is also on offer nearby at the spiegeltent, which hosts La Clique, an alternative circus and cabaret show that returns each year as part of the festivities.

What sets this rink apart from others in the capital is its flexibility — it is London's only ice rink offering skate sessions every 15 minutes, with both advance bookings and walk-ins accepted, making it easy to drop in without planning ahead.

The market and rink run from 1 November 2026 through to 4 January 2027, giving visitors two months to take a spin around the statue at the heart of one of London's busiest squares.