Leicester Square's Christmas market and ice rink ran 1 November to 4 January last winter, 10am to 10pm, with skating from £9.50. 2026 dates are not out yet.

Leicester Square’s Christmas market and ice rink ran from 1 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, open 10am to 10pm and closed on Christmas Day. Skating started at £9.50. The organiser, Underbelly, had not announced 2026 dates when we checked on 25 September. Its site still shows last winter’s dates, with “Check back soon for updates”. If the pattern holds, expect it to open in early November.

The quick answer

  • 2025/26 ran Saturday 1 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. 2026 dates are not announced yet.
  • The market was open 10am to 10pm; closed on Christmas Day. On some weekdays in November the rink opened at noon.
  • Skating from £9.50 for a 45-minute session, skate hire included, with off-peak and peak prices.

Last season, in detail

All of this is from Underbelly’s Skate Leicester Square site, which still carries the 2025/26 season.

Detail 2025/26 season
Dates Saturday 1 November 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026
Market hours 10am to 10pm
Skating sessions First at 10.15am, last at 9.15pm
Midday opening days Mondays to Thursdays in November (3 to 27 November), plus 26 December and 1 January: open noon to 10pm
Closed Christmas Day
Rink tickets From £9.50, off-peak and peak pricing
Session length 45 minutes, skate hire included

The market stalls sit around the rink, with a seasonal bar. Skating is ticketed; the organiser lists no entry charge for the market itself.

Rules worth knowing before you go

From the rink’s FAQs and ticket page:

  • No children under three on the ice. Under-12s must be with someone aged 16 or over. The ticket page puts the accompanied age at under 11, so assume the stricter rule.
  • Tickets can be bought on the day from the on-site box office if any are left, card only.
  • No cloakroom or lockers. Bags can go in the boot room at your own risk.
  • No photographs on the ice. Spectators can take photos from the viewing platforms.
  • Skate aids and double-bladed skates for small children cost extra and are limited. Wheelchair users are welcome on the rink.
  • Part of the proceeds go to the Angel Child Fund at The Brain Tumour Charity, and you can add a donation when you book.

Getting there

The square is at WC2H 7LU. Leicester Square Tube station on the Northern and Piccadilly lines is a minute’s walk, and Piccadilly Circus about four minutes, according to the organiser. For driving and parking around the West End, see our parking zones and hours page. For last trains and the Christmas Day shutdown, see Westminster Christmas travel.

Other Christmas markets in Westminster

  • Hyde Park Winter Wonderland is the borough’s biggest Christmas market, opening on 19 November 2026. Tickets, £1 days and what is free are on our Winter Wonderland page.
  • Trafalgar Square’s Norwegian tree is lit on the first Thursday of December: see our tree lighting page.

Still to be confirmed

  • The 2026/27 opening and closing dates, hours and prices. Watch Underbelly’s site in October.

We will update this page when the dates are announced.