Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink 2026: Dates, Tickets & More

Activities & Days Out / 3 November, 2026 / Ellie Thompson

There’s something magical about ice skating at Christmas, particularly when the backdrop is one of Britain’s most magnificent royal palaces.

From 20th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink will once again transform the historic grounds of Henry VIII’s former home into a sparkling winter destination, inviting families, friends and festive enthusiasts to enjoy one of Surrey’s most beautiful seasonal attractions.

And with some exciting additions for 2026, there’s even more reason to make a date in the diary.

A Bigger, Brighter Ice Rink for Christmas 2026

This year, the Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink has been extended by an impressive eight metres, giving skaters even more space to glide, spin and find their feet on the ice.

Whether you’re a confident skater or someone who spends most of the session clinging to the side, there’s something wonderfully festive about wrapping up warm and taking to the ice beneath the palace’s historic towers.

The rink also features a double-layered ice design, creating a smoother, longer-lasting skating surface.

And with up to 100,000 skaters expected to visit throughout the season, the entrance has been relocated to help improve the flow of visitors arriving at the attraction.

18,000 Fairy Lights and the Return of the Christmas Tree

One of the most exciting additions this year is the return of the enormous Christmas tree, which will once again take pride of place at the centre of the rink after being absent last season.

Surrounding it will be a breathtaking canopy of 18,000 fairy lights, creating a beautifully illuminated setting for daytime skating sessions and magical evenings on the ice.

Imagine gliding beneath thousands of twinkling lights, with the magnificent palace rising behind you. It’s the sort of Christmas experience that makes a wonderful family tradition, not to mention a spectacular backdrop for festive photographs.

With the rink set within Hampton Court Palace’s historic grounds, visitors can enjoy a particularly special combination of Christmas atmosphere and centuries of royal history.

Meet Skating Santa and Watch Live Ice Sculpting

There’s plenty happening beyond the skating itself, with a programme of seasonal entertainment planned throughout the winter.

Families can look forward to appearances from Skating Santa, bringing a little extra Christmas cheer to the ice.

There will also be live ice-sculpting demonstrations from Icebox’s talented carvers, giving visitors the chance to watch incredible frozen creations take shape before their eyes.

Live DJs, themed cocktails and other festive entertainment will add to the atmosphere, making this much more than a traditional ice-skating session.

It’s an opportunity to spend a few hours soaking up the Christmas spirit, whether you’re visiting with young children, older kids or a group of friends.

Hot Chocolate, Festive Treats and Winter Warmers

Of course, no Christmas ice-skating trip would be complete without something delicious to warm you up afterwards.

The on-site café and bar will be serving a selection of seasonal food and drinks throughout the day, in partnership with the Department of Coffee and Social Affairs.

Expect steaming mugs of hot chocolate, indulgent boozy hot chocolates for the grown-ups, mulled wine and festive cocktails.

For something more substantial, there will also be warming bowls of soup, hot dogs and brownies.

It’s the perfect excuse to linger a little longer after your skating session, warm up those chilly fingers and enjoy the festive surroundings.

Make a Day of It at Hampton Court Palace

One of the biggest attractions of this particular ice rink is its extraordinary location.

Hampton Court Palace, famously associated with Henry VIII, is surrounded by 60 acres of beautiful gardens and boasts a fascinating royal history spanning more than 500 years.

Visitors can combine their skating experience with time exploring the palace and its grounds, making it an excellent choice for a full family day out.

The palace itself is home to magnificent Tudor and Baroque architecture, with connections to Henry VIII, William III and Mary II.

Whether you’re visiting from London or live locally in Surrey, it’s a wonderful setting for a winter adventure.

Please note that palace admission is separate from ice-skating tickets.

Getting to Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is located in East Molesey, Surrey, and is surprisingly easy to reach from central London.

Hampton Court railway station is approximately a 35-minute direct train journey from London Waterloo, followed by a short two-minute walk to the rink.

That makes it a convenient Christmas outing for families travelling from London, as well as those living in Surrey and the surrounding areas.

Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink 2026: Dates, Times and Tickets

Planning a visit? Here’s everything you need to know.

Dates: Friday 20th November 2026 – Sunday 3rd January 2027

Location: Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey

Opening hours: Daily, 9am–9pm, excluding Christmas Day

Last skating session: 8pm

Ticket prices: From £13.50, with group tickets also available

Skate hire: Included in the ticket price

Booking: hamptoncourtpalaceicerink.co.uk

Why Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink Should Be on Your Christmas List

With its magnificent royal backdrop, expanded skating rink, 18,000 twinkling fairy lights and a giant Christmas tree, Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink is shaping up to be one of the loveliest festive attractions in Surrey this winter.

Add in appearances from Skating Santa, live ice sculpting, warming hot chocolates and the opportunity to explore one of Britain’s most famous palaces, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a memorable Christmas outing.

Whether you’re planning a festive family adventure, a Christmas treat for the children or a romantic evening beneath the lights, this is one winter experience worth putting in the diary.

Tickets are on sale now, so book your preferred skating session before the festive rush. Book Hampton Court Palace Ice Rink 2026 tickets here