Skate under the glistening lights of City Island at London’s newest open-air ice rink.
You’ll want to don your warmest winter garms this month because something very special has arrived in east London, in the shape of a brand new ice skating rink. Get ready to slip and slide with your nearest and dearest for a wonderful pre-Christmas treat. City Island Ice Rink promises 10 days of fun on the ice until 22 December and, paired with a steaming cup of mulled wine, looks like the perfect way to spend an evening. Come along for 45 minutes of gliding around (and trying desperately not to fall over) surrounded by the city’s glittering lights.
The ice rink opened on 12 December, and it’ll be followed by five days of festive events. Not a skater? Don’t fret: City Island will capture the festive spirit with a four-day artisan Christmas market from 12-15 December. Get cosy inside the festive tipis where there’ll be a selection of locally sourced food, drinks and gifts.
Dig into street food snacks from the likes of Central Market Group and Espresso Room, burgers, fry-up classics and Christmas bratwurst sausage from Original Fry Up Material, cheese selections from The Urban Cheese Maker and plenty of sweet treats. Sip on festive tastings hosted by Wanderlust Wine and stop by Real Kombucha for a selection on non-alcoholic brews.
Need to stock up on Christmas gifts? Surprise your family and friends with ethical chocolates by Tosier Chocolatemaker, hand-knitted children’s clothes by Milk and Black, luxury skin care items by Soapsmith and JoJi Natural, jewellery from Chalk Jewellery, and Christmas bouquets and wreaths from Henrietta Hinkling. If you’re feeling really organised, you can even stop by to pre-order (or takeaway) your Christmas tree!
Also taking place until 19 December is a series of craft-led workshops and festive experiences. Workshop programme highlights include:
Friday 13th December
Festive wreath-making workshop with Henrietta Hickling: Learn how to create your very own Christmas wreath in this two-hour course. All materials and beautiful fresh foliage will be provided for you and you get to take your creation home. Timings: 19.00-21.00. Cost: £25
Saturday 14th December
‘Shake Your Pom Poms’ hosted with Little Dots Loves – Learn how to make pom pom baubles for your Christmas tree. Timings: 15.30-16.30. Cost: £20
‘Wine Not’ hosted by Wanderlust Wine: Educational and interactive France VS England wine tasting session focused on lesser known wines VS classics. Timings: 17.00 – 18.00. Cost: £20
Christmas Day cocktail masterclass with Soul Shakers: Learn to make a selection of Christmas cocktails to see you through the festive day, from breakfast to the big lunch, through to your evening turkey sandwich. Timings: 19.00 -21.00. Cost: £35
Sunday 15th December
Christmas Bauble Embroidery Workshop hosted by Wimperis Embroidery: Create your own 3” bauble for your tree, complete with washi taped embroidery hoop and red Christmas ribbon to hang it with. You will be taught four leaf stitches as well as the ever-popular French knots. The leafy Christmas design is subtle and sweet, and you can choose from Hope, Joy or Peace as the inner text. Timings: 14.00-16.00. Cost: £25
Christmas Cracker Workshop with Make and Create E17: Plastic free, planet friendly workshop where you will be guided through making your very own crackers, made from recycled tissue, card and eco-friendly gift. Timings: 16.30-18.30. Cost: £25
Festive Art Class: Join this fun painting party where you’ll learn to paint on canvas with step by step direction from your teacher. At the end of the class you will have a beautiful festival painting to take home with you. Timings: 19.00 – 21.15. Cost: £25
Thursday 19th December
Nutcracker- themed pre-ice skating dance warm up with English National Ballet: Get in the festive spirit and take part in this Nutcracker inspired dance class to warm up and get ready to skate! Held in English National Ballet’s new home on London City Island. Timings: 18.30-19.15. Cost: £23 per adult & £20 per child (£15pp for warm up plus ice rink ticket)
City Island Ice Rink and workshops sessions are available now. Buy them here. Follow @ballymore @ecoworld_uk and tag #SkateLCI. Market entrance is free but workshops and experiences should be pre-booked here. Ice skating tickets – £8pp (adults), £5.50 (children) and workshops range from £10-35. Nearest station: Canning Town.
This article was sponsored by London City Island.