Somerset House brings K-pop and late-night DJs to the ice this winter

A London winter tradition is getting a fresh soundtrack. Skate at Somerset House returns from 11 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, and this season’s programme includes its first K-pop party alongside late-night DJ sessions. For music fans who fancy a different setting for a night out, the courtyard rink offers a way to combine a set of skates with a live soundtrack.

The season has been announced by Somerset House, with tickets already on sale. The attraction is not open for skating yet: this is a guide to planning a November or winter visit. Before choosing a ticket, it is worth separating the standard skating sessions from the special music nights, lessons and quieter options, because they offer rather different experiences.

A K-pop party on the rink

The new K-pop event is on Monday 23 November, in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre UK. Somerset House’s announcement names DJ EMKAY for the live set and describes a soundtrack ranging from established acts such as BTS and BLACKPINK to emerging names. That is a DJ-led music event; it is not an announcement that those groups will perform in person.

For a group of friends, the appeal is easy to understand: the music gives the outing a shared focus before anyone has even stepped onto the ice. Our advice is to check the specific event listing and available session when booking, then send the same link to everyone in the group. Choosing the date alone does not guarantee that separate bookings are for the same time.

Skate Lates adds a club soundtrack

The wider Skate Lates programme brings DJs and collectives to the rink. The organiser’s announcement includes Daytimers, Netil Radio, Gauchoworld, UKF, BUMPAH and 2CPERREA among the names across the season. There is also a contemporary Sámi music celebration connected with Somerset House’s winter exhibition. Check individual listings for the date and session associated with each act.

Rather than choosing only by the photograph of the rink, start with the kind of evening you want. A music-led visit with friends may suit a different session from a first attempt at skating with children. Share the plan before paying, especially if some people would rather watch than skate, and leave time afterwards for everyone to meet up again.

What tickets actually cost

The main event page lists adult skating tickets at £13 to £28.50 and children’s tickets at £11 to £15, with a £1.50 fee per ticket. Those are advertised ranges, not a promise that the lowest price is available for every session. The selected date, ticket type and final basket total are the figures to check before committing to a booking.

The detailed FAQ says children aged 12 and under need an adult with them on the ice, with one adult for every five children. It also sets out family-ticket and concession arrangements. If you are organising a mixed-age group, read those conditions first rather than assuming that an adult watching from the side fulfils the accompaniment requirement.

More time, or a quieter visit

Three extended sessions are listed for midday on 11, 17 and 23 November, lasting 90 minutes. The usual published session timetable uses 45-minute slots. The organiser says the extended option offers double-length skating at the single-session price, so it is worth checking those specific dates if time on the ice is your priority.

Somerset House also advertises reduced-capacity relaxed sessions, skating tuition and wheelchair skating options. These deserve a look before booking if a standard busy music session would not suit your party. Explain any access requirements through the venue’s official booking route and confirm the arrangements for your chosen session; a general event description cannot answer every individual question.

Make it a central London outing

The rink is in Somerset House’s courtyard on the Strand, with Temple, Embankment, Charing Cross and Covent Garden among the nearby stations identified by the venue. Entry to the site itself is free, while skating requires a ticket. That makes it possible to plan an outing with friends who want the atmosphere but prefer to stay off the ice.

Set a budget for the whole visit, including food and travel, rather than just the skating ticket. Check current transport information nearer the day, keep the booking confirmation handy and allow time to find your group. For the full programme and current availability, use Somerset House’s official event page and its ticket FAQ. A little planning now should leave more of the evening free for the music.