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Ice Rink Canary Wharf’s season runs until Saturday 24 February so there’s plenty of time to enjoy fun, invigorating skate sessions with friends, family, colleagues or children (all aged 4+ are welcome). Visit before Christmas and you can twirl around the merry, bauble-bedecked tree on the rink’s central podium, under a giant twinkling mirror ball. There are also themed skating sessions during the season; book tickets to skate with that friend or colleague who’ll love an 80s, 90s or Soul Classics skate as much as you will. Rink-side is the Alpine-themed Grandstand Bar, with its own DJ and serving up winter warmers or post-skate drinks, whatever you fancy.

That first step – when solid ground has given way to a gleaming expanse of frozen water – is exhilarating, magical and unforgettable. Some glide confidently away from the edge of the rink; others step tentatively in unfamiliar boots, smiling at the new sensation of blade on ice; small hands grip the handles of a helpful penguin aid and push off, eyes lit up and faces beaming.

There’s nothing better to get you in that seasonal spirit than a unique skating experience, and Canary Wharf’s ice rink, the longest-running in London, delivers just that: a transparent roof over its spacious skating space means your session will be amazing whatever the weather. The rink is surrounded by trees in Canada Square Park, in the heart of a neighbourhood which is home to an assortment of fabulous food and drink venues.

Top Picks for the Evening

First, enjoy an amazing meal at one of Canary Wharf’s many restaurants, whether it’s within the beautiful surroundings of The Ivy in the Park or Hawksmoor, or you make your way to somewhere serving impressive international cuisine; if you love Indian soul food, head to Chai Ki, and for Japanese yakitori it has to be Sticks’n’Sushi. You’ll find Korean street food at Seoul Bird, award-winning tapas at Iberica and authentic Caribbean, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese at Rudie’s Jerk Shack, Biang, Rainbo and Pho or Kaleido. There are bars aplenty for drinks well into the evening too, whether you’re with your partner or a group of colleagues or friends; sample the winter cocktails on offer at The Alchemist, Pergola On The Wharf, No. 35 Mackenzie Walk or Boisdale to the sounds of great playlists, DJs and live music.

Top Picks for the Weekend

Enjoy an all-day brunch before your skate session at a cosy spot in Wood Wharf or local waterside restaurant. The daytime offering in Canary Wharf is extensive, and all options are equally tempting, whether you fancy traditional eggs and pancakes, a perfectly-done steak, vegan delights, a premium burger or Bombay-inspired cuisine. You can pretend it’s summer for an hour or two thanks to the California vibes at Feels Like June. Come lunchtime, you won’t find a fresher burger than those at Patty&Bun, or a more tempting chophouse than Blacklock. Enjoy a seasonal, ever-changing menu at Pedler or Bombay-inspired cuisine at Dishoom.

Top Picks for Families

If you’re coming to skate with kids, warm up with a fun lunch before your session at the likes of Emilia’s Crafted Pasta, Wahaca, Wagamama, Five Guys, Nando’s and Gallio. After skating, head to Everyman Cinema for a cosy film experience – complete with food and drinks – or enjoy a steaming hot chocolate together at one of Canary Wharf’s many cafés. Caravan, Joe & The Juice, Notes and Ole & Steen can cater to all your hot drink and sweet treat requirements. And the whole family will be thrilled with one of Lola’s Cupcakes too.

If you come to skate in January, Canary Wharf will once again be transformed into a huge outdoor art spectacular, lit up by artworks new, returning and specially commissioned. Winter Lights is the largest event of its kind in London and delights hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with its free light art and interactive installations, courtesy of some of the world’s most innovative light artists. To make the most of Winter Lights and refuel after enjoying remarkable art in the fresh January air, book a table for drinks or a meal well in advance as Canary Wharf gets very busy.

Top Picks for Shopping & Socialising

Make the most of being in Canary Wharf for ice skating with a spot of Christmas shopping too; more than 120 stores over five spacious, indoor malls house everything from small boutiques to designer brands spanning beauty, fashion, fitness and more. If you visit in November, snap up great deals in Canary Wharf’s annual Black Friday Shopping Weekend. In December, don’t miss your chance to win a special gift every day of the month: download the Canary Wharf app to find out all about Canary Wharf’s Wharf Wishlist; what amazing prizes you can win and how to enter.

For those who enjoy some competition on a fun afternoon or night out, try shuffleboard at Electric Shuffle or fairground games at Fairgame; both venues are set up for adults to let loose and play, the experiences made even better thanks to their thoroughly modern set-up, accompanied by delicious food and plenty of cocktails too. For even more of an adrenaline rush, throw yourselves into interactive target shooting at Clays, a fast-paced game of padel at Padium or a race around the UK’s fastest indoor go kart track at Capital Karts.

If you plan to make a whole weekend of it, book into TRIBE Canary Wharf and enjoy a leisurely brunch the next morning at the hotel’s Feels Like June restaurant. Whether you’re skating or spectating, shopping, socialising, eating or drinking, Canary Wharf – with its huge range of shops and restaurants and its unique ice rink – is one of the very best places to get into the seasonal spirit this winter. Don’t forget to download the app before you come, or even while you’re here, so you don’t miss out on amazing competitions and promotions, like express lunch offers, free cocktails and goodie bags.

To buy Canary Wharf ice rink tickets or to find out more about ice rink prices, please visit www.icerinkcanarywharf.co.uk

Those looking to find out even more about Canary Wharf can download our free app to stay up to date on the latest upcoming events, discounts and retailer promotions.