Finally, a tradition that hasn't been cancelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two of London's three outdoor skating rinks are set to open for the winter season a week from Saturday.
City staff have been working to get the rinks ready at Victoria Park, Storybook Gardens, and the Covent Garden Market. Weather permitting, the rink in the downtown park and at Storybook will start welcoming skaters on Saturday, December 5. The Rotary Rink at the Covent Garden Market will open a week later on December 12.
“One of the hallmarks of the winter season in London is upon us, now that you and your family can skate at outdoor rinks across the city,” Mayor Ed Holder said in a statement. “I encourage residents to lace up and enjoy the outdoor rinks, but I also ask that everyone continues to follow all of the health precautions to ensure these are safe places for all to enjoy.”
Everyone who uses the rinks is asked to maintain two metres of physical distance from others, apply alcohol-based hand sanitizer upon arrival and before leaving, and cough or sneeze into their sleeve. Skaters who aren't feeling well are advised to stay home.
Those who arrive at any of the three rinks to find them busy or crowded are asked to wait until there is enough space to properly physically distance or come back another time.
Washrooms will be open, but indoor facilities for changing and skate rentals are not being offered this year.
Once opened for the season, skating will be permitted daily between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. at the Victoria Park rink and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Covent Garden Market. Both rinks are free to use.
Storybook's 250-metre skating trail will be open from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3 per person.