Two formats
Commercial winter rinks (London, Vienna — typically November–February, ticketed entry) and natural-frozen surfaces (Stockholm, Helsinki, Amsterdam — depends on cold-snap weather). Both worthwhile; the natural ones depend on luck.
Vienna
Vienna Wiener Eistraum at Rathausplatz — Vienna City Hall surrounded by skating paths and ice rink, late January–early March. €9 entry, skate rental €8. Plus Engelmann (covered rink, year-round). Christmas markets 5-min walk.
Helsinki
Helsinki Allas Sea Pool ice rink (winter only — pool freezes), Brahenpuisto (free public outdoor rink Kallio), Töölönkatu. Cold-Baltic guarantees season December–March.
Stockholm
Stockholm Kungsträdgården free public rink in central park. Skansen Christmas market includes rink. Cold-snap years allow skating on Mälaren or Brunnsviken lakes — Swedish national pastime in old days.
London
London Somerset House (the iconic photo-rink), Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Tower of London, Natural History Museum (extends summer 2024 onward). November–January, £15–25. Reservations 2–4 weeks ahead December weekends.
Munich
Munich Karlsplatz Stachus ice rink (Christmas market season). Eisbach surfing nearby in summer; ice in winter shows the seasonal flip.
Bruges and Amsterdam (canal-skating)
Bruges rare cold-winter canal-skating possible (last major frost 2012). Amsterdam Elfstedentocht (Frisian 11-cities ice race) historically iconic but rare modern ice. Don't plan trips around natural ice — climate change reduces years.
Strategy
Christmas rinks book up 4–6 weeks ahead December. Skate rental usually included with ticket. Wear gloves and layers; falls happen. Snowy winter companion guide.