Skate Zalakaros Ice Rink on Karos Promenade: glowing lights, family fun, Advent treats, concerts, rentals, and kids’ hockey. Open Nov 30–Jan 31 with extended holiday hours and day tickets.
when: 2026.01.05., Monday - 2026.01.11., Sunday
where: 8749 Zalakaros, Szőlő utca 16.
Zalakaros keeps the ice sparkling through January 31, 2026. Lights glow, blades hiss, and winter giggles roll in. Whether you glide like a pro or you’re just meeting the ice, you’ll end up taking a lap. Hot drinks are on the way, the lights are warming up, and yes—we’re waiting for you on the Karos Promenade (Korzó).
Dates, Size, Vibe
Open from November 30, 2025 to January 31, 2026, the giant rink covers about 8,611 square feet with a 115×75-foot skating area. The Karos Promenade (Korzó) piles on Advent treats, family programs, and big concerts. Glittery beanie, ugly Christmas sweater, or I’m-just-watching face—all welcome.
Hours
Mon–Thu 14:00–20:00; Fri 14:00–21:00; Sat 10:00–21:00; Sun 10:00–20:00. Winter break: daily 10:00–21:00. Dec 31–Jan 01: until 02:00. Jan 01: 13:00–21:00. Maintenance takes about 20 minutes, 2–3 times daily; the rink is closed during that time.
Tickets and Rentals
No time limit. Child (up to age 6) $4.18; Student/Senior $5.57; Adult $6.96. Skate rental (sizes 25–47) $5.57 per pair for 2–3 hours. Penguin aid $4.18 per hour (+$2.79 deposit). Day ticket valid all day. Use at your own risk.
Rent the Rink
Events, birthdays, name days, sports, corporate parties: $139.12 per hour.
Kids’ Hockey
Sign-ups for ages 4–14. 2026.01.05–01.11 and 2026.01.12–01.18 in Zalakaros.
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Super family-friendly vibe: kid aids (penguin helpers), cheap child tickets, and family programs on the promenade
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Easy on the wallet compared to U.S. rinks—all-day access, low rental fees, and student/senior discounts
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No time limit means you can skate, wander for snacks, then come back without stress
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Late hours (and open past midnight on New Year’s) make it fun for holiday trips
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No Hungarian needed—simple ticketing, universal rink setup, and tourist-friendly promenade
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The Karos Promenade adds Advent treats and concerts, so non-skaters still have stuff to do
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Drive or public transport: reachable by car from Lake Balaton area, and regional buses serve Zalakaros, so it’s doable without a car
- Not world-famous: the rink and Zalakaros aren’t as well-known to foreign visitors as Budapest or Vienna holiday spots
Cons
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Public transport can be slower/less direct from Budapest; a car makes logistics easier with kids/gear
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Maintenance closures happen 2–3 times daily for ~20 minutes, which can break momentum with little kids
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Compared to big-city Christmas markets and iconic rinks (e.g., NYC’s Bryant Park, Vienna Rathausplatz), it’s smaller-scale and less “wow” on scenery and international buzz
