Zalakaros is rolling into the new year with a festive sprint at Karos Korzó, packing Advent, New Year’s Eve, and early 2026 with family-friendly magic. Expect fairy-tale performances, an inviting ice rink, and cheerful Christmas shows that keep the holiday glow alive. Each weekend brings fresh surprises, shared moments, and a warm, intimate vibe right in the heart of the town’s promenade at 8749, 16 Szőlő Street (Szőlő utca 16). Mark Saturday, January 24, 2026, on your calendar and come for the bustle, stay for the sparkle—this is where winter in Zala County hits its stride.
Headliners and Highlights
On January 24, Balkan Fanatik takes the stage in Zalakaros, bringing their signature East-meets-West fusion for a punchy live set tailor-made for a winter crowd. One week later, on January 31, the Men’s Day Charity Ball returns, a community-powered evening that blends glamour with a good cause.
Lace Up: Everyone on Ice!
The Karos Korzó ice rink is the season’s open invitation. From January 19 to 25, and again January 26 to 31, it’s all skates on. The “Everyone on the Ice!” (“Jégre mindenki!”) sessions welcome first-timers and show-offs alike, with an easygoing atmosphere that keeps families smiling and friend groups looping the rink long after the music fades. It’s the kind of simple winter ritual that becomes a tradition fast.
February Keeps the Beat
The festive momentum carries into February with a Retro Carnival Party on February 7. Think bold beats, fun outfits, and a license to relive the greatest hits of yesteryear. It’s the perfect reset after the swirl of the holidays—nostalgia, dancing, and zero stress.
Stay With a View
If you’re making a weekend of it, Zalakaros doesn’t disappoint. One standout hotel sits above the famous town bathhouse, just 318 feet away, with terraces looking out over the healing waters. Inside: four pools—three indoors and one outdoors—including a 12-person infinity-edge jacuzzi, a thermal-water jet pool fed by water purchased from the municipal spa, a fun-feature pool, and a bracing ice plunge.
AquaTherm Hotel is close to the Medicinal, Thermal and Adventure Bath (Gyógy-, Termál- és Élményfürdő), offering a wellness oasis with a jacuzzi, sauna, and 22 rooms and apartments. Another local favorite sits in one of Zalakaros’s quietest pockets, a three-minute stroll from the adventure and thermal baths, and stands apart with a year-round, winter-heated outdoor thermal pool alongside its indoor spa and wellness wing.
Family-Friendly Comfort
Right in the center, Boni Family Wellness Hotel (Boni Családi Wellness Hotel) keeps families front and center, a short hop—about 492 feet—from the celebrated 22-pool Granit Medicinal, Adventure and Beach Bath (Gránit Gyógy-, Élmény- és Strandfürdő). Even if you stay put, there’s plenty on site: a tiled adventure pool, Finnish and infrared saunas, and a salt room for deep relaxation.
A fully equipped apartment house in central Zalakaros offers four separate 538-square-foot units with a closed parking lot and private garden—grill at the ready. Each apartment hosts up to five guests, with the fifth as a child on an extra bed. Prefer quieter corners? Choose greenbelt lodgings with separate entrances for four, optional connecting apartments, extra beds on request, kitchenettes with fridge and microwave, and private bath and WC, plus secure courtyard parking.
Close to the Baths
Hotel Forrás sits right beside Zalakaros Bath, a few minutes’ walk from downtown. It has 37 double rooms and 10 family apartments, including air-conditioned doubles with extra beds available. One- and two-room apartments suit families and friends, while modern balcony rooms come with bathroom, TV, phone, Wi-Fi, and a fridge. The three-story building has an elevator.
Friskó Guesthouse and Restaurant (Friskó Panzió és Étterem)—expanded in 2016—awaits in the town’s heart, steps from the spa, with a homey feel and standout rest. Fürdő Hotel is just moments from the famed Zalakaros Bath, with reasonable prices, quality service, comfortable rooms, and family suites—its own accommodation wing of the bath complex.
Forest-Edge Calm and Local Flavor
Chestnut Guesthouse and Restaurant (Gesztenyés Panzió és Étterem) lines the forest’s edge with a huge terrace, swimming pool, and attentive service for a truly restful escape. For a taste of tradition, My Grandfather’s Wine Tavern (Nagyapám Borozója) pours Hungarian wines and pálinka under vintage vibes, with a garden, house-made goat cheese, farmhouse ham, charcoal-grilled and oven-baked dishes, and live gypsy music. It’s open daily May through October, 5 PM to 10 PM. St. Urban Wine Tavern and Guesthouse (Szent Orbán Borozó és Panzió) also welcomes guests in Zalakaros with the same warm local spirit.
Plan Smart
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs, so check before you go. Then bundle up, bring your sense of fun, and meet Zalakaros where winter shines brightest: on the Korzó.
