Skate under sparkling lights at Zalakaros Ice Rink on Karos Promenade. Family-friendly fun, rentals, events, and hockey sign-ups run Nov 30, 2025–Jan 31, 2026. Glide, sip, celebrate winter.
when: 2026.01.05., Monday - 2026.01.11., Sunday
where: 8749 Zalakaros, Szőlő utca 16.
Zalakaros keeps the frosty magic going until January 31, 2026. The lights come on, the ice sparkles, and the slippery, giggly winter rush begins on Karos Promenade (Karos Korzó). Whether you glide like a pro or you and the ice are still flirting, you’ll end up taking a lap. Hot drinks are on the way, the lights are rising, and yes—we’re waiting for you.
Where and when
Open November 30, 2025–January 31, 2026 at 8749 Zalakaros, 16 Szőlő Street (Szőlő utca 16). The rink covers roughly 8,611 square feet, with a 114.8 x 75.5 foot skating area. Regular 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: until 02:00; Jan 1: 13:00–21:00.
Tickets and rentals
No time limit on day passes. Child (up to 6) $4.20, Student/Senior $5.60, Adult $7.00. Skate rental (sizes 25–47) $5.60 per pair for 2–3 hours. Penguin skating aid $4.20/hour (+$2.80 deposit). The ice is closed for maintenance for about 20 minutes, 2–3 times daily depending on use. Skate at your own risk.
Events and booking
Rink rental for parties, sports events, or company nights: $140/hour. Come play hockey—sign-ups for kids ages 4–14. Sessions listed for Jan 5–11 and Jan 12–18, 2026 in Zalakaros. More dates coming soon; 25 results available.
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Family-friendly vibe with skate aids for kids, party rentals, and hockey sign‑ups for ages 4–14
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Affordable pricing by U.S. standards (about $7 adult entry, cheap rentals) with no time limit on day passes
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Easy for non‑Hungarian speakers: numbers, tickets, and basic rink etiquette are straightforward, and staff at tourist spots usually speak some English
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Open long hours, including late on New Year’s Eve and extended winter‑break schedule, so it’s easy to fit into a trip
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Manageable size rink with regular ice maintenance, so beginners and families won’t feel overwhelmed
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Zalakaros is a known spa town, so you can pair skating with thermal baths for a full day
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Car access is simple and parking in small towns is usually easy; public transport works via Budapest–Nagykanizsa rail then bus/taxi to Zalakaros
- The event and town aren’t internationally famous, so it’s more “local winter fun” than a bucket‑list attraction
Cons
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Compared with iconic rinks (NYC’s Rockefeller Center, Vienna Rathausplatz), the setting and scale are modest
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Reaching Zalakaros without a car requires train+bus connections and some planning, which isn’t as seamless for first‑time visitors
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English may not be guaranteed for special bookings or hockey sign‑ups, so detailed inquiries could need translation apps
