Skate under sparkling lights at Zalakaros Ice Rink on Karos Promenade—family-friendly winter fun, rentals, day passes, private parties, and kids’ hockey sign-ups. Glide into joy through Jan 31.
when: 2026.01.12., Monday - 2026.01.18., Sunday
where: 8749 Zalakaros, Szőlő utca 16.
Zalakaros keeps the ice magic going through January 31, with a sparkling 8,611-square-foot rink on the Karos Promenade (Karos Korzó) turning chilly days into glide-and-giggle nights. Whether you slice the ice like a pro or you’re just meeting it for the first time, you’ll end up taking a lap. Hot drinks steam, lights glow, and the city leans fully into winter joy.
When To Skate
Open Nov 30, 2025–Jan 31, 2026. 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: open until 02:00. Jan 01: 13:00–21:00. Maintenance pauses last about 20 minutes and may happen 2–3 times daily; the rink is closed during upkeep. Everyone skates at their own risk.
Tickets And Rentals
Day passes have no time limit. Kids up to 6: $4.20. Students/Seniors: $5.60. Adults: $7.00. Skate rental (sizes 25–47): $5.60 per pair for 2–3 hours. Penguin trainer: $4.20 per hour plus a $2.80 deposit. Private rink rental for birthdays, company parties, or sporting events: $140 per hour.
More On The Promenade
The 35×23 meter (115×75 foot) surface sits amid Advent attractions, family programs, and big concerts on the Karos Promenade (Karos Korzó), Szőlő Street (Szőlő utca) 16, 8749. Come in a glittery beanie, a Christmas sweater, or with a just-looking face—you’ll end up skating. Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs.
Kids’ Hockey
Sign-ups for ages 4–14 in Zalakaros: Jan 12–18 and Jan 19–25, 2026. More dates coming soon.
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Family-friendly vibe with penguin trainers, kids’ hockey sign-ups, and cheap child tickets, so easy win for families
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Prices are wallet-friendly by U.S. standards (adult day pass around $7 and rentals under $6)
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No Hungarian needed for skating basics; signage and transactions are usually straightforward, and staff at tourist venues often manage simple English
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Easy to reach within Hungary: Zalakaros is a known spa town near Lake Balaton; driving is simple, and regional buses connect from Budapest/Nagykanizsa
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Seasonal atmosphere adds charm—Advent market vibes, hot drinks, lights, and occasional concerts right on the promenade
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Open late on weekends and even past midnight on New Year’s, which is rare for small-town rinks
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Compared with U.S./EU pop-up rinks, this offers a good-sized ice surface and very low crowd costs, plus private-rink rental is a bargain
Cons
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Zalakaros isn’t internationally famous, so many U.S. tourists won’t recognize the town and may need to plan extra travel time
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Public transport from Budapest can involve transfers and limited schedules; a rental car may be more convenient in winter
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Outside the rink, English may be patchy; booking special events or resolving issues could benefit from basic Hungarian phrases or translation apps
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Maintenance breaks close the ice 2–3 times daily, which can interrupt momentum during short visits
