Skate Zalakaros’s glittering winter ice rink on Karos Promenade: family programs, concerts, rentals, no time limits, late hours, and kids’ hockey sessions through Jan 31, 2026. Warm drinks await.
when: 2026.01.05., Monday - 2026.01.11., Sunday
where: 8749 Zalakaros, Szőlő utca 16.
Zalakaros keeps the ice magic alive through January 31, 2026. Lights flare up, the rink glitters, and the sliding, laughing winter rush begins. Whether you glide like a pro or you’re just getting to know the ice, you’ll end up taking a lap. Hot drinks are on the way, the lights are warming up, and yes—we can’t wait to see you.
Dates, Size, Vibe
Open November 30, 2025–January 31, 2026 on the Karos Promenade (Karos Korzó), with more Advent treats, family programs, and big concerts. The giant rink covers about 8,611 square feet, with a 115-by-75-foot skating area.
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 1: open until 02:00; Jan 1: 13:00–21:00.
Tickets and Rentals
No time limit on day tickets. Child (up to 6): $4.15; Student/Senior: $5.53; Adult: $6.91. Skate rental (sizes 25–47): $5.53 per pair for 2–3 hours. Walking aid “penguin”: $4.15/hour (+$2.77 deposit).
Rules and Extras
Maintenance closes the ice for about 20 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Skate at your own risk. Private rink rentals for events: $138.29/hour.
Come Play Hockey
Sign-ups for kids ages 4–14. Sessions: Jan 5–11, 2026, Zalakaros; Jan 12–18, 2026, Zalakaros.
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Family-friendly vibe with kid programs, penguin aids, and cheap child tickets, so easy winter fun for all ages
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Big rink (about 8,600 sq ft) with no time limits on day tickets, great for lingering laps and photos
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Extra activities (Advent treats, concerts, hockey sessions) make it more than just a basic skate
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Late hours on weekends and New Year’s Eve (open till 02:00), so you can fit it around travel plans
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Prices are a bargain by U.S. standards for tickets and rentals
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English not strictly needed—skating is universal, prices are clear, and staff at tourist spots usually manage basics
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Zalakaros is a spa town, so you can pair skating with thermal baths for a cozy winter combo
- Zalakaros isn’t widely known to U.S. travelers, so it lacks the “bucket list” name recognition of Budapest or Vienna rinks
Cons
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Reaching it can be a trek: expect a drive or multi-leg public transport from Budapest, which eats into a day
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Announcements and rules may be in Hungarian, so you might rely on gestures or translation apps
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Compared to iconic city-square rinks abroad, the setting is more local-promenade than landmark, with less spectacle
