Glide into winter at Zalakaros Ice Rink on Karos Promenade—festive lights, hot drinks, daily hours, rentals, family fun, and kids’ hockey programs through Jan 31, 2026.
when: 2026.01.12., Monday - 2026.01.18., Sunday
where: 8749 Zalakaros, Szőlő utca 16.
Stay frosty in Zalakaros: the city’s giant outdoor ice rink lights up the Karos Promenade through January 31, 2026, serving glitter, laughs, and plenty of glide. Open since November 30, the 8,611-square-foot rink (about 115×75 feet—35×23 meters) sets the stage for winter magic, with hot drinks on the way and festive lights warming up the scene. Pro skater or total newbie, sparkly beanie or just-here-to-watch face—you’ll end up taking a lap.
Opening 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. The rink closes for about 20 minutes for maintenance up to 2–3 times daily.
Tickets and Rentals
All-day access, no time limit. Child (under 6): $4.20; Student/Senior: $5.60; Adult: $7.00. Skate rental (sizes 25–47): $5.60 per pair for 2–3 hours. Penguin skate aid: $4.20/hour (+$2.80 deposit). Use at your own risk. Private rink rental for events: $139/hour.
More Winter Fun
Expect Advent vibes, family programs, and big concerts on the Karos Promenade. Kids 4–14 can join “Come Play Hockey” in Zalakaros: Jan 12–18 and Jan 19–25, 2026. More dates coming.
2025, adrienne
Pros
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Family-friendly vibe with penguin skate aids for kids and a mellow, festive scene that works for all ages
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Budget-friendly prices by U.S. standards, with cheap day tickets and reasonable skate rentals
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Flexible hours (including late nights and New Year’s until 02:00) and all-day access so you can come and go
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No Hungarian needed—signage and basics are easy to navigate, and skating is universal
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Extra activities like concerts, Advent lights, and a kids’ “Come Play Hockey” week add variety
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Manageable rink size for beginners and casual skaters, not intimidating
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Private rink rental option if you’re traveling with a group and want your own ice time
- Zalakaros isn’t widely known to U.S. travelers, so you might need to plan logistics more carefully
Cons
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The subject (seasonal outdoor skating) is common in many countries, so it’s not a once-in-a-lifetime unique draw
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Reaching Zalakaros may require a car or multiple public-transport connections from Budapest; not as plug-and-play as big-city rinks
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Maintenance breaks (2–3 times daily) can interrupt your session if timing is tight
