Glide into winter at Zalakaros Ice Rink on Karos Promenade—family skating, rentals, no time limit, festive drinks, and kids’ hockey sign-ups through Jan 31, 2026.
⛸️
when: 2026.01.05., Monday - 2026.01.11., Sunday
where: 8749 Zalakaros, Szőlő utca 16.
web:
zalakaros.hu Zalakaros,Karos Promenade,Karos Korzó,families,ice skating,hockey,kids,seniors,events,concerts
Zalakaros keeps the chill alive through January 31, 2026, as lights glow and blades glide across its giant outdoor rink. Whether you carve turns like a pro or wobble through your first steps, the Karos Promenade (Karos Korzó) sets the mood with hot drinks, festive vibes, and the promise that “you’ll end up taking a lap.”
When and where to skate
Open November 30, 2025 to January 31, 2026, the rink spans about 8,611 square feet with a 115×75-foot skating surface. 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 Karos Promenade (Karos Korzó) also hosts Advent fun, family programs, and big concerts.
Tickets, rentals, rules
No time limit on day tickets. Kids (up to age 6) $4.15; Students/Seniors $5.53; Adults $6.92. Skate rental (sizes 25–47) $5.53 per pair for 2–3 hours. “Penguin” skate aid: $4.15/hour (+$2.77 deposit). Maintenance closes the ice for about 20 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Use the rink at your own risk.
Book the rink, try hockey
Private rentals for events or parties: $138.47/hour. Kids’ hockey sign-ups (ages 4–14): Jan 5–11 and Jan 12–18, 2026, in Zalakaros. More dates coming.
2025, adrienne
Pros
+
Family-friendly vibe with kids’ tickets, penguin skate aids, and no time limits so families can linger
+
Affordable pricing by U.S. standards for entry and rentals, making it easy to outfit the whole crew
+
Internationally easy-to-grasp activity—ice skating needs no local expertise, just lace up and go
+
English not essential: signs, prices, and the routine (rent, skate, return) are straightforward for visitors
+
Reachable by car with Hungary’s good roads; parking in spa towns like Zalakaros is usually simple
+
Festive atmosphere on the Karos Promenade with Advent events, hot drinks, and concerts—more than just a rink
+
Late hours on weekends and New Year’s Eve let travelers fit it around sightseeing and spa time
Cons
–
Zalakaros isn’t a globally famous destination, so U.S. tourists may need extra planning compared to Budapest
–
Public transport can be slower: reaching Zalakaros from Budapest typically involves a train-bus combo rather than a simple direct ride
–
Basic hockey and private rental options are there, but it’s a modest local rink—not a marquee European ice venue
–
Limited winter season (Nov 30–Jan 31) means it won’t fit fall or late-winter/early-spring itineraries
