Zalakaros Rings In 2026 With Nonstop Fun

Celebrate New Year 2026 in Zalakaros with concerts, thermal spas, ice skating, DJ parties, VIP dinners, hikes, and family fun across Karos Promenade and Event Square. Plan festive wellness escapes.

when: 2025.12.29., Monday - 2026.01.04., Sunday

🎉

Zalakaros is ringing in the New Year with culture, flavors, and hot-spring vibes. From exhibitions, concerts, theater, and film to festivals, thermal and adventure spas, sports, and guided or free-time programs, the spa town offers a colorful lineup for holidaymakers and day-trippers. Don’t skip the surroundings either—there are plenty of hikes within and beyond the town limits.

New Year’s Eve Highlights

On December 31: One night—two parties. At the Event Square from 20:00 to 02:00, DJ Rebell fires up the floor; the Event Hall at Karos Promenade (Karos Korzó) hosts a New Year’s Eve Party – All Inclusive. Also on tap: Winter Splash with an animated Water Wonderland—water aerobics 10:30–10:50 and 15:30–15:50, plus Creative Minutes 12:00–14:30, crafting New Year’s party hats. At Karos Promenade (Karos Korzó): 18:00 VIP Dinner & Party (Main Hall), 20:00 New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Rebell.

New Year, New Beats

January 1: the Mayor’s New Year’s greeting at 16:00. January 2: TNT with Ákos Dobrády and Krisztián “Inti” Zuber. January 3: Krampus Parade.

Ice, Music, Charity

Skate at the Karos Promenade (Karos Korzó) rink: Dec 29–Jan 4, Jan 5–11, Jan 12–18, Jan 19–25, Jan 26–31. Hütte Party: Jan 9–10. Balkan Fanatik concert: Jan 24. Men’s Day Charity Ball: Jan 31. Dates and programs may change.

2025, adrienne

Pros

Family-friendly vibe with spas, water aerobics, crafting party hats, ice rink, and parades that work for all ages

Topic is easy to grasp internationally—New Year’s festivals, spa culture, DJ parties, and skating need no explanation

Zalakaros is a known Hungarian spa town; not as famous as Budapest or Lake Balaton, but recognizable among European wellness travelers and increasingly on U.S. radar

Little to no Hungarian needed—events are music- and activity-based; staff in spas and hotels usually speak some English

Easy access by car from Budapest or Vienna airports; well-marked roads and ample parking in a compact town

Public transport workable: train/bus via Budapest–Nagykanizsa then local bus/taxi to Zalakaros; once there, venues are walkable around Karos Promenade

Compared with similar NYE spa/winter events in Austria or Germany, prices are friendlier and crowds thinner, with a cozier small-town feel - Location is less internationally famous than Budapest or Prague, so friends back home may not recognize it and info can be scattered

Cons

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Without a car, the last-mile from main rail hubs can be slow, and late-night returns on Dec 31 may be limited

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Entertainment leans regional (local DJs, TNT, Balkan Fanatik); fewer big-name international acts

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Weather can be cold/damp; outdoor parties and the rink are great but require winter gear and backup indoor plans