Zalakaros Rings In Winter With Parties, Ice, Spa

Experience Zalakaros winter magic: thermal spa parties, ice skating, concerts, family activities, and New Year’s events at Karos Korzó and Zalakaros Spa from December to January. Plan your festive getaway now.
when: 2025.12.20., Saturday - 2025.12.26., Friday

Zalakaros rolls out a packed festive season, blending thermal bliss, live music, ice skating, and family-friendly antics from December 20 through late January. The spa town’s cultural and gastro scene hums year-round, but winter turns it up: exhibitions, concerts, theater, films, festivals, sports, guaranteed and optional leisure programs, plus endless hiking options in and beyond the resort’s borders all beckon holidaymakers, day-trippers, and anyone craving a warm plunge under cold skies.

Christmas Week Highlights

December 20–26 brings Christmas programs across Zalakaros, with lights, decor, and a cozy seasonal vibe threaded through the Karos Korzó and the baths. From December 22–28, it’s “Everyone on Ice!” at the Karos Korzó ice rink, a recurring theme that returns December 29–January 4, January 5–11, January 12–18, January 19–25, and January 26–31—plenty of chances to lace up and glide.

Snowy Spa Parties

The Snowy Bath Party (Havas Fürdőparty) is back on December 27 and again December 29 at Zalakaros Spa (Zalakarosi Fürdő), where steaming thermal water meets snowfall and holiday glow. Expect outdoor pools in a fairy-tale winter setting, festive lighting and decor, and a live 5:00 p.m. concert by the Decsi Brothers (Decsi Fivérek). The invite is simple: come make your most magical winter moments in hot mineral water as snow dusts the air.

Star Magic on the Korzó

Star Magic (Csillagvarázs) lights up Karos Korzó December 27–31. The lineup: December 27, 5:30 p.m. Laci Horváth (Horváth Laci), 6:30 p.m. Decsi Brothers (Decsi Fivérek). December 28, 6:00 p.m. DJ Bony. December 29, 6:00 p.m. Rezsek–Hervai duo. December 30, 6:00 p.m. Pre–New Year’s Bash with DJ Czege. December 31 brings a double-header: 6:00 p.m. V.I.P. Dinner & Party in the Grand Hall, then an 8:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve Party with DJ Rebell.

New Year’s Eve, Two Ways

December 31 in Zalakaros is one night — two parties! On the event square, DJ Rebell runs 8:00 p.m.–2:00 a.m. Inside the Karos Korzó event hall: a New Year’s Eve Party — All Inclusive. The town promises to greet 2026 in the familiar way—just a little different.

Concerts and Community

December 28 features an evangelization event with Gergő Oláh (Oláh Gergő) organized by Faith Church (Hit Gyülekezete) at the Korzó Grand Hall; registration is required and limited to the first 250 guests. On January 2, TNT with Ákos Dobrády (Dobrády Ákos) and Krisztián “Inti” Zuber (TNT Inti Zuber Krisztián) takes the stage. January 24 brings a Balkan Fanatik concert to keep winter moving.

Winter Splash & Kids’ Wonderland

From December 25 to January 31, Winter Splash (Téli Csobbanás) turns the baths into an animated fairy-tale world. Daily schedules mix water aerobics, family aquafitness, mini discos, balloon twisting, glitter tattoos, face painting, candy hunts, coin quests, and playful pool challenges—from ball escapes to rope pulls to water pistol battles—plus crafty sessions like clothespin tree candles, wreath door decor, and New Year’s party hats. Note specific time slots across December 25–31 for workouts, crafts, club dances, and kid-centric games.

Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.

2025, adminboss

Pros
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Super family-friendly: ice rink weeks, kids’ crafts, mini discos, treasure hunts, and gentle pool games keep little ones busy while adults hit the thermal baths
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The spa-meets-snow vibe is unique and photogenic—steaming outdoor pools during snowfall with live music feels like a bucket‑list winter experience
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Lots of programming across dates (Dec 20–late Jan), so you can catch something fun even if your travel window is narrow
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No Hungarian required for enjoyment—music, skating, spa, and kids’ activities are easy to navigate; staff in tourist towns usually manage basic English
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Easy enough to reach by car from Budapest or Vienna, with good roads and parking; once in town, venues (Karos Korzó, baths) are walkable
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Prices in Hungarian spa towns are typically lower than comparable Alpine spa or Nordic lagoon experiences, so strong value for U.S. travelers
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Compared with European Christmas markets, this leans more active-wellness (thermal baths + skating + parties), offering a fresher alternative to just mulled wine and stalls
Cons
Zalakaros isn’t internationally famous, so first-time visitors may need extra planning and won’t find tons of English-language reviews
Public transport from Budapest requires a train-bus combo and some patience; not as plug-and-play as Budapest or Vienna holiday events
Live acts are mostly local names, so if you’re seeking marquee international performers, the lineup may feel unfamiliar
Some events have registration caps or date changes, so flexibility helps—and last‑minute closures can be frustrating without Hungarian updates

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