Experience Europe’s Top-Rated Christmas Ice Rink in Debrecen
- 1 Dec 2025 6:26 AM
Debrecen has claimed a major winter accolade: the ice rink set up in front of the city’s iconic Reformed Great Church has been voted Europe’s most beautiful Christmas ice rink for 2025. It’s a striking sight in the main square — a large skating arena framed by historic architecture and thousands of festive lights.
The recognition doesn’t end there: Debrecen’s Christmas market was also ranked among the top five Christmas markets in Europe this year, according to European Best Destinations.
The official trophy confirming the rink’s number-one status will soon arrive in the city, and organisers are already planning even more additions for 2026.
Visitors can enjoy the city’s seasonal attractions every day from morning until evening.
The rink is open 8am–8pm on weekdays, with free entry for pre-registered school groups from 2pm. At weekends, the opening time shifts to 9am, while closing remains 8pm.
Festive schedules vary slightly: it closes early on Christmas Eve but stays open until 1am on New Year’s Eve, offering a fun way to ring in the new year on skates.
Prices remain accessible:
• 2,000 HUF – regular entry
• 500 HUF – accompanying ticket
• 2,000 HUF – skate rental
• 1,000 HUF per hour – penguin skating aid
• Under-3s enter free
A 10,000 HUF deposit applies for skate rental.
This season’s Debrecen Advent programme also introduces new visual highlights, including an Advent Bridge spanning the rink and more than 10,000 twinkling lights across the square. From 13 December, the Ice Flower Carnival brings live ice sculpting, a parade, and an evening ice disco.
Alongside the skating, visitors can expect plenty of festive tastes and treats — from local craft stalls and street food to concerts, dance performances, candle-lighting ceremonies, and around 20 seasonal events at the Kölcsey Centre.
For anyone living in Hungary and seeking a festive day trip or weekend escape, Debrecen offers a winter experience with both charm and international recognition — all just a couple of hours from Budapest.
More:
debreceniadvent.hu/en
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