Europe’s most beautiful ice rink is waiting for you to skate on in this Hungarian city – photos
In 2025, the impressive ice rink set up in front of Debrecen’s Reformed Great Church was crowned Europe’s most stunning Christmas ice rink. But that’s not all—the city’s Christmas market also received prestigious acclaim. Check out the photos and get inspired by our feature.
Europe’s most beautiful ice rink and best Christmas fair
According to an article by turizmus.com, not only was the unique ice rink honoured, but so was the Christmas market of this eastern Hungarian city, often called the “Calvinist Rome.” Based on the official announcement from European Best Destinations, Debrecen’s festive market ranks among the top 5 Christmas markets in Europe this year.
The official trophy, certifying the ice rink’s well-deserved number one spot, is soon to arrive in Debrecen, where it will likely take pride of place. The organisers are already working on bringing even more innovations and experiences for visitors in 2026.
Moderate prices, multiple programmes
This enchanting Debrecen ice rink welcomes visitors on weekdays from 8am until 8pm. In the afternoons from 2pm, groups from registered educational institutions can skate for free. On weekends, the rink opens at 9am and closes at 8pm as well. On Christmas Eve, the opening hours are shorter, but on New Year’s Eve, you can even welcome the fresh year on the ice, as the rink stays open until 1am — much to the delight of the locals.
Ticket prices are very reasonable. A regular entry costs 2,000 forints, while accompanying tickets are available for 500 forints. If you feel a little hesitant on skates, you can rent a penguin aid for 1,000 forints per hour. Skate rental is 2,000 forints, with children under three entering for free. The deposit for skate hire is 10,000 forints, according to information from Debreceni Nap.
The Debrecen Advent festival is also packed with new surprises for this festive season. On 13 December, the Jégvirákarnevál (Ice Flower Carnival) kicks off, featuring ice sculpting demonstrations, a parade, and an evening ice disco. New additions include the Advent Bridge arching over the rink and a dazzling network of 10,000 Christmas fairy lights. Expect a continuous flow of craft and culinary delights, concerts, candle-lighting ceremonies, dancers, and around 20 festive events at the Kölcsey Centre.
Read also:
- Skate in the sky: Budapest’s first double-decker ice rink opened! – photos
- Budapest’s magical City Park Ice Rink returns — Here’s when you can skate by a castle again!