By Sarah Sunday
As the winter season is approaching, it is once again becoming that time of year to get into the Christmas spirit. One fun and energizing way of enjoying the newly cold weather is to spend a brisk night at one of the ice skating rinks around the city. As there are a few different rinks that have been opening up in the area, it would be worth the while to spend a couple hours enjoying the skating.
At the end of October a group of students went out to the season opening of the Ice Terrace (Jégterasz) in front of the ArenaShopping Center. It is in a fairly convenient location, being only a mere fifteen minute walk from McDaniel. As one of the more modern rinks in the city, there was a DJ playing popular hits while lights flashed and changed. Fun and upbeat, the Ice Terrace is the perfect place to go with a group of friends to enjoy a fun evening on the ice. The usual price is HUF 1,100 for a regular day and the rink is open every day of the week. The rink also holds and hosts many special holiday parties with certain themes; for example, there are regular disco parties or ‘Arena Wednesdays’ when there is a 20% discount on tickets. There is also an upcoming salsa party as well as a ‘Santa party’. A night at the Ice Terrace is definitely a guaranteed fun time.
One of the most well-known ice skating rinks is the City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya), located behind Heroes’ Square in CityPark. In the summer time the area serves as a lake for peddle boats and canoes, but in the winter it is transformed into the largest skating rink in Europe. Also being one of the oldest rinks in Europe, the ice rink is a must-see for anyone in Budapest over the winter season. Surrounded by castles and the beautiful Hungarian architecture, it is a picturesque and festive scene. With an admission price HUF 1,200 on the weekdays and HUF 1,400 on the weekends, one can spend the entire day skating at this lovely rink.
There are others rinks to check out in the area as well. The ice rink by the Basilica, the Budai Ice Rink and Marczibányi Sport Centrum’s ice rink are also available. So grab your scarves and hats, drink some mulled wine and hot chocolate, and take advantage of the Budapest ice skating rinks!
