Budapest City Park Ice Rink’s 100th Anniversary Opening Weekend

A special skating season is on the way in Budapest. The City Park Ice Rink plans to open on November 20, 2026, at 5pm, kicking off a weekend celebrating 100 years of mechanically refrigerated ice at the venue. Ice sports demonstrations, live music and other activities are planned for the occasion, with the opening weekend scheduled for November 20–22.

If you’re visiting Budapest in late November, this could be a memorable way to add some winter fun to your trip. Keep your plans flexible, though: the opening date is provisional and depends on the weather and ice-making conditions.

Essential Event Details

• Event: City Park Ice Rink’s 100th Anniversary Opening Weekend.
• Dates: November 20–22, 2026.
• Planned opening: Friday, November 20, at 5pm, weather permitting.
• Listed event end: Sunday, November 22, at 8pm. Daily skating sessions and programme times are still to be announced.
• Venue: City Park Ice Rink, 5 Olof Palme Promenade, Budapest.
• Programme: Ice sports demonstrations, live music and anniversary activities, with the main opening celebrations planned for Friday evening.
• Tickets: Prices and booking information have not yet been announced.
• Important: Check the venue’s latest announcements before visiting, as the opening depends on suitable weather and ice-making conditions.

A Century of Mechanically Frozen Ice

The anniversary comes with an important distinction: people have been skating in City Park since the 1800s, so this isn’t the venue’s first century of skating. Instead, the celebration marks 100 years since the introduction of mechanical ice-making.

That milestone takes centre stage this season, with an opening celebration bringing visitors together on and around the ice. For tourists, it’s a chance to enjoy a seasonal Budapest experience while joining a special moment in the rink’s history.

Ice Sports Demonstrations, Music and Opening Celebrations

Organisers are preparing ice sports demonstrations, musical performances and a range of activities, with the main opening celebrations planned for Friday evening, November 20. The full programme has not yet been announced, so individual performances and activity times remain to be confirmed.

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The anniversary weekend is listed as running from 5pm on Friday until 8pm on Sunday. These are the overall event dates, rather than confirmation of continuous skating or entertainment throughout the weekend. Check the detailed daily programme once it is released before deciding when to visit.

Whether you’re keen to get onto the ice or simply curious about the anniversary festivities, the opening weekend is set to offer more than a regular skating session.

Plan Your Visit to the City Park Ice Rink

The celebration takes place at 5 Olof Palme Promenade in Budapest’s City Park. When looking up the venue, make sure you select the City Park Ice Rink rather than one of Budapest’s other seasonal skating spots.

For a relaxed afternoon and evening, leave time to explore City Park before the planned 5pm opening. You can make the anniversary celebration part of a longer outing rather than rushing straight to the rink.

Ticket prices, booking arrangements and public skating sessions are still to be confirmed. Before setting off, check that the opening is going ahead and review the final programme, especially if you’re travelling specifically for the Friday evening celebrations.