Nothing shows that winter has stepped foot in Budapest better than a magical festive atmosphere, with the smell of cinnamon and mulled wine floating in the air, Christmas lights shining and choirs singing one after the other. Budapest Park created a huge surprise this season when, to everyone’s delight, it opened its doors wide this winter as well. Now they await with warming drinks, great music and a huge skating rink, which we tried out ourselves.
Ice, Ice Baby
As winter approached, Budapest Park was completely transformed: the large dance floor froze into ice, and the trees that served as rendezvous spots in the summer were dressed up in festive decoration. Ice skaters were able to take over of 1,300 square metres of skating rink, including a cosy ice corridor, while children could race on a separate section of the course in the company of delightful penguin figures.
You won’t find better entertainment for a winter’s eve than to skate to the excellent beats of Budapest Park’s DJs in the gorgeously lit Ice World, after warming up with a hot punch. Then, after a satisfying glide, you can crown it off with great toasted sandwiches and winter drink specialities such as the Witty Raspberry and the Snowflake.
Candy Cane Lane
The fairy-tale world decorated with dazzling lights is complemented by the familiar decor of Budapest Park and conjures up a festive winter atmosphere. Resident DJs play music above the ice, so you can slide to the best rhythms, but there are many other activities that bring colour to Ice World: synchronised skating demonstrations, ice shows, fire shows and children’s entertainment are also on offer, so check out Budapest Park’s Facebook page if you would like to throw in some extra fun with your regular skate.
After the icy rhythm section, you can warm up at the Alpine-style bar, where fabulous drinks await. These include Lumumba, rum-infused hot chocolate, the Hot Widow of super strong plum brandy, cinnamon, whipped cream, and strawberry, mango and passion-fruit punch. The Witty Raspberry, Snowflake and Jagatee are all secrets to be discovered. These special drinks in the hut can be accompanied by toasted sandwiches, a classic Budapest Park hot dog or strudel.
Santa Tell Me
In collaboration with Ferencváros Council, Budapest Park has opened a rink so local kindergarten and schoolchildren can learn to glide on the ice on weekday mornings. Skating can now be enjoyed after 4pm during the week and from 10am and 4pm at weekends. Ice machines regularly clean the surface so that everyone can glide on a mirror-smooth surface. Those who want to take a spin can usually take to the ice until around 9pm-10pm, but you can find the exact opening hours here, and you can also see if the given time slot is still free or full on the easy-to-use online booking interface.
During school time, you can enter for 1,499 forints from Mondays to Thursdays, while from Friday to Sunday, on public holidays and during the winter break, it’s 1,999 forints. Residents of District IX and children up to ten are admitted half-price, claimed with tickets exchanged on site. Ticket prices are always for specified time slots. More information can be found here.
Tickets only need to be exchanged for the use of the rink, in advance or on site. If you are not a lover of winter sports, it is still worth visiting Budapest Park, transformed into a winter wonderland, as you can enter the Park area free of charge on presentation of an Immunity Certificate. Of course, you can also buy skating passes, and penguin figures can be hired to help smaller ones learn to skate. Leave your things in the locker with practical IKEA bags.
The rink is also great for those who are new to ice, as the sturdy railings provide a good grip for beginners. If you’re just accompanying friends, you won’t be bored off-piste either, as disc jockeys and frequent activities create a great atmosphere on and off the ice as well. An ice disco will even start up soon – there’s no stopping the winter musical fairy-tale world of Budapest Park!
Click here for more information.
