On Sunday, December 1st, the ice skating rink at Wenceslas Square in Prague will officially open for the season, marking the start of Advent. Prague City Tourism, alongside the rink’s operator, invites you to join the festive opening ceremony at 5 p.m. This year’s exciting addition: residents of Prague 1, along with local schools, will enjoy free admission to the rink.
“Ice skating is simply part of Christmas in Prague. I am therefore delighted that Prague residents and visitors will have the opportunity to use the ice rink in the centre of the metropolis on Wenceslas Square for the second time. I am convinced that the Christmas markets and the special atmosphere will enrich this place during the Advent season and provide an atmospheric, festive backdrop,” says Jiří Pospíšil, Deputy Mayor for Culture and Tourism.
“I believe that the ice rink on Wenceslas Square will expand the offer of activities for spending the Advent season in the heart of the city. I hope that not only Prague residents but also tourists will enjoy it in the run-up to Christmas,” adds Jan Wolf, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Prague City Tourism.
The ice rink on Wenceslas Square is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can hire skates or have their own sharpened on-site. According to historians, ice skating has always been one of Prague’s favourite winter activities. In the last century, the frozen Vltava served as a wide promenade. Today, the river has been replaced by numerous modern ice rinks.
“This year, the residents and schools of Prague 1 can use the ice rink on Wenceslas Square free of charge. I am particularly pleased about that. It’s great that we have two excellent ice rinks in Prague 1 – Na Františku and now also on Wenceslas Square. The ice rink offers a great opportunity for active leisure right in the heart of the city. At the same time, it is another example of how we want to strengthen community life in the city centre,” says David Bodeček, Deputy Mayor of Prague 1.
The rink, measuring 30 × 12 metres, offers skate rentals, on-site sharpening, and refreshments to keep you warm. For added holiday inspiration, local artists will showcase unique Prague-themed gifts at nearby stands—a perfect opportunity to tick off some Christmas shopping.
Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just fancy a glide under twinkling Christmas lights, the Wenceslas Square ice rink promises a magical experience. So, lace up your skates, grab some mulled wine from the nearby Christmas markets, and create unforgettable holiday memories.
