27 November 2025, Prague – For the third year running, an ice rink will add to the Christmas atmosphere in the very heart of Prague. From 1 December, the day of the official opening, the rink will be open to the public right through to mid-February. Residents and primary schools from Prague 1 can skate free of charge. The opening will also feature a figure-skating performance and the chance to win tickets to the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague. Prague is once again offering a unique winter experience right in the centre of the city. The public ice rink near Jindřišská Street will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from 1 December until mid-February. The 30 × 12 metre ice surface will offer visitors a place to skate, refreshments, skate hire, and a stall selling original gifts made by Prague artists. “Skating has long been one of Prague’s favourite winter pastimes. And it has a distinctive connection with Wenceslas Square,” says Jan Wolf, chair of the supervisory board of Prague City Tourism. “When Wenceslas Square briefly became the first ski slope in the Czech lands on the night of 5 to 6 January 1887, Josef Rössler-Ořovský skied from the upper part of what was then the Horse Market down to Můstek, even though he had originally ordered ice skates. I am therefore very pleased that the city is once again offering the chance to skate in the very heart of Prague. It not only adds to the charm of the Christmas market on Wenceslas Square, but also gives people a great opportunity to skate after work or after school.” “Last year’s season showed clearly that the project makes excellent sense,” says Prague 1 deputy mayor David Bodeček. “Cooperation between our borough, our partners, and schools proved successful and met with a positive response from both the public and schools in Prague 1. I’m glad we’ve managed to forge a connection between the local community and visitors who normally come to the centre as tourists.” He adds: “The rink has become a place for people to meet up, enjoy themselves, and share the winter atmosphere. Based on our experience from last year, I can confirm that several children learned to skate thanks to this opportunity, which I would say is excellent feedback. Projects like this show that even in the heart of the city, you can create a space for active relaxation, sport, and shared experiences across generations.” The rink will officially open at 5 p.m. on 1 December. The opening will include a figure-skating performance by children from the SKK Sparta club and a competition for tickets to the upcoming World Figure Skating Championships in Prague, which will be held in March next year. “The official opening will take place on Monday 1 December. For visitors, we have organised a figure-skating performance and the chance to obtain tickets for the World Figure Skating Championships in Prague. Free skating is available to residents of Prague 1 and also holders of the Prague Visitor Pass – each season, we are adding new places and sights where the card can be used,” explains František Cipro, chair of the board of Prague City Tourism. The history of skating on Wenceslas Square The rink is returning to Wenceslas Square for only the third time in its modern history. The site, however, has older links to skating. In the Middle Ages, a small pond here was used for skating in winter. There were also originally plans to build a large hall for an ice rink and hockey facilities inside Lucerna Palace. The project ultimately failed to meet the required parameters for hockey matches and the space was later adapted into the events hall that exists today. More information on the risnk can be found at prague.eu
