In Bucharest’s December landscape, ice skating remains one of the few seasonal activities that consistently attracts visitors. In 2025, the city’s offer is structured around three locations with different profiles: the ice rink in Drumul Taberei Park, the Veranda ice rink in the Obor area, and the children-only rink at the “Christmas Story” Fair at Opera Comică pentru Copii. Each operates in a different manner, depending on its management and target audience, and these differences are reflected in the infrastructure, schedule, ice quality, and the way visitor flow is handled.

Drumul Taberei Ice Rink – West Side Christmas Market

Period: 26 November – 27 December 2025
Ice rink hours: daily 10:00–22:00, session-based access with breaks for ice maintenance
Fair hours:
• Mon–Fri 12:00–22:00
• Sat–Sun 11:00–22:00

In 2025, the Drumul Taberei ice rink is one of the most visited recreational areas in the western part of the city. Located in the center of the Christmas market, it benefits from constant foot traffic and the natural draw of a busy park. The generous outdoor surface creates a relaxed urban setting that works well for families.

The surrounding fair acts as a natural extension of the rink: seasonal food stalls, hot drinks, desserts, street-food vendors and a children’s zone. The atmosphere becomes more striking in the evening, when lighting installations dominate the visual identity of the space.

Functionally, the rink is designed for leisure skating rather than performance. Ice quality fluctuates depending on crowd levels, but the session structure allows for minimal maintenance between groups. Main audience: families, young children, teenagers.

Veranda Ice Rink – outdoor, extended seasonal structure

Period: from 1 December 2025 throughout the 2025–2026 winter season
(closed on rainy days)
Schedule: daily 10:00–22:00
Sessions: 10:00–11:30, 12:00–13:30, 14:00–15:30, 16:00–17:30, 18:00–19:30, 20:00–22:00
Prices (2024–2025, provisionally maintained):
• entry 25 lei (all-day access if you remain inside the rink area)
• skate rental 25 lei
• penguin/dolphin support 20 lei

Located near the Obor marketplace, Veranda’s ice rink is the first in the neighborhood and remains one of the most consistent private winter projects in Bucharest. The 650 m² surface and the controlled session system ensure efficient use of space and stable ice quality even during peak hours.

Its proximity to the mall changes the usage pattern: skating becomes an activity integrated into everyday routines — after school, during a weekend break, or in the evening. The key advantage is accessibility: visitors can alternate between skating, the food court, and shops, reducing crowding at the rink itself.

A notable detail: the rink remains open on both 25 December and 1 January, making it a viable option for those who prefer to avoid the congestion typical of Christmas markets.

Children’s Ice Rink – Opera Comică pentru Copii, “Christmas Story” Fair

Period: 21 November – 28 December 2025
Schedule:
• Friday 16:00–21:00
• Saturday–Sunday 10:00–21:00
Access: free, with the OCC access card

The ice rink at Opera Comică pentru Copii operates exclusively for children. It is integrated into a larger thematic fair with elaborate decorations, interactive installations, and multiple entertainment zones.

The range of attractions is unusually wide for a cultural institution: carousel, Christmas train, Ferris wheel, VR experiences, flight simulator, sensory maze, “Grinch’s Grotto,” photo areas, workshops and holiday shows. The ice rink is one element among many, not a standalone destination.

Free access separates it clearly from the other two locations, and the cultural environment adds an educational dimension. Skates are available for rent, and entry is regulated to ensure safety for young children.

What sets them apart

– Drumul Taberei functions as a community-focused outdoor rink integrated into a major park, aimed at families and seasonal visitors.
– Veranda follows a commercial model: structured sessions, predictable ice quality, and strong accessibility in a dense urban area.
– Opera Comică offers a child-centered setup within a cultural and thematic environment unmatched elsewhere in the city.

In a Bucharest that lacks dedicated winter sports infrastructure, these three locations shape how residents experience ice skating — as seasonal leisure, as a routine urban activity, or as an educational and recreational option for children.

Also recommended Christmas Markets in Bucharest 2025–2026: Schedule and Key Attractions in Piața Constituției, Opera, Drumul Taberei, and Băneasa