The temperatures are dropping and the days are getting shorter. You know what that means: ice skating! All bundled up in mittens and coats while twirling around on the ice without a care in the world, there’s no denying that ice skating is a fun winter activity which also happens to go hand in hand with the Christmas season.
As a favourite pastime in Switzerland, there are a vast number of ice rinks throughout the alpine nation that are ideal for winter skating. And with the Christmas holidays coming up, it’s the perfect time to put on those skates and glide your way into a merry old time! We take a look at some cheery ice rinks to enjoy with the family and kids this holiday season.
As one of the largest ice rinks in Europe, the Dolder ice skating rink in Zurich is already a popular spot to enjoy a variety of winter sports. The 6.000-square-metre ice rink isn’t for just plain old ice skating though, it also offers something special for the festive season.
An enormous Christmas tree covered in shining baubles and thousands of glittering lights stands in the centre of the ice for everyone to enjoy. Not only does the Dolder ice rink have a wonderful tree for photo opportunities, but there are also ice discos and other events held on the ice to make your skating experience extra jolly.
The lakes in Switzerland are truly beautiful, so what could be better than an ice skating adventure with a spectacular view of Lake Zurich? Live on Ice is held by the Romantik Seehotel Sonne in Küsnacht and provides an enchanting spot to glide across the ice.
Trees sparkling with fairy lights create a dreamy atmosphere and nearby restaurants give you the chance to warm up with a nice cup of mulled wine and a tasty meal. A wonderful idea for a romantic night out during the holidays or a fun outing with the kids, this ice rink is bound to get you into the Christmas spirit.
Image credit: Romantik Seehotel Sonne
Located in the Swiss canton of Ticino, the stunning Lake Lugano and surrounding mountains make the perfect backdrop for ice skating at MelideICE on the Lake. From an igloo bar to a play area for the kids, the whole family can enjoy some festive winter fun at MelideICE while staying warm with delicious food and drinks.
It’s no wonder that this ice rink is especially popular with families. The ice skating rink in Carouge has many winter activities that can keep the kids entertained during the school holidays while parents can relax and get into the Christmas cheer at the ice bar.
Why not have a lovely day cruising Christmas markets along with ice skating? There are various Christmas markets and light installations in the area around the ice rink during the festive season, so you can enjoy a day chock full of merry times.
The Alp Raguta ice field is included in the Chur Christmas Market and with the gorgeous view it’s easy to understand why it's so popular. From the natural ice rink, you get a breathtaking view of the mountains and a warm Christmassy feeling.
Combine Christmas markets with ice skating, fairy lights and a hut where you can enjoy divine cheese fondue, and you’ll feel like you just stepped into a Hallmark Christmas movie.
The Bundesplatz artificial ice rink allows you to whizz around on the ice in front of the parliamentary building in Bern. After your skating fun on the 600-square-metre illuminated ice rink, you can get toasty in the restaurant with hot chocolate and a warm meal.
Image credit: Frank Fell Media / Shutterstock.com
Ice skating during the Christmas holidays provides the perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends for a jolly time on the ice. Tell us about an ice rink you like to skate at during the festive season in the comments below.