Christmas is just around the corner and, thus, the list of many activities you can do in Athens definitely includes a walk for festive shopping in the big stores, an outing for food and mulled Christmas wine, and even a theatrical performance, but also an excursion to an ice rink.
The ultimate winter sport is especially popular in foreign countries with the familiar inhabitants of northern and central Europe indulging on the ice with comfort reminiscent of professional skaters.
However, the magic of ice rinks has come in recent decades to Greece with this activity being extremely popular during the Christmas period.
Travel has compiled places where you can enjoy skating in the Greek capital.
Ice rink at the Concert Hall
For the fifth consecutive year, one of the most elegant ice rinks in the capital operates at the Athens Concert Hall, with a large ice rink of 375 sq.m. fully covered with a modern, safe awning so you can skate carefree even in bad weather.
Arriving, you will pass by the ice rink house to be properly informed by the trained staff about ice skating rental. The cost of the ticket is 10 euros per person , while you can stay at the place as long as you wish without any restrictions. The price includes the rent of the necessary equipment . The cost is the same in case you have your own ice skates with you.
If you are not familiar with the experience of ice skating there is always the possibility of a private lesson lasting 15 minutes , which costs 10 euros and will provide you with the basic knowledge about your first figures on the ice.
In the area next to the ice rink, parents and companions will have the opportunity to watch the skaters enjoying a drink or snack in a warm environment.
Daily: 16:00 - 23:00
Weekends: 11:00 - 23:00
Ice rink in Kotzia square
One of the long-awaited arrivals of this Christmas, the ice rink that just opened its doors in Kotzia Square, opposite the City Hall of Athens , will offer endless fun to young and old skating enthusiasts from December 10 to January 6.
In a beautiful, Christmas setting, the ice rink in the heart of the city will bring to mind moments of snowy, white Christmas in northern Europe, at a time when the mayor of Athens, Costas Bakogiannis, has already uploaded relevant photos on his official Facebook profile with the comment "Attention τρά it slips".
Admission to the rink will be free , however electronic pre-booking of seats is required through the platform.
The opening hours will be daily from 10.00 - 22.00, if the weather conditions allow. The entrance to the ice rink is allowed to people over 5 years old.
According to the Municipality of Athens, in all its Christmas events, the hygienic rules against the spread of the coronavirus are strictly observed. In particular, to enter the rink, adults must have a vaccination certificate or disease certificate or a negative PCR (72 hours) or rapid test (48 hours) certificate and a proof of identity or other identification document. Minors 5-17 years old must have a negative self-test certificate of the last 24 hours or a vaccination certificate or a disease certificate.
December 10 to January 6
Daily: 10:00 - 22:00
Kotzia Square
Free entrance
Ice Rink Cultural Center Stavros Niarchos Foundation
As every year, this year the ice rink of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center returns to the park to host aspiring skaters on its all-white track. From the beginning of December until February 2022 , those who want to show their talent or just try their hand will swirl at a festive pace on a huge track by the water .
Beautifully located at the beginning of the Canal, at the height of the Visitor Center, the ice rink of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, will give you the opportunity to enjoy a magnificent view of the dance of the Fountains and the illuminated Canal "from within".
From December 2021 to February 2022
Daily from 10:00 - 22:00
Free entrance with electronic pre-registration
Ice rink Village Shopping & More
As early as Saturday, November 20, 2021, the ice rink at Village shopping & more in the area of Renti gives the opportunity to those who love the figures on an icy track to combine their walk with food, shopping or a movie at the cinema.
From Monday to Friday the ice rink is open from 4 pm to 11 pm, while on weekends you will find it open and in the morning from 11 am to 12 midnight. The ice rink will remain open until February.
The use of a mask is not mandatory on the rink , however, you will need to wear it constantly at the ticket office as well as at the ice rink rental area.
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 16:00 - 23:00
Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 - 00:00
Athens Heart Ice Rink
The largest permanent ice rink in Greece is located in a large area right next to the Athens Heart shopping center on Piraeus Street.
The ice rink has a huge track with dimensions that touch those of a professional ice rink of international standards, as it exceeds 1,000 sq.m. , and is able to accommodate skaters, parents and friends in a comfortable and beautiful surrounding area, which ensures visual contact on the ice rink. There is also a specially designed area for renting ice skates with lockers for storing items as well as a locker room for athletes.
The ice rink is closed with a special awning that surrounds all the lengths and widths of the track, without allowing the weather conditions to affect the perfect quality of the ice. There you will find trained and experienced coaches, who will help young and old skaters to discover the secrets of ice and to balance perfectly on the track.
The cost of the ticket is 10 € and is valid for an unlimited stay at the ice rink until you leave the place. This price includes the rental of ice skates.
For those who are interested in figure skating or to join the children's / men's / women's hockey teams, you can contact the fund for more information.
Daily: 15:00 - 23:00
Weekends: 11:00 - 23:00
Ice Center Escape Centre
For the 10th consecutive year, the open ice rink at the Escape Center in Ilion has already opened its doors since November 13 and will operate until January 2022.
In a large track made of real ice, under the winter sky of Athens you will be able to try your hand at pirouettes, since before you will have drunk a hot, festive drink at the Christmas kiosks full of goodies and delicacies.
At the Escape Center you can even let your little ones play in the large playgrounds , go shopping in the shops and enjoy a family dinner.
Daily: 16:00 - 23:00
Weekends: 11:00 - 23:00
READ MORE: Traveling to Greece for Winter. Greek City Times has you covered.
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