Illustration of a ice skating scene (Zollverein Ice Rink)
Other Christmas Activities

Zollverein Ice Rink

Skating enthusiasts can glide along a 150-meter-long ice rink set against the towering coke ovens and chimneys of the Zollverein coking plant. In the evening, an atmospheric light installation by Mark Major and Jonathan Speirs illuminates the industrial backdrop. Off the ice, visitors can browse stands in the surrounding winter village offering hot drinks and snacks.

What to Expect

150-meter open-air ice rink along the coke ovens of Zollverein

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Nordrhein-Westfalen

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Stiftung Zollverein

Food & Drink

Winter village stalls around the rink serve hot drinks and snacks; eating and drinking on the ice is prohibited.

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Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 ⚪ (4/5)

Best For

Families, beginner skaters and fans of distinctive industrial settings

Vibe

Festive and industrial

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

€

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Location

Kokerei Zollverein
UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein, Areal, Stadtbezirke VI C, 45141 Essen, Germany
Essen

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Day ticket €11.50; reduced day ticket €9 for children up to 14, school pupils, students and apprentices; family ticket €27 for up to 2 adults and 3 children; inclusion ticket €6 for people with disabilities with a degree of disability of 50 or more; accompanying person free for a person with disabilities whose official ID has the “B” mark; evening ticket €6.50, available from 2 hours before closing; reduced evening ticket €4.50 for children up to 14, school pupils, students and apprentices; family evening ticket €17 for up to 2 adults and 3 children, from 2 hours before closing; inclusion evening ticket €4.50 for people with disabilities with a degree of disability of 50 or more; 10-ticket card €85, reduced 10-ticket card €60 for children up to 14, school pupils, students and apprentices. Separate Eisdisco tickets: €9, reduced €6 for children up to 14, school pupils, students and apprentices, and inclusion ticket €6 for people with disabilities with a degree of disability of 50 or more. Skate rental is €6 per pair, refundable deposit required; skate sharpening is €6 per pair. Listed reductions also apply to specified benefit recipients, volunteers, and members; photo ID proof is required on site. – Get tickets
  • Hours: 05.12.–22.12.2026: Mo–Fr 15:00–20:00 Uhr; Sa 10:00–20:00 bzw. 22:00 Uhr; So 10:00–20:00 Uhr. 23.12.2026–06.01.2027: Mo–Fr und So 10:00–20:00 Uhr. Feiertage: 24., 25. und 31.12.2026 geschlossen; 26.12.2026 13:00–22:00 Uhr; 01.01.2027 13:00–20:00 Uhr. On 12.12.2026 and 02.01.2027, the separate Eisdisco runs 20:00–24:00 and regular rink operations end at 20:00.
  • Parking: Visitors cannot park or get out immediately next to the rink. Free Parkplatz C is about 300 metres away. Parking staff/directors are present on weekends before school holidays.
  • Accessibility: The ice rink is open to wheelchairs, rehab buggies, and gliding aids, and helper penguins are available for children.

Tips & Advice

  • Bring your own skates if you can, because rental pairs in sizes 25 to 50 can't be guaranteed in every size at your chosen time.
  • Bring photo ID if you qualify for a reduced ticket, since proof is checked on site for children, students, apprentices and the other reduced-price groups.
  • Keep valuables on you or leave them at home, as the storage compartments for shoes and bags at the rink don't lock.
  • Park at the free Parkplatz C and allow time for the walk of about 300 metres, since you can't park or be dropped off beside the rink.
  • Come in the last two hours before closing for the evening ticket, when the light installation by Mark Major and Jonathan Speirs lights up the coking plant.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Eisdisco on December 12 and January 2: skate to disco sounds into the night with a separate ticket. Regular skating ends earlier on those evenings.
  • Eisstockschießen (ice stock curling) for groups on an extra area next to the rink, held in all weather.
  • Evening tickets from two hours before closing, including a family evening ticket.
  • The family ticket covers up to two adults and three children.
  • Reduced tickets for children up to 14, students, apprentices and other listed groups with photo ID. A companion of a visitor whose official ID carries the 'B' mark gets in free.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent skates?

Yes. Skates in sizes 25 to 50 can be rented on site for a deposit. It's best to bring your own, because not every size is always available. Skates can also be sharpened at the rink.

Is it suitable for kids and beginners?

Yes. Children of every age can skate, and small helper penguins help them stay steady on their first steps. Beginners, advanced skaters and pros all skate here.

Can I eat and drink on the ice?

No, food and drinks aren't allowed on the ice. Hot drinks and snacks are sold at the stalls in the Winterdorf around the rink.

Where should I park?

Use the free Parkplatz C, about 300 metres from the rink. You can't park or be dropped off right next to the rink. Parking attendants are on duty on weekends before the school holidays.

Is there somewhere to leave shoes and bags?

Yes, there are storage compartments for shoes and bags, but they don't lock. The public toilets in the Mischanlage are free to use.

Tags

ice skatingwinter activitiesfamily friendlyseasonal activitiesfestive atmospherelight displayscommunity celebrationlive entertainment

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We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team