VDNKh Ice Rink 2025–2026: Season Opening, Prices, Schedule & Events

The legendary ice rink at VDNKh opens the winter season and invites Muscovites and guests of the capital to enjoy ice skating in the very heart of the exhibition complex. The area of the ice surface exceeds 20 thousand square meters, making it one of the largest ice rinks not only in Moscow, but throughout Europe.

When the ice rink at VDNKh opens in 2025

The official opening of the rink took place on November 25, 2025. The grand ceremony launching the winter season was held on November 28 with a large-scale entertainment program. The rink will operate until March 1, 2026, offering the opportunity to enjoy winter activities for more than three months.

Location and features of the ice arenas

The ice paths traditionally stretch along the Central (Main) Alley of VDNKh and surround the famous fountains — “Friendship of Peoples” and “Stone Flower”. From a bird’s-eye view, the rink’s composition resembles a magical land, looking especially impressive in the evening festive lighting. In addition to the main rink, a separate children’s ice rink has been prepared for young visitors near Pavilion No. 1 “Central”. Special children’s events, figure skating lessons, and hockey training sessions are held here. The rink can accommodate around 5 thousand guests at a time.

VDNKh ice rink opening hours

The rink operates according to the following schedule:

• Monday — Friday: from 11:00 to 23:00
• Saturday — Sunday: from 10:00 to 23:00
• Technical break: daily from 15:00 to 17:00

Night skating under the stars

For those who love a romantic atmosphere and unusual experiences, special night sessions are available from 23:45 to 02:30 on the following dates:

• December 13–14, 2025
• December 27–28, 2025
• January 3–4, 2026
• January 6–7, 2026
• January 25–26, 2026
• February 14–15, 2026

Entry for night skating begins at 23:45 through Pavilions No. 1 and No. 2.

Admission and skate rental prices

Prices for the 2025–2026 season remain affordable:

• Child ticket: from 300 rubles
• Adult ticket: from 500 rubles
• Skate rental: 700 rubles

There are six skate rental points on the premises, including a premium comfort pavilion. Skate sharpening services and lockers for personal belongings are also available. For beginner skaters, special ice assistants are provided to hold onto while skating.

Infrastructure and services

Food zones

Visitors can warm up and grab a bite at numerous food outlets:

• Rest areas with cafés along the rink
• Gastronomic space “Restomarket”
• Food court with hot drinks and snacks

The menu features traditional winter treats: pancakes, waffles, kalach, as well as warming drinks — tea from a samovar, Siberian tea, sbiten, non-alcoholic mulled wine, and cocoa.

Visitor amenities

• Open stands for spectators with free entry
• Themed photo zones for memorable photos
• Pedestrian bridge with a panoramic view of the rink
• Festive illumination in the evening

Winter season event program

Grand opening “We Give a Dream”

November 28–29, 18:30–21:30 A spectacular show for the season opening includes performances by professional figure skaters, theatrical productions dedicated to 12 key eras of Russian history, acrobatic and ballet numbers. On November 29 near Pavilion No. 1 there will be demonstration performances with excerpts from the ballets “Swan Lake”, “Sleeping Beauty”, and “The Firebird” accompanied by a live orchestra.

Morning workouts on ice

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00–13:00 From December 2 to February 26 (except January holidays), free training sessions led by experienced instructors are held on the rink. This is a great opportunity to improve health, boost energy, and recharge. Only a rink ticket is required to participate.

Themed parties

December 5 and 26, 17:30–21:30 Interactive dance programs include:

• “Warm scarves and hugs party”
• “Tropic party”
• “Gift of the fiery dragon”
• Dance master classes
• Contests, flash mobs, and quests
• Prize draws

Hockey Day

December 6, 11:00–19:00 (free entry) The event offers:

• Games with world champions
• Master classes from professional hockey players
• Phygital tournament with famous bloggers
• Autograph and photo sessions with athletes
• Contests with valuable prizes

Laser tag on ice

Every Sunday, 12:00–13:30 and 18:00–19:30 Starting December 7, exciting laser tag sessions begin on the ice arena. Participants can compete individually or in teams using infrared blasters. Registration takes place on site 15–20 minutes before the session starts.

DJ parties

December 13 and 20, 20:30–22:00 In the “Music as a Gift” media zone, DJ sets of various musical genres will be played for visitors of all ages.

World Ice Skating Day

December 14, 11:00–20:00 (free entry) The program includes contests, quizzes, lotteries, and competitions with professional speed and figure skaters.

Children’s animation program

December 20, 27, and 28, 12:00–14:00 Special events on the children’s rink:

• Games and contests
• Figure skating master classes
• Meetings with fairy-tale characters
• Creative workshops

New Year’s Eve “Portal to the World of Gifts”

December 31 – January 1, 21:00–02:30 A grand New Year’s celebration on the rink includes:

• Ballet show by renowned figure skaters
• DJ sets and orchestra concert
• Themed photo zones
• Meeting with Ded Moroz and Snegurochka
• Skating on magical sleighs

How to get to the VDNKh ice rink

Address: Moscow, Prospekt Mira, 119 Metro station: VDNKh (Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya line, orange line) It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the metro station to the main entrance of VDNKh. The rink is located in the central part of the exhibition; the fountains “Friendship of Peoples” and “Stone Flower” serve as landmarks.

Useful tips for visitors

1. Buy tickets in advance on the official VDNKh website, especially for weekends and holidays
2. Arrive with extra time — taking into account the technical break from 15:00 to 17:00
3. Dress warmly — it can be cold on the open rink, especially in the evening
4. For beginners it is recommended to visit the children’s area with instructors
5. Bring gloves — they are mandatory for skating

Why you should visit the VDNKh ice rink

The VDNKh ice rink is not just a place for skating, but a real winter entertainment complex. Its unique location among the historical pavilions of the exhibition, rich entertainment program, high-quality ice, and well-developed infrastructure make it an ideal place for family recreation, romantic dates, and meetings with friends. The rink area is designed in the spirit of a fairy-tale winter with festive illumination, and the packed event schedule won’t let you get bored throughout the season. After skating, you can visit VDNKh museums, explore national pavilions, or warm up in one of the many cafés and restaurants. The 2025–2026 winter season at VDNKh is held under the motto “Together it’s warmer at VDNKh” — and it truly is a place where a special atmosphere of warmth, joy, and celebration is created, despite the frosty weather.