As 2026 arrives wrapped in crisp winter air and glittering night skies, Europe reveals its most enchanting side. City squares transform into twinkling fairytale sets, alpine villages glow beneath snow-dusted
peaks, and ice rinks shimmer like constellations under the stars. From Parisian rooftops with sweeping skyline views to glamorous alpine playgrounds where mountains sparkle after dark, these winter destinations turn ice skating into a truly cinematic experience.
If “Skate Among the Stars” feels like the perfect way to welcome the year, these iconic European winter wonderlands promise magic both on and off the ice.
1. Rooftop Ice Rink at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann — Paris, France
Few places capture Parisian winter magic quite like Galeries Lafayette. Every year, the legendary department store opens a rooftop ice rink high above the city skyline, offering surreal views of the Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and Haussmann-era rooftops bathed in winter light. Skate beneath the Paris sky, then head downstairs to warm up with mulled wine or pastries amid glittering festive displays.
Best for: skyline views, festive atmosphere
2. Courchevel 1850 — French Alps
Welcome to one of Europe’s most glamorous winter playgrounds. Courchevel’s ice rink, set in the heart of the alpine village, feels straight out of a snow globe. Luxury chalets, glowing lanterns, and pristine snow create a dreamlike setting. Whether you arrive post-ski or simply soak in the ambience, the experience is undeniably magical. Fine dining and world-class slopes are always just steps away.
Best for: luxury travellers, alpine fairytale vibes
3. Patinoire de l’Hôtel de Ville — Paris, France (Seasonal)
When Paris installs a seasonal ice rink in front of the Hôtel de Ville, winter theatre takes centre stage. Skating here means gliding past the elegant 19th-century city hall façade, surrounded by twinkling lights, festive trees, and the lively hum of Parisian street life. It’s effortlessly enchanting and one of Europe’s most atmospheric urban skating experiences.
Best for: festive city energy, postcard-perfect scenery
4. Zagreb Ice Park — King Tomislav Square, Croatia
Zagreb has quietly emerged as one of Europe’s most charming winter destinations, and its central ice park is the highlight. Set among historic gardens and grand architecture, the rink weaves through pathways lined with music, glowing Christmas stalls, and irresistible street food. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between cosy and cinematic.
Best for: winter market lovers, dreamy evening skating
5. Natural Ice Rinks of Lake Weissensee — Austria
For a truly breathtaking experience, head to Austria’s Carinthian Alps, where Lake Weissensee transforms into one of Europe’s largest natural ice rinks. Surrounded by towering, snow-covered mountains and untouched wilderness, skating here feels like gliding across frozen sky. It’s peaceful, majestic, and completely unforgettable.
Best for: nature seekers, bucket-list adventures
Whether you choose a Parisian rooftop or a frozen alpine lake, these destinations prove that skating is more than just a winter sport, it’s a feeling. One where city lights shimmer like constellations, snowflakes fall in slow motion, and the world seems to pause, if only for a moment. And honestly, there’s nothing more romantic than that.
