For the third year running now, Barcelona is currently enjoying its very own ice skating rink in Plaça Catalunya. Bringing merriment, and a touch of northern winters to sunnier climes, the ice rink was officially opened on Thursday the 21st of November at 17h at an event chaired by Xavier Trias, Mayor of Barcelona, and Vincent Gasca President of the Foundation in Barcelona Commerce. It stays open until the beginning of January 2014.
At 40m by 30m (1200 m2) this is the biggest outdoor ice rink in Europe, large enough to take for 350 skaters. Throughout is opening, exhibitions of different sports played on ice and introductory courses in some of them have been scheduled.
Calendar of activities:
– Skating show: 27th of November and 2nd, 4th, 9th, 11th and 16th of December and the 3rd of January at 6pm.
– Ice Hockey show: 23rd, 27th and 30th of December at 6pm
– Short track show: 19th and 28th of December at 6pm
Courses for children (9 to 10am):
* Short Track: 21st and 28th of December
* Skating: 22 and 29th of December, 3rd and 4th of January
* Ice Hockey: 23rd, 27th and 30th of December
* Curling: 2nd of January 2014
Plaça Catalunya is Barcelona’s main square, so ice skating can be combined with many other activities. Nearby are Las Ramblas, the old town, the Boqueria market, Passeig de Gracia and El Portal Del Angel for shopping, the Cathedral La Seu and the Christmas market.
The ticket price includes skate rental and is €9 per hour or €7 for 30 minutes, and there are changing areas and a cafeteria. This is a great Christmas activity to enjoy in Barcelona, especially for families.
