Copenhagen Skating Rinks Melting in December Heat

Maria van der Vliet

Writer

December 20, 2025
11:00 am

Several popular skating rinks in Copenhagen are struggling to stay open due to an unusually warm December. Rising temperatures have already forced one to close temporarily, while others are fighting to keep their ice intact.

Unseasonably Warm December Challenges Skating Season

Christmas in Copenhagen usually brings cozy lights, family outings, and time on the ice. This year, however, the mild weather is threatening that tradition. The city’s much-loved outdoor skating rinks are battling persistent warmth that makes it hard to maintain solid ice.

Enghaveparken’s rink was the first to shut down after temperatures made it impossible to keep the surface frozen. Although it has since reopened, the situation remains uncertain as mild days stretch into the holiday season. It’s yet another reminder that Denmark’s winter weather can be unpredictable.

Copenhagen’s Rinks Under Pressure

Staff at six public skating rinks across the capital are closely following the weather forecast, checking conditions several times a day. Even though modern outdoor rinks can operate when temperatures are above freezing, extra effort is needed to keep the ice usable. It takes constant maintenance, water treatments, and resurfacing machines working overtime.

For many residents, the reopening of the rink at Kongens Nytorv this year was a highlight. It returned after a 16–year break and immediately drew large crowds. But keeping the circular rink around “Krinsen” open now requires more energy than expected as December’s warmth lingers.

The Reffen Skating Island, an installation located in Copenhagen’s harbor area, reports similar challenges. Staff there have been working around the clock to preserve the surface as best they can and plan to keep the rink open until February.

Not All Weather Is Bad for Ice

Interestingly, rink operators agree that snow is far more troublesome than mild weather. When snow falls, it lands directly on the ice. Workers then have to clear it continuously to keep the surface smooth. Wind can also disrupt maintenance and coolant systems around exposed rinks, especially those near the water.

Meanwhile, Christiania’s rink says the ice remains solid despite the warmth. Still, warmer conditions have cut into sales of hot drinks and soups, a noticeable difference from previous winters.

Where You Can Still Skate This Winter

Copenhagen’s main public rinks include:

Frederiksberg Runddel – open from November 19 to February 28
Enghaveparken – open from November 14 to January 4
Copenhagen Winter Wonderland (Kongens Nytorv) – open from November 14 to January 4
Broens Ice Rink – open from October 31 to February 22
Christiania Ice Rink – open from November 22 to January 4
Reffen Skating Island – open from November 7 to February 1

Even with the warm air, all operators expect to remain open through Christmas week. The forecast suggests temperatures will soon slip below freezing, at least briefly, allowing the ice to stabilize again.

A Glimpse of the Weeks Ahead

Meteorologists expect temperatures to dip around Christmas Eve and the following days. A white Christmas remains unlikely, but it might finally feel like winter for a short while. During that period, rinks across the city should be able to stay open without major issues.

Still, the early winter heatwave points to a changing climate pattern. Copenhagen’s public rinks, once relatively safe from melting troubles, may face tougher seasons in the years to come. What used to be a question of snow is slowly becoming one of warmth.

For now, residents can still lace up their skates under festive lights and enjoy a uniquely Danish winter pastime, even if it takes a few extra degrees of determination.