Every year during winter, spaces in cities around the world, from Hyde Park in London to Rockefeller Center in New York, are transformed into magical ice rinks, and Vilnius is no exception.
This year, Vilnius residents and guests of the city from November 30 to January 26. will be invited to skate in a special place – the Town Hall Square in Vilnius.
“For many, the magical Christmas time is inseparable from the open-air ice rink – it is a special tradition of Vilnius, to which every year a different urban space gives new colors and emotions,” said the Vice-Mayor of Vilnius, Simona Bieliūnė. – This year the ice rink will operate in the very heart of the Old Town of Vilnius. So, going to the Town Hall Square for entertainment, Vilnius residents and guests of the city will be able to admire the festively decorated streets, buildings and shop windows. “.
The rink will move to the new space located in the courtyard of the Palais des Seigneurs, where more than 40 thousand people sculpted the ice last winter. people.
on the town hall square the ice rink to be installed will be in the shape of a wave, approximately 900 m². m of surface area. There will be at least 10 skating sessions per day, the first two of which will be free.
One of the oldest squares in Vilnius until the 19th century. the middle was the main market square of the city, once formed between the most important trade routes.
Here again, trading will take place in winter, but it’s true, it’s Christmas: Christmas shops will be set up around the ice rink, inviting you to enjoy hot drinks and culinary delights.
“We are happy with the success of this project last year,” Vytautas Jasutis, one of the organizers and president of the Lithuanian Skating Federation (LČF), said about the “Vilnius Ice”. – We are impatiently awaiting the departure and the first sounds of skates in the new space.
We believe that for Vilnius this is a big step closer to the brightest capitals of the world, where Christmas is given great attention every year. We want this space to allow everyone to feel the Christmas spirit, forget all the troubles and plunge into a magical winter adventure on ice.”
The session at the “Vilniaus Ledo” ice rink will last 45 minutes, tickets can be purchased on kakava.lt or at the ice rink ticket office. Price: 8.49 euros, child – 5.99 euros.
“Vilnius ledas” will be open every day from 10:10.00. – the first two sessions (11.15 p.m. and 11.15 p.m.) will be free.
Further skating sessions will take place at 12.30 p.m., 13.40 p.m., 14.50 p.m., 16.00 p.m., 17.15 p.m., 19.45 p.m., 21.00 p.m., 22.15 p.m. and 21.00 p.m., as well as on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays – and 21.00 p.m. : XNUMX.
1. What do you think makes the Vilnius ice rink experience special compared to other winter attractions in different cities?
2. What are some of the logistical challenges involved in setting up an ice rink in a public square like the Town Hall Square? How do you ensure the safety of visitors while maintaining the unique character of the location?
3. Can you tell us more about the history of the Town Hall Square and how its transformation into an ice rink adds to its legacy?
4. How does the design of the ice rink influence its appeal, and what was the inspiration behind the wave-shaped design for this year’s rink?
5. What kind of atmosphere are you hoping to create with the Christmas shops and culinary offerings around the ice rink?
6. In your opinion, how important is it for Vilnius to establish itself as a go-to Christmas destination in Europe? What impact could this have on the local economy and community?
7. Considering the success of last year’s event, how do you plan to build on it and improve the experience for visitors this year? Are there any new features or attractions in the works?
8. what message would you like to send to potential visitors who may be considering a trip to Vilnius to experience the ice rink this winter?
