Winter Feeling in Hof: Questions, Spark, Anticipation

What makes a winter day in Hof so special that you want to mark it on your calendar? Maybe the scent of mulled wine beneath twinkling lights – or the ice singing beneath your blades. Two details many are interested in: When is the Christmas market particularly relaxed – and where is it currently worth going ice skating? You’ll find the answers below.

This guide leads you through the highlights of the cold season: regional markets during Advent, ice skating at accessible rinks in the area, smart indoor ideas for bad weather, and places to warm up. Whether you live in Hof or come as a visitor – here you can plan your winter harmoniously, relaxed, and with local knowledge.

Christmas Markets in the Hof Area: Dates, Atmosphere, Tips

In the Hof region, Advent and Christmas markets are spread across numerous locations. In the district town, the central market was open in 2024 in the old town; for 2025 a similar time frame is likely. The municipality publishes the exact details seasonally.

• Atmosphere and Enjoyment: Crafts, choirs, regional food and mulled wine in many varieties – often alcohol-free as well.
• Best Times: Those wishing to avoid the hustle and bustle usually come on weekdays in the early afternoon or on Sundays right at opening time. Then there’s more space for a peaceful walk.
• Family-friendly: Early evening hours are especially suitable for children – sea of lights, without long lines.

Planning: Since individual dates vary annually, it is worth checking the current announcements from the city of Hof and the Hofer Land Tourist Info (see sources) before your visit. This also applies to additional Advent and themed markets in surrounding municipalities.

Ice Skating in and around Hof: Status, Alternatives, Tips

Status of the Eisteich Ice Rink (Update 2025)

According to Google Maps, the "Städtische Kunsteisbahn Eisteich" in Hof is marked as "permanently closed" (retrieved 2025-11-13). Always check current information from the city of Hof before traveling.

Active Alternatives in the Region

For ice skating fans, nearby ice rinks are available. A frequently chosen destination is the Netzsch Arena in Selb (Upper Franconia). There, regular public skating sessions, club activities, and event formats like ice discos take place. For details on opening times, holiday specials and rental equipment, please check with the operator for up-to-date information.

“Typical German arena – free parking … easy to find a free parking … easy to find.”

Google Maps review of Netzsch Arena, retrieved 2025-11-13

“Inside, a lovely café awaits.”

Google Maps review of Netzsch Arena, retrieved 2025-11-13

Equipment: In many ice rinks, skates can be rented for a fee; for schools there are sometimes reduced conditions. Gloves, long socks, and for children a well-fitting helmet are recommended.

Best Time to Glide: In the mornings or late afternoons, public skating is often quieter – ideal for beginners. During holiday periods, it’s worth booking online in advance if available.

Historical note: In Hof, there used to be a bookable "private ice time" at Eisteich on Friday evenings. Whether similar exclusive slots are available in the region depends on the season and operator – please check currently.

Indoor During Cold Weather: Museums, Cinema, Sports & Play

If the weather doesn't cooperate, "indoor" is the magic word. In the Hof region, you’ll find offers from museums to theater/cinema to indoor playgrounds, from swimming pools to bowling or climbing halls – suitable for family afternoons as well as spontaneous after-work evenings.

• Culture & Knowledge: City history, changing exhibitions, smaller houses – good for 60–90 minutes per stop.
• Exercise: Climbing hall, bouldering or trampolining offer action regardless of the weather.
• Family: Indoor playgrounds with café zones make for a relaxed parent-child afternoon.
• Evening Program: Cinema or stage – during Advent often with seasonal highlights.

Practical Planning: Many indoor places use time slots on weekends. Booking early saves waiting times; with the tourist info’s budget filter, you can sort offers by price range.

Soak up Warmth: Spa, Sauna, Relaxation in the County

Those who want to warm up after market strolls and skating will find a large spa in the county with long opening hours, warm pools, relaxation areas, and sauna landscapes. Themed evenings set seasonal accents. Plan for 2–3 hours to relax – ideal as a conclusion after a Christmas market or indoor activity.

• Tip: On weekdays late in the morning, it's often quieter.
• Event Formats: Themed evenings and small specials are announced seasonally.
• With Children: Pay attention to age-appropriate areas; some zones are deliberately kept quieter.

Seasonal Ice Rinks & Farm Winter: Inspiration and Trends

A supra-regional trend emerges: ice rink plus gastronomic supporting program – lights, waffles, punch – is becoming a winter classic in many places. Some locations use synthetic surfaces that are more independent of the weather. Such offers often open from late November into the first weeks of January. Groups can reserve slots; after-work formats, curling, or ice discos are popular additions.

Farms also offer experience packages in winter: weather-dependent natural ice rinks, toboggan slopes, torchlit walks and rental equipment (skates, snowshoes, sledges). This is not always plannable every season – but if frost and snow cooperate, special moments in a close-to-nature setting arise.

• Curling: Quickly organized as a team experience – ideal for clubs and companies if the surface allows.
• Family Packages: Combos of skating, cocoa, waffles and a short walk around the farm.
• Safety: Only enter natural ice when it is officially released. Without clearance, do not step on the ice.

The Thread for Your Winter in Hof

Relaxed Christmas Market Walk: Weekdays early afternoon or Sundays right at the start – then the lines at the mulled wine stand are usually shortest.

Ice Skating: Since the Hof artificial ice rink is marked as closed on Google Maps, use regional ice rinks (e.g. Selb) and check daily schedules and possible reservations.

Indoor & Wellness: Book slots early, keep your budget in mind, use wellness evenings for calm hours.

Checklist for Planning:

• Advent: Check market dates each year; make a note of themed day markets in advance.
• Ice Skating: Check opening times, rental prices and event formats (ice disco) in advance with the operator.
• Indoor: Filter options by age/budget, reserve time slots.
• Wellness: Note spa/sauna with event evenings.
• Safety: Only enter natural ice with official release. Observe ice rules (DLRG, see sources).

Local Information and Sources

Transparency & Timeliness: All information is based on regional overviews, operator information and experience values. Dates, times and conditions change seasonally; please check up-to-date information from the respective provider in advance.

1. Google Maps: Städtische Kunsteisbahn Eisteich (Hof) — Entry shows "permanently closed" (retrieved 2025-11-13)
2. Google Maps: Netzsch Arena – VER Selb e. V. (Selb) — Reviews/opening times as orientation (retrieved 2025-11-13)
3. City of Hof — Seasonal information, event calendar (retrieved 2025-11-13)
4. Tourist Info Hofer Land — Regional events, indoor and family offers (retrieved 2025-11-13)
5. DLRG: Ice rules — Safety information for natural ice (retrieved 2025-11-13)