Ibbenbüren on Ice 2026 — Christmas Market with Ice Rink

Ice Rink and Christmas Market in the Heart of Ibbenbüren

"Ibbenbüren on Ice" — affectionately called "Ibb on Ice" by locals — is one of the most successful winter events in the Münsterland region. Since 2004, the city's Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square) in Ibbenbüren has been transformed from late November to mid-January into a real open-air ice rink. Over 40,000 visitors per season come from the entire Tecklenburger Land, Münsterland, and even the neighboring Netherlands.

When is the 2026/2027 Edition?

The exact date for the 22nd Edition (2026/2027 season) will be announced by the organizer, Stadtmarketing Ibbenbüren, in autumn 2026. Based on experience, the season typically starts at the end of November (First Advent) and concludes in mid-January. The immediately preceding 2025/2026 edition ran from November 28, 2025, to January 11, 2026.

Ice Skating for the Whole Family

Prices and Opening Hours

• Market Admission: Free
• Ice Skating: €3 for 60 minutes
• Skate Rental: €3 (adult sizes), €2.50 (children)
• Opening Hours: Daily until approx. 9 PM, longer on weekends

Ice Skating Lessons

Every Saturday and Sunday, Stadtmarketing offers ice skating lessons for children — ideal for their first attempts on skates. Trained instructors provide support and exercises to help them glide independently.

Curling and Pan Sliding

Outside of regular ice skating hours, the rink can be rented for curling — perfect for company parties, club nights, and birthdays. A special attraction is the pan sliding: a steep ramp where participants, safely enclosed in a large pan, slide down like on a toboggan run. Great fun for children and adults.

The Accompanying Christmas Market

Around the ice rink, a compact Christmas market emerges with wooden stalls, festive lighting, and a program featuring mulled wine, regional specialties, and gift ideas. Pfälzer Bratwurst (Palatinate sausage), Münsterländer Schinken (Münsterland ham), roasted almonds, hot chocolate, and mulled wine are standard offerings. Handicrafts, Christmas decorations, jewelry, and small gifts complete the selection.

History and Significance

The event was launched in 2004, and its initiator, Ansgar Pölking, received an award of recognition for the concept in 2005. In 2007, an ice slide was added to a parking garage. In 2016, the event relocated from the Neumarkt district to Rathausplatz due to noise complaints — where it has remained ever since. Today, "Ibb on Ice" is considered one of the most popular winter markets in Tecklenburger Land and a cherished winter tradition in the Steinfurt district.