Mugnano on Ice

A winter on ice near Naples

You no longer need to head to the mountains to go ice skating in Campania: for several years now, as autumn arrives, the large parking lot of the Mugnano di Napoli shopping center turns into a hub for winter fun. Mugnano on Ice has become one of the most popular seasonal events in the hinterland north of the city, serving the densely populated metropolitan area of Naples, including Melito, Calvizzano, Marano, and Villaricca. The initiative is organized by Pro Loco Mugnano APS in collaboration with the Municipality of Mugnano di Napoli and the shopping center hosting the installation.

The rink: XTRAICE synthetic ice

The heart of the event is an XTRAICE synthetic ice rink, an eco-friendly surface that requires no refrigeration, allowing for traditional skating even in mild temperatures—a crucial feature for the Campania region. Local sources report a surface area between 300 and 350 square meters, which organizers claim makes it the largest rink in Southern Italy, built using the same technology found at Disneyland Paris. Skate and helmet rentals are available on-site, along with instructors for those trying skating for the first time.

More than just skating

Over the years, a small open-air winter park has developed around the rink. Attractions featured in past editions include:

• a toboggan, a two-lane inclined slide designed for children;
• a curling rink, noted by organizers as one of the very few in Italy;
• an ice hockey rink, introduced in the 2024 edition;
• inflatables, small rides, and a play area for younger children;
• giant screens broadcasting Serie A matches and European cups.

The area is also perfect for birthday parties and themed celebrations, while mini-events and family entertainment are often scheduled on weekends.

The opening nights

Each season traditionally kicks off with a festive evening outside the shopping center, featuring live shows, entertainment, and music. In 2023, the ribbon-cutting was marked by a night of local artists and DJ sets; the inauguration of the fifth edition on October 17, 2025, featured a live performance by Neapolitan singer Giusy Attanasio. In the following weeks, the calendar fills with events tied to the holidays, from Halloween to the Christmas season.

An event that grows year after year

Starting as a neighborhood initiative, Mugnano on Ice reached its fifth edition in 2025, cementing its status as a landmark for families in the northern Naples area throughout the winter. The project aligns with the efforts of many local Pro Loco associations in Campania to animate the colder months, when the schedule of food festivals and patronal feasts thins out: a stable, accessible attraction designed primarily for children and teenagers in an urban context where leisure spaces are limited.

When to visit

The season typically opens in mid-October and continues throughout the winter, with peak attendance between the Christmas holidays and Epiphany. For the 2025/2026 season, local sources indicated opening hours from Monday to Thursday 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday 3:00 PM – midnight, and Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM – midnight. Those looking to avoid queues should choose weekday afternoons; on weekends and holidays, it is advisable to check available time slots in advance.