Release from 07.01.2026

X-Mas Games draw the crowds to the arenas

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It’s no secret that the Christmas games of the win2day ICE Hockey League attract large crowds year after year. As in the previous season, nearly 150,000 spectators attended the 42 games played between December 21, 2025, and January 5, 2026. The most attended matchday was December 28, when over 26,000 fans followed their teams live – the highest single-day attendance in more than a decade.

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Last season, the peak of the X-Mas Games was on January 5, 2025, when 25,018 fans filled the arenas. This year, that number was surpassed on December 28, with a total of 26,178 spectators. Three of the six games on that day were completely sold out, with the highlight being the match between the Vienna Capitals and EC-KAC at the STEFFL Arena, attended by 7,022 fans. In total, 14 of the 42 Christmas games were sold out, including the derbies in Klagenfurt, Bruneck, and Budapest.

Attendance increase compared to last season
The strong fan turnout isn’t limited to the Christmas period – attendance remains high throughout the season. In the 223 games played so far, a total of 689,936 spectators have attended, averaging 3,093 fans per game – a six percent increase compared to last season. Leading the attendance rankings are the Vienna Capitals with 80,452 fans and an average of 4,732 per game, followed by the Steinbach Black Wings Linz (74,352, Ø 4,131) and EC-KAC (68,294, Ø 4,017).

A proven success formula
The X-Mas Games have long established themselves as a major crowd-puller. The combination of top-level hockey, festive atmosphere, and emotional rivalries creates a unique experience that draws fans into the arenas. The numbers show that ice hockey in the win2day ICE Hockey League is not just a sporting highlight, but also a cultural and social event during the holiday season.