Moscow’s spectacular never-ending ice skating rink captured by drone (VIDEO)

One of Europe’s biggest skating rinks opened in Moscow on Thursday and the spectacular sea of seemingly never-ending ice-covered fields were captured in mesmerizing drone footage.

The winter wonderland spans 18,000 square meters (193,750 square feet) of artificial ice in Moscow’s Gorky Park, where up to 4,500 visitors can skate at any given time throughout the festive season.

An enormous crystal ball centerpiece shines on the skaters as they make their way around the ring. Aside from skating, the park is filled with a hockey pitch, two dancing rinks, skate-in coffee shops and professional performers.

The annual opening of the rink is a highly anticipated event that marks the official beginning of winter – and certainly the beginning of skating season – for many thousands of residents of the Russian capital.