December 6th is the feast day of Saint Nicholas. In certain Central European countries, including Hungary, this is the traditional time when Santa Claus (Mikulás to Magyars) comes to town with his two helpers, a good angel and a mean and dreaded hairy and horned creature called krampusz. Therefore, on the evening of the 5th, children clean and shine their boots and place them on the windowsill. During the night, as Santa travels around, he decides whether the little ones were naughty or nice and leaves sweets, candies and little toys or a birch rod in their boots accordingly. A birch rod is a small bouquet of twigs and branches of a bush, often painted gold – it is a nice and cheeky present to give to friends as well this time of the year. However, as no kid is completely nice or naughty, their boots often get filled with a bit of both by Santa Claus, played by clever parents.
The biggest annual celebration of Mikulás in Budapest is the Mikulásgyár, a temporary Santa’s workshop set up in the City Park near Heroes’ Square, awaiting families with diverse entertainment between December 1st and 22nd. More details (in Hungarian)
On December 6th, the Finnish Father Christmas figure, Joulupukki, pays a visit to the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair, referred to as one of Europe’s most enchanting Yuletide Markets. Children can meet the more familiar Santa Claus between 4pm and 5pm on the stage set up near the legendary Gerbeaud Café.
If you seek a slightly more surreal wintry scene, you are in for a treat on December 10th. On this strangely special day, hundreds of underdressed Santas flood the streets for a jolly communal jog wearing little other than swimsuits, sneakers and a Santa hat. Participants are required to pay an entry fee, but all revenues benefit Hungarian charities and children in need. Everyone is welcome to join the team between 2pm and 2:30pm at Holmes Place in Gozsdu Courtyard. More details (in Hungarian)
