Friday
11am - 7pm: Golden Boundaries Exhibition at the Capa Center
The Robert Capa Center of Contemporary Photography is open every day, so you have plenty of time until March to check out its new exhibition, Golden Boundaries. The show explores adolescence, an intriguing time in people’s lives, looking at different manifestations of self-expression and the search for personal autonomy and cultural diversity on the verge of growing into adulthood. More details
12pm - 6pm: Lovebug Vintage Fair at Lovebug Vintage
Visitors to this event can browse wonderful vintage treasures, such as fake fur, coats, dresses, jumpers, boots, turbans, antique jewelry and all kinds of winter wear, while sipping on a glass of fine champagne amid trendy music on Friday and Saturday.
8pm - 10pm: Recirquel Contemporary Circus Company: Night Circus at the Palace of Arts Set among the ten-meter-high, slowly crumbling firewalls of Budapest, artists embark on a shared journey around the hidden depths of their own personalities, seeking to fulfil their unattainable desire to fly. Accompanied by live piano music, this Recirquel performance has already enchanted various audiences all around the world, twice touring in France and attracting outstanding critical reviews.
10pm - 6am: Avalon live / Nano Records at the Akvárium Klub
Avalon has grown from his UK underground roots into one of the leading and most in-demand artists in the psy-trance scene today, and continues to break new ground in the electronic dance arena. Now he is working on a solo album, giving us a flavor on Friday at the Akvárium Klub.
11pm - 4am: Bong-Ra: End Of An Era - Farewell Tour at Dürer Kert
The productions of Dutch musician Bong-Ra span everything from hip hop and rap, to reggae, metal and jazz, to hardcore, gabba and acid... all united by the signature Bong-Ra rush. He has appeared at Glastonbury and the Lowlands festival, and now includes Budapest as a stop on his End of an Era Tour.
Saturday
9am-7pm: Christmas Fair at Kelet
Finally a Christmas Fair that is all about sweets! A lovely café in Budapest, Kelet, fills with tempting scents and treats on Saturday, offering chocolates, candies, lollies and various kinds of sweets all day.
10am - 7pm: Mineral and Jewelry Christmas Fair at the Akvárium Klub
Between December 16th and 17th, Hungarian handmade products fill the Akvárium Klub on Erzsébet Square. Stands will be laden with gem stones, craft soaps, silk artifacts, Tibetan sound bowls, candles, mandalas, ceramics, wooden toys and natural cosmetics, served by friendly vendors who always have a few tips and tricks to share.
11am – 6pm: DIP Design Fair at Central Passage
On Saturday, DIP design fair warmly welcomes everyone to this passage near Király Street, where several aspiring Hungarian designers proffer pieces of wonderful winter merchandise. Browse cool clothes, accessories, bags and other trinkets all afternoon, and set the mood for the holiday season at this chic market.
7:30pm - : Kodály 135 at the Music Academy
On the 135th birthday of Zoltán Kodály, one of the most significant composers, educators, folk music researchers and musicologists of the 20th century, the best choirs in Hungary perform a special selection of Kodály’s finest and most fascinating a cappella choral works, under the baton of outstanding conductors, including three Kossuth Prize winners.
8:30pm - : Loving Vincent Pre-Premier Screening at Művész Cinema
On Saturday, movie lovers can see Loving Vincent, the world’s first fully-painted feature film before its premier at the Művész Cinema. On 27th July 1890, a gaunt figure stumbled down a drowsy high street at twilight in the small French country town of Auvers. The man was carrying nothing; his hands clasped to a fresh bullet wound leaking blood from his belly. This was Vincent van Gogh, then a little known artist, now the most famous painter in the world. His tragic death has long been known – what has remained a mystery is how and why he came to be shot. The film screens with original English and Polish audio and Hungarian subtitles.
Sunday
10am - 8pm: Vegan Wonderland at Anker’t
This vegan wonderland awaits everyone with sweets, desserts, Christmassy knickknacks, homemade soaps and jewelry, gifts and packages that will not be available again elsewhere. All crafts here are vegan and cruelty-free, and nothing has been tested on animals.
10:30am - 1pm: Xmas Yoga at A38
Enjoying a 90-minute hatha flow while watching the Danube peacefully move underneath this boat is a soothing experience. After the yoga session, participants can share a healthy, luscious fruit bowl, and ask a professional photographer to capture them in various poses on their yoga mats, surrounded by a pretty panorama. A ticket costs 3,800 HUF and the places are limited. You can buy your ticket online or at A38’s ticket office, and please register via e-mail: yogabrunchbudapest@gmail.com
11:45am - 4pm: Festive Brunch at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest
Over Advent and New Year’s, Sunday brunches at Corinthia Hotel Budapest will be given individual themes, while suitable music, food specialties and a sparkling Christmas tree create a festive feel. This Sunday, visitors can enjoy the Home For Christmas Brunch, enhanced with live music, tasty tea, French duck liver pâté, shepherd’s pie, various kinds of Advent dishes and unlimited house wine, beer, soft drinks and hot beverages. More details
7:30pm - 8:30pm: Free Concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica
On December 17th, the walls of Budapest’s spectacular St. Stephen’s Basilica resonate with angelic voices as the Magnificat Girls Choir and the Vox Caelestis Mixed Choir give a splendid free concert. The Basilica does not host free concerts too often, so do not miss out on a chance to enjoy heavenly voices amid this sacred atmosphere, putting you in the right mood for Christmas. More details
