Friday
10am - : Anilogue International Animation Film Festival at various venues
Between Friday and Sunday, the Anilogue International Animation Film Festival brings the most significant works of cartoon art from the past year to Budapest. Most films are in English, or play with English subtitles.
Noon – 7pm: Gozsdu Christmas Market Opening at Gozsdu Udvar
Budapest’s ever-bustling hub of leisure and partying, the Gozsdu Udvar turns into a jolly Yuletide fair on Friday for almost an entire month, awaiting visitors with special artisanal stands heaving with an alluring selection of Christmas treats, as well as high-quality handmade items such as leather works, jewellery, notebooks, posters and bags.
4:15pm - : The Chain Bridge dresses up in blue and white at Eötvös tér
On Friday, the Chain Bridge will dress up in Scotland's colours for St Andrew's Day. Join Iain Lindsay, the British ambassador to Budapest, bagpipe players and the members of the St Andrew's Association – who will all don their tartan kilts – in waiting for this special occasion near the Pest foot of the bridge. The lights turn on at sunset.
7pm - :European Championship & Gathering of Poetry Slam 2018 final at Trafó After three days of workshops and preparations, Europe’s finest exponents of slam poetry congregate to bark their original verse at the curious crowd. Slam pioneer Marc Smith flies in from Chicago to give an opening presentation before the wordsmiths do battle in bid to win over the jury and take first prize. All takes place in English, or is English-friendly.
11pm - : Shall Not Fade: MHMM X Nighdrive at the Toldi Klub
On Friday after the MOME Anim Grafix art market, the Toldi Klub houses a party with the musicians of Shall Not Fade records, who come straight from the UK to celebrate their third birthday.
Saturday
8am – 2pm: Czakó Piacz at Czakó Kert
Czakó Piac is a farmer’s market full of friendly vendors, awaiting visitors in the lovely garden of an old Hungarian peasant house on the Buda side. Stalls offer organic local produce, this time with a special focus on festive treats. Traditional Hungarian goulash will be cooked in a cauldron in the garden, while breakfasts and lunches made from the market selection are also available in the restaurant.
8:20am - : Santa Claus on the Children's Railway
On Saturday and Sunday, Santa Claus and his little helpers will board Budapest's Children's Railway to entertain little ones and give out some presents to the nice and maybe even the naughty. Trains leave hourly from Hűvösvölgy, where kid's attractions, dancing and snacks await visitors. Tickets are only available in advance, here.
Noon - : Bálna Ice Rink Opening at Bálna Budapest
The largest free ice rink in Budapest, enhanced with beautiful riverfront views, opens on Saturday. From 6pm daily, an ice disco entertains those who can dance on skates – or are willing to try after some mulled wine. A Christmassy arts and crafts playhouse also entertains children within the Bálna Budapest building. Skates are available to rent.
10pm - : NeonLive: Daniel Deluxe, Lazerpunk, Quixotic, Sung, Envo at Dürer Kert
Hungarian synthwave DJs join forces with Russian Daniel Deluxe and French Sung for an all-night party at the Dürer Kert on 1 December.
11pm - 5am: Gerappaaa at VOLT Lokál
Don sassy socks, choker necklaces or baggy pants and a baseball cap as the songs of Eminem, the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, the Pussycat Dolls, the Spice Girls and other treasures from the ’90s trash bag are back again. Head to VOLT Lokál on Saturday night and travel back in time with the hottest hits of your youth. Entry is free.
Sunday
10am - 4pm: Diplomatic Fair at the InterContinental Budapest
This is the eighth year that the Diplomatic Fair, organised by the Diplomatic Spouses of Budapest in collaboration with InterContinental Budapest, is being held in Budapest. On 2 December, 52 countries will be represented by their respective embassies, with delicious international delicacies in the food corner, plus dance and music on stage, even bagpipers from Scotland.
Müpa Winter Open Air Opening at the Palace of Arts
On Sunday, the spacious square outside the Palace of Arts turns into a mini winter wonderland, awaiting visitors with catchy Christmas melodies, sweet treats, a huge ice rink and exciting cultural attractions such as contemporary circus performances and concerts. The attractions are open until 31 December.
2pm - : Rossmann Santa Run at Sóház utca
If you are an eager runner and feel charitable this weekend, show up on Sóház utca at 2pm or 3pm on Sunday, don one of the Father Christmas costumes being handed out and run with other sporty Santas through the city’s streets and squares. Here is a littler
teaser from last year to put you in the mood.
5pm - : The Red Turtle at the Bem Cinema
This colourful animation film for adults has been captivating audiences worldwide. Through the story of a man shipwrecked on a tropical island inhabited by turtles, crabs and birds, thissilent film recounts the milestones in the life of any human being.
7:30pm - :Blurt at the A38 Ship
Indie icon Ted Milton returns to Budapest with his high-energy three-piece Blurt for a night of frantic, frenetic, funked-up punky jazz. Milton blasts on sax and dances in dapper fashion while Baby Dave drives the beat and Steve Eagles chops out guitar rhythms. At once danceable and provocative, Blurt have been shaking the boards ever since their days on Factory circa Joy Division.
