Shows, concerts and cultural attractions – Budapest is always buzzing. Each week, we gather all of the important happenings taking place in our favourite city so you can plan ahead. Get involved!
Friday, 25 November
See the Christmas lights being switched on in Óbuda
Advent in Óbuda is always a long-awaited event for locals and a heartwarming one for all. It might not have a central location and an iconic landmark in the background, but the third district's Christmas market is surely one of the friendliest and most intimate ones in Budapest. It has all the essentials: an ice rink (which is free to use), pretty lights, beautiful handicrafts and festive treats. It is also brimming with family-friendly events and concerts at weekends, the first ones in line being Linda and Viktor Király at the opening on 25 November (5:10pm).
Skate like a local at Csepel Ice Park
It might come with a bit of a trip from the city centre (30 minutes), but Csepel Ice Park is not a wintery spot to miss. First, it is one of the locals' most beloved ice rinks. Second, it's got an ice corridor! You can be among the first ones to try the newly opened rink if you visit on November 25th (after 5pm).
Watch Cat City, a Hungarian national treasure, at BEM Cinema
Cat City is a Hungarian animated action comedy from 1986. It has become a classic among Hungarians, so you should definitely see it too. BEM is screening it with original audio and English subtitles."Featuring cats, mice, and rats in the main roles, the protagonist is an anthropomorphic mouse secret agent named Grabovsky, who is sent to the city of "Pokyo" to get the secret plan of a machine which could save the mouse civilization from the evil cats." National Film Institute Hungary
Get tickets HERE.
See Konyha and Naked Cameo play on A38 Ship
A38 Ship is an iconic concert venue. You have to pay it a visit while in Budapest, and Konyha and Naked Cameo make a very good reason to do so today. Konyha is a Hungarian trio playing eclectic pop/alternative tunes, so expect loads of uplifting moments. They will be followed by Naked Cameo, a newcomer Austrian band, who had their debut single hit #1 on Spotify's viral charts in Austria and #6 in Germany. Tonight, they will show you why.
The first concert starts at 7:45pm. Get tickets HERE.
Saturday, 26 November
Marvel at El Greco's finest work at the Museum of Fine Arts
For the first time, a comprehensive exhibition of El Greco's oeuvre is on show in Budapest, at the Museum of Fine Arts. The aim of the exhibition is to provide a broad overview of the oeuvre of one of the most outstanding masters in the history of European art, the Spanish-Cretan El Greco. So expect such famous paintings as The Baptism of Christ from the Prado in Madrid, St Louis, King of France, with a Page from the Louvre in Paris, Christ driving the Traders from the Temple from the National Gallery in London.
Treasure hunt in Budapest's famous ruin pub, Szimpla Kert
To all the antique and vintage lovers out there: if you enjoy the dusty potential and childish excitement of a flea market, head to Szimpla Kert this Saturday. First of all, this is Budapest's most famous ruin bar - which is worth a visit on any occasion. Second, it will turn into a proper flea market for a whole afternoon (12pm-6pm), where you will most definitely find a souvenir much better than a magnet.
Enjoy festive concerts at Franz Liszt Music Academy
If you are a fan of classical music and Christmas, this event is for you. Magic Advent at Franz Liszt Music Academy will put you in the festive mood with heartwarming tunes, performed by a children's choir and three very talented young artists. All this at the impressive setting of the world-famous music conservatory. Get tickets HERE.
Check out Hello Buda Winterland
Family-friendly gastro hub Hello Buda transformed into a winter wonderland with skating, adorable decorations, festive lights and matching music. Open every day all season long, Hello Buda Winterland will be offering special events and dishes wrapped in an Alpine atmosphere. Grab a pulled pork sandwich and a glass of mulled wine to warm up or settle down to watch the FIFA World Cup in the heated tent. The Winterland is open between 12pm-9pm on weekdays and 10am-9pm at weekends.
Sunday, 27 November
Food shop at Pancs farmers' market!
Get ready to fill your tote back with local goods such as seasonal fruits, veggies, cheese, ham, salami, bread, syrups, jams, juices and wine at Élesztőház's upcoming farmers' market. The courtyard turns into a buzzing marketplace every Sunday (between 9am-2pm) to give space to Hungarian producers. Also, a special guest is invited from the world of gastronomy to host a community cooking, using ingredients supplied by local producers.
Be sustainable and fashionable at the same time
If you care about sustainability and also adore beautiful vintage clothes and quality second-hand pieces, read on. Swappis Ruhaforgó is organising a 3-day-long pop-up fair at Blaha Lujza tér's shopping centre Europeum. Kicking off on November 25 (3pm-7pm) and ending on November 27 (11am-6pm), you will have plenty of time to freshen up your wardrobe.
Get your hands on a designer gift at Várkert Bazár's Christmas market
If the markets on Vörösmarty Square and at the Basilica aren't enough to light up your festive spirit, you're invited to stroll up to iconic Várkert Bazár and give it another go. The line-up includes a designer and arts and crafts fair, family activities, and festive productions on the four Sundays of Advent, starting on November 27th.
