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, 9 December
Christmas fair at Czakó Kert
Czakó Kert, an adorable venue sitting on the hills of Buda, is turning into a Christmas market for a whole afternoon (3 pm-8 pm) on Friday. You can get your hands on products made by young Hungarian designers, such as textiles, porcelain, crochet clothes, ceramics, homeware, and many more. Expect vibey tunes (provided by Puha Jazz Trio between 5 pm and 8 pm), mulled wine, and steamed dumplings. If you feel like staying for a festive dinner, you are welcome to settle down in the bistro.
Meet Santa Claus at MiniPolisz
Santa will not only make a quick appearance in magical children's city, MiniPolisz, but will be hosting a party too. Children can join activities such as making an Advent wreath, decorating gingerbread, and writing a wish list. From 4 pm, there will be a festive and interactive music show with Santa's helpers, and sure, you can take pictures with the Man himself too.
Get tickets HERE.
Watch a Hungarian film with English subtitles
Cirko-Gejzír is a tiny art cinema, with a lot of personality and films screened with original audio and subtitles. If you are up for a Hungarian film experience and are a fan of rap music too, make sure to watch this newly released drama, called Larry. "It tells the story of Adam who lives in isolation due to his stuttering, and hip-hop is the only way he can get rid of his speech impediment." IMDB
Get tickets online on the Hungarian site HERE or on the spot.
Saturday, 10 December
Run 4k in your ugly sweater and help others
Get those ugly sweaters out of the closet and start the warm-up! On Saturday, you can join the charity run in the City Park, wearing your cutest outfit. Do one or two laps (2-4 km), running or walking, quick or slow, your choice. And if you can, bring warm clothes (suited for children) and canned food with you, which will be donated to children in need at the Wesley János Kindergarten and Primary School. The event is free, but signing up is required, which can be done here. The meeting point is at City Park, „Entrance D" for the underground garage, at 10:30 am.
Check out SHUK SHUK Design Fair – Christmas Edition 2022
SHUK SHUK design fair awaits you at the hall of Lumen café (between 11 am-6 pm), with proper market vibes. The space will be filled with the products of Hungarian designers and visual artists. In addition to the fair, you can put your creativity to the test and learn the secrets of carpet-making at a tufting workshop, held by Teo Studio.
Join the Advent concert of the Finance Guard Orchestra
After browsing the Christmas market and gulping down the last bite of your lángos, enter a different kind of festivity within St Stephen's Basilica. On Saturday (4 pm), you can join a festive musical experience, free of charge.
Disco on ice at Budapest Park's Ice World
The dance floor might have transformed into an ice rink at summer concert venue Budapest Park, but that can't and won't stop anyone from dancing. Resident DJ Thomas will return to jazz up the festive wintery scene with sing-along retro tunes. Warm up your vocal cords and hamstrings, the party starts at 8 pm.
Get your tickets online on the Hungarian site HERE or on the spot.
Sunday, 11 December
See Time Machine – An exhibition by the Ludwig Museum
The exhibition is an analysis of the relationship between time and art from different perspectives. The viewer gets an insight into individual lives, family stories, and the intricate history of Central and Eastern Europe, as illustrated by family photos and diaries.
Vegan Sunday Christmas Market
Head to the Roof Garden of Westend (shopping mall at Nyugati station) and get your sugar fix but in a healthier and more sustainable version. At this Christmas market, all the delicious food and Christmas deserts and sweets come vegan. You can also find adorable handcrafted gifts for your loved ones, such as homemade soaps and jewellery. These are strictly vegan as well, so the animals can have a pleasant Christmas too.
See Widowspeak perform at Dürer Kert
On Sunday, concert venue Dürer Kert will go indie as one of the best dream pop and indie rock bands of the 2010s, American Widowspeak, gets ready to play. Belgian singer-songwriter Camille Camille will warm up the stage for them.
Get tickets HERE.
