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, 16 December
Visit Czakó Christmas Fair
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 Dynamite Dudes between 5 pm and 8 pm), mulled wine, bejgli (poppyseed or walnut rolls) and steamed dumplings. If you feel like staying for a festive dinner, you are welcome to settle down in the bistro.
Skate in your ugly sweater
Christmas is fast approaching, so you have all the right reasons to put your ugly sweater back on. And City Park Ice Rink has just added another one to the list as they announced an ugly sweater competition. So if you haven't already, it is time to dig up your skates and your cringiest reindeer jumper and join them at their party on ice (9 am-1 pm and 5 pm-9 pm). The best Christmas songs are guaranteed.
Saturday, 17 December
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. You can browse amazing local brands such as Kamay Ko, nandi, virágéknál, MÁLNA jewelry, Luno, Olovka Studio, Cinci Ceramics, and many more.
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, watch this recently released drama called 'Veszélyes lehet a fagyi' (Not a Thing). "Two identical twins live completely different lives and see each other from quite different perspectives. One is a rich housewife with a newborn, the other is a doctor with low income, but with a sparkling new relationship." IMDB
Get tickets online on the Hungarian site HERE or on the spot.
Go to a Margaret Island concert
Margaret Island is a Hungarian indie pop band, famous for their acoustic folk-pop music. Their feel-good tunes will instantly put you in a good mood, so we would not miss out on their upcoming concert hosted by Akvárium Klub. Gates open at 7 pm, with Doggos warming up the stage. You can get tickets on the Hungarian website HERE.
Sunday, 18 December
Food shop at Pancs farmers' market - Christmas edition
Get ready to fill your tote bag 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 9 am-2 pm) 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.
Check out izole X Hintaló Iszoda Christmas Art Market
There is no such thing as too many Christmas markets. Especially if art is involved. At izole's upcoming Christmas gathering (starting at noon at atmospheric hangout Hintaló), you can get your hands on unique goods. Local artists will exhibit and sell their works while you can have signature cocktails, enjoy a live DJ set, and Vedat’s special snacks made with izole.
Go to a classical Christmas concert at Liszt Music Academy
Get into the festive spirit at the concert hall and a world-famous music conservatory Franz Liszt Music Academy. Their 2-hour Christmas concert will feature artists such as János Balázs (piano), Kristóf Baráti (violin), Béla Drahos (flute), Roland Szentpáli (tuba), and Andrea Vigh (harp), and pieces such as Liszt's Ave Maria or Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. Get tickets HERE.
