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.
Friday, 1 December
Visual art Fair and Exhibition - Christmas Edition
Bartók Béla út is a café and gallery-lined street on the Buda side, always buzzing. This Friday – actually every weekday until December 22nd –, you can pop into one of the brilliant galleries, Faur Zsófi Gallery, and admire the pieces of talented artists at the Panel Contemporary (between midday and 6 pm). What's more, you can then take them home with you as the exhibited items work perfectly as Christmas presents or souvenirs.
More details here.
Budapest Park Ice World Opening Weekend
The ice rink at the crowd-favourite concert venue Budapest Park, which stretches on the actual dance floor) is opening for the season! Between 1-3 December (and then until February 4th), expect mulled wine and other hot cocktails, ice disco with tunes that make you want to dance, fairy lights, and even a gigantic Christmas tree. Ice World is a great spot for a first date, a fun activity with friends, and also a perfect family adventure.
More details here.
Hop on the Christmas Tram
Christmas time in Budapest couldn't be complete without the dazzling Christmas tram - a fleet of snaking yellow vehicles wrapped in fairy lights. The most famous of them is Tram 2, which runs on the riverside and offers scenic views, but several other lines get decked out in festive decorations. They are setting off on their journey on December 1st, which you can witness if you visit the 8th district depot, Hungária Kocsiszín. The vehicles will roll out after sunset and will be on the road until January 7th.
See the timetable here.
Christmas Market in Óbuda
Óbuda is a charming part of the city with cobblestoned streets and small-town vibes. No wonder that its Christmas market is more on the intimate side, too. On its main square (Fő tér), you can immerse yourself in a friendly and cheerful atmosphere seasoned with the smell of mulled wine starting on December 1st (and stretching until December 23rd).
More details here (Hungarian-only).
Saturday, 2 December
English Stand-Up Comedy with Elena Gabrielle
The Hot Paprika Comedy team of Bangladeshi student Tauseef Parvez and former senior ad exec Rupert Slade, both comics in their own right, are getting ready for another great show. On December 2nd, their special guest will be the Australian comedian Elena Gabrielle.
More details and tickets here.
The Little fox (Vuk) at the Bem Cinema
This one is for a family afternoon well spent: the heartwarming Hungarian animation The Little Fox (Vuk) will be screened at our favourite repertory cinema with English subtitles. On December 2nd (starting at 4:30 pm), you can follow the story of (you guessed it) a little fox, who sets off on a series of adventures. The film might be 42 years old, but the story is evergreen.
Get tickets here in advance or on the spot.
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 has got an ice corridor! And it is pretty big too, with a total of 2,000 m² of ice (consisting of an 800 m² and a 300 m² rink, a 200 m² training area and the 250-metre-long ice corridor connecting them).
More details here.
Boiler Room
Boiler Room is a London-based promoter connecting club culture to the wider world, on screen and through parties, film and video. On December 1st and 2nd, they are hosting a massive electro party at Budapest's Arzenal, which will be the perfect way to kick off the winter.
Tickets for Friday are sold out but you can still get your hands on some for Saturday here.
Sunday, 3 December
Advent Sunday Brunch at the InterContinental Budapest
Advent season is officially here, and if you'd like to celebrate it with your loved ones over a generous brunch, head to InterContinental Budapest! On the upcoming three Sundays (December 3rd, 10th, and 17th), you can immerse yourself in a glamorous atmosphere and savour a rich selection of food, not to mention enjoying magical views of the Danube and the Buda Castle. (x)
More details here.
Pancs Farmers' Market and Lunch
If you'd rather go for a laidback foodie event, Pancs Farmers' Market will be the place to be. Especially as they are topping up the local goodies with Christmas cakes (expect loads of mouthwatering strudels) and gifts. The market is hosted by Élesztőház in the 9th district, which will also give you a taste of a ruin pub (along with a beer if you stay long enough). You can pop in anytime between 9 am and 2 pm, but arriving at lunchtime will treat you to a delicious meal freshly made on the spot.
More details here.
Santa Run
This Sunday, more than 2,000 jolly joggers take over downtown Budapest as they dash along wearing Santa costumes. You can cheer them on or even join the fun by signing up for a run of 5k, 2300 metres, or 980 metres (you can register on the spot). The atmosphere will be brilliant, the route includes iconic sights, and you can even make a donation for children in need.
More details here.
THE NUTCRACKER - CINEMA
No Christmas should pass without (at least the mention of) The Nutcracker. And though the Opera House's performances are already sold out, luckily that's not the only place you can experience the magical world of the Mouse King, the Lead Soldiers, Snow Kingdom and Sugar Land. This version might only be a recording, but it's the Royal Ballet's cinematic coverage of Peter Wright's spectacular production. Not to mention that it will be screened at the majestic building of the Várkert Bazár at the foot of the Buda Castle two times on Sunday.
More details here.
ReClaim Vintage – Advent Night Shopping
ReClaim is a hip vintage shop on Király Street, near Deák Ferenc tér, where you can get your hands on all kinds of cool and pre-selected pieces. On December 3rd, the first Sunday of Advent, they extend their opening hours, letting you browse the pieces until 11 pm. What's more, Christmas music, cookies and a seasonal promotion will be involved, too.
Mention 'Rudolf' and get a 15% discount on all full-priced items.
