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, 8 December

A trip to Normafa

Normafa is a lovely hiking destination in the Buda hills, which not only offers walkable trails and stunning panorama, but lángos and hot tea, too. And a trip this Friday is likely to come with a decent amount of snow – a 50-centimetre-deep layer was reported on December 7th, which is hopefully sticking–, so grab those gloves and get ready to build a snowman. You can get to Normafa by bus 21/221 from Széll Kálmán tér.

Check for updates here.

Hello Buda Winter Wonderland

Not too far from Normafa (in a more residential area of the Buda hills), you can wrap yourself in an Alpine atmosphere at Hello Buda. It's an alfresco food court offering quality street food from Wiener Schnitzel to Tom Yum soup. For the winter season, they upped their game with an ice rink, hot drinks, and a heated terrace, which is a set-up we would not want to miss. What's more, this Friday music will shake up the party as DJ Fagyi (Ice Cream) steps on stage.

More details here.

Islandman and Nasip Kısmet concert 

 In celebration of the Psychedelic Nights concert series, Hungarian-Turkish band Nasip Kısmet (read our interview with them here) invited a successful psychedelic electronic band to join them, straight from Turkey. Islandman is taking the stage on Friday with amazing Hungarian musicians joining the line-up. Expect a vibrant night!

 

Saturday, 9 December 

Projekt Showroom Pop-Up Christmas Market

Between 1-22 December, Projekt Showroom is awaiting those who would like to shop in a relaxed, intimate, and friendly atmosphere for all members of the family instead of the crowds at its former home on Paulay Ede utca. Cosmetics, fashion, gastronomy, books, prints, and gourmet gifts await shoppers on around 160 square metres.

More details here.

  • SWEET STEAMED BUN AT ÉDESMINDEGY

    With the temperature lingering around zero and Christmas fairs opening, you can definitely feel the touch of winter. To elevate it even further, head to café-lined Pozsonyi út and step into the dessert shop Édesmindegy. Tarts, pies, and cakes tower all around, but trust us and ask for a 'gőzgombóc'! That's a sweet steamed bun, similar to the Chinese bao bun up until you soak it in creamy vanilla custard and top it with poppy seed and powdered sugar. It's an essential treat at any Alpine ski resort, but this time you don't have to go to Austria, only to Újlipótváros. At Édesmindegy, it's served with plum jam-filling and is oh-so-delicious!

  • Hungarian Cinema: Semmelweis 

  • The recently debuted film Semmelweis, directed by Lajos Koltai, has just been named the best at the Toronto EU Film Festival and has won the Audience Award. If that's not a good-enough recommendation in itself, we might add that the storyline follows the life of the Hungarian doctor who is also called the Saviour of Mothers. You can watch the film with English subtitles at the art cinemas Toldi and Művész.
  • Get a ticket in advance here (Hungarian-only) or on the spot.

 

Sunday, 10 December

New Moon Rooftop Yoga

Practise yoga with a view: on a rooftop overlooking the stunning City Park, including the striped hot air balloon flying up and down! This Suday, you can recharge at the event of Yoga Brunch and enjoy a 90-minute yin yang class in a covered panoramic space. The session costs HUF 5,000 (sign up by emailing yogabrunchbudapest@gmail.com), and all levels are welcome.

More details here.

Ugly Sweater Run

Get those ugly sweaters out of the closet and start the warm-up! On Sunday, you can join a charity run in Budapest's 12th district, wearing your cutest/most ridiculous outfit. You can run or walk the 1,5 kilometre distance, your choice. The event only costs the amount of your donation (you can pick from a list), which will be taken to the residents of Sztehlo Gábor Children's Home. Signing up is required, which can be done here (Hungarian-only). The meeting point is at Városháza Park, 12th district at 9:30 am.

More details here.

Tribal Steampunk Christmas Market

If you're looking for something unique, something you won't see on the street, and you'retired of the usual green and red Santa scene, then Dürer Kert is the place to be. The joint event of Turbina's Tribal Market and Steampunk Design Market (11 am - 8 pm) will not only feature steampunk and tribal items and costumes but also a colourful selection of musical offerings. 

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