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, 22 December
Experience a 360-degree nativity play
See the nativity play like never before: on Erzsébet tér – in downtown Budapest–, you can catch a festive installation that narrates the birth of Little Jesus through immersive visuals. Did you know that the first nativity scene was staged in 1223 by Francis of Assisi? Celebrating its 800th anniversary, you can enjoy the installation until December 22nd (5 pm - 10 pm).
Project Showroom's pop-up Fair
Still on the hunt for the perfect gifts? Pop into Projekt Showroom's alternative Christmas fair this Friday to browse in a relaxed, intimate, and friendly atmosphere. Cosmetics, fashion, gastronomy, books, prints, and gourmet gifts await shoppers on around 160 square metres.
More details here.
Kolorádó Christmas Party
Kolorádó is a hip festival near Budapest, organised over the summer. But this year, you don't have to wait that long to indulge in the vibes: Turbina is hosting a holiday extravaganza paying homage to the festival. Expect concerts, electronic music, photo exhibitions, meditation, dance performances, and a small Christmas market.
Get tickets here.
Saturday, 23 December
Start the day with brunch and champagne!
If clinking champagne glasses over delicious Eggs Benedicts on a Saturday is your kind of vibe, we've compiled a list of our favourite bubbly brunch spots in the city. Some even come with holiday offers, like the chic rooftop bar and restaurant Solid, where you can indulge in a festive brunch on December 23rd and 24th.
More details here.
Watch Christmas movies!
There is no Christmas without Kevin! Or Jack Skellington, for that matter. Catch both Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas at the Bem Cinema on December 23rd! The films are screened in English with Hungarian subtitles.
Get tickets in advance online or on the spot.
Go ice skating!
Slide into Christmas in style on an open-air ice rink! We've recently rounded up the best ones of the season where you can glide through winding ice corridors, twirl on a 1200-square-metre rink, skate among Ice Age animals, or hit the ice dance floor.
More details here.
Step into Cinema Mystica's Winter Wonderland
Cinema Mystica, Hungary's first digital art exhibition space, invites you to a special seasonal exhibition. Step into a magical snow kingdom filled with stunning installations that engage all your senses. 'Winter Wonderland' is on display until December 30th, so if you don't want to miss a mystical world revolving around winter nature, the forms of the cold season, and enchanting fairy-tale motifs, grab a ticket!
More details and tickets here.
Sunday, 24 December
Explore Madam Tussauds Budapest with a 50% discount
Madam Tussauds Budapest opened in May, and we were first in line to check it out. If you fancy a selfie with Lionel Messi, Lady Gaga, or Ariana Grande, December 24th is the best time for that. You can snag half-price tickets between 10 am and 3 pm, with the last entry at 2 pm. The discount will be applied at checkout.
More details and tickets here.
CHRISTMAS DINNER
As Sunday marks Christmas Eve, why not treat yourself to a nice dinner? If you'd like to go fancy, join the Gala Dinner at the White Salon, an exquisite restaurant with a view of the New York Café. You can also indulge in amazing feasts at InterContinental Budapest, DNB Budapest, or The Great Hall Restaurant & Lounge.
Check out our shortlist in a previous article here .
See the most beautiful Christmas trees in town!
Don't let December 24th pass without a Christmassy expedition! We've roamed the city to find the most beautifully decorated Christmas trees and compiled them into a list just for you. From The Ritz-Carlton Budapest to the Opera House and the Gerbeaud Café, you can catch a glimpse of them, too.
See our list in a previous article here.
For more Christmas-related content, read on! Explore 5 experiences to gift yourself or a Budapest-loving friend, 7 spots to try the Hungarian Christmas dessert bejgli, 7 dinner spots for the festive season, and learn how to spend the perfect winter day in Budapest!
