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, 29 December
FRIDA, the muse of life - dance theatre
If you like Frida Kahlo and are up for a spectacular show, book tickets to the Muse of Life at the National Dance Theatre Budapest! At this performance by the Eva Duda Dance Company, the Mexican painter's life and art come to life through music, moving pictures and dance at this performance, like a special guided exhibition.
More details and tickets here.
Chocolate Factory Days at the SUGAR! Shop
This weekend, the popular confectionary and sweet shop SUGAR! shop not only tempts with creative and colourful array of cakes, candies and lollipops but also the magical creations of the Chocolate Factory. Between December 27th and 31st, bite into a Purple Hat of Willy the Hatter or a Gold Bar, and let your inner child be thrilled.
RED XMAS party at the A38
This Friday, calling all funky techno lovers! Set sail for A38, the stationary boat turned concert venue, where a groovy techno party is turning the boat's belly into a dance floor for a special holiday edition. Local DJs are taking the stage, promising a crazy night just the way Hungarians like it.
More details and tickets here.
Saturday, 30 December
Sauna Sessions
Shut the door on the winter chill and be part of a spiritual journey, releasing all the toxins from your body. On December 30th, join a special sauna program at the Mandala Day Spa, where you can enjoy 3 rounds of sauna experience and then access to the wellness complex. It's important to note that during the event, the sauna and the pool area are both naturist.
More details and bookings here.
Gozsdu weekend market
Gozsdu-udvar (Gozsdu Courtyard) is a curious melting pot of cafés, bars, restaurants, and people in Budapest's 7th district. On weekends, a market pops up to enrich the lovely mixture, with local vendors selling their handmade products. Check out the last fair of 2023 between December 27th and 31st.
More details here.
Disco on Ice at the Budapest Park
Budapest Park's Ice World is a proper winter wonderland with Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and banging music. And as it's never too early to start celebrating the New Year, we say, sharpen your skates (or rent a pair on the site), and get ready for some serious dancing. Resident DJ Thomas will jazz up the festive wintery scene with sing-along retro tunes. Warm up your vocal cords and hamstrings, the party starts at 5 pm.
Get your tickets online on the site here (Popular period ticket) or on the spot.
Melancholy Rooms - theatre
The play of downtown Katona József Theatre, is digging deep into the theme of solitude. During the 90-minute-long playtime, you get to peek inside the homes of 8 very different people, such as the museum keeper, the experimental monkey, the prima donna, and the man who one day wakes up to find he has turned into a woman. At first glance, they seem to have nothing in common, but soon you'll find out they do: isolation. The parallel stories come to life through monologues told in prose and songs, resulting in a brilliant musical and visual composition with a unique approach to exploring solitude.
The play is performed in Hungarian with English subtitles. Get tickets here.
Sunday, 31 December
Brunch
Breakfast spot Cinnamon awaits you in Budapest's 2nd district with mothwatering brunch and limitless glasses of mimosas between 8 am and 4 pm to kick off the last day of 2023 in style.
More details here(Hungarian-only).
PomPom family rave
Join a New Year's family party at downtown Akvárium Klub! Family, as in you can only enter with children (or at least one child). The house and techno party will feature moderate volumes this time, and you can also borrow noise-blocking headphones. Naga&Beta are brining a house night to the Kishall, while in the Lokál we are getting delicious drum'n bass beat by two great names: the new mom Dj Ren and the PomPom fan dad Chris.SU.
Get tickets here.
New Year's Eve dinner and celebrations
Budapest offers a myriad of events for New Year's Eve, including a countdown at a turn-of-the-century grand café or on the banks of the Danube with a beautiful view of Budapest complete with a five-course dinner. See our recommendations here.
