Friday, 6 December
Skate in the castle
The restaurant at Savoy Terrace in Buda Castle has announced some exciting news: starting on 6th December, you'll be able to enjoy ice skating at this stunning location! The rink will celebrate its opening with a party: don your skates, sip drinks, and dance to live DJ sets, overlooking the Parliament and the Chain Bridge.
Details here.
Sisko Santa Night Shopping
SISKO Studio is a cool design shop, home to a quirky and beautiful array of designer goodies. On 6th December, from 3 pm to 9 pm, they are extending their opening hours to kick off the festive season: stroll through the shop, enjoy a glass of mulled wine, munch on gingerbread, and join a Kamay Ko workshop (to design your own keyring, completely free).
Details here.
Friday Dinner & Cocktails
Brody House is a chic place housing a hotel and a modern Turkish restaurant. And this Friday evening, you can celebrate St. Nick's Day here – the day when Santa visits Hungarian children. But this time, you can treat yourself: the place comes with cosy vibes, hearty food, and spirit-warming drinks. Settle down in The Garden Café & Restaurant, grab a seasonal spicy rum, and try this week's new dish special, manti! It's Turkish dumplings filled with ginger & mushroom, served on strained yoghurt, drizzled with chilli oil and topped with crunchy walnuts.
Book a table here.
Saturday, 7 December
termelő x Caphê pop-up
'Termelő' is a fresh project right from the oven that doesn't have a permanent spot – yet. It's the brainchild of two friends who are bringing their Scandinavian-inspired culinary vibes to the Hungarian foodie scene, focusing on top-quality ingredients and recipes that are simple yet absolutely spot-on. On 7th and 8th December, they're popping up at Caphê by Hai Nam on Bartók Béla út (voted one the coolest neighbourhoods in the world in 2019), ready to treat you to some seasonal cinnamon buns.
Details here.
Turbina Christmas Design Market
On 7th December, the cosy bistro of 8th district hangout Turbina hosts a pre-Christmas design fair! Local designers, chefs, and musicians are teaming up to create a festive atmosphere, complete with workshops, hearty stew cooked in pots, and live music to get you in the holiday spirit.
Details here.
Meet Santa
By now, you know that Santa visits Hungarians on the 6th of December – but this year, he's sticking around until the 7th. No kidding! You can catch him this Saturday at Városháza Park's winter wonderland (from 4 pm). If you're chasing festive vibes in Budapest, this spot – alongside the nearby Deák Ferenc tér – is where it's at. Both have transformed into magical winter scenes where you can skate on an ice rink, browse locally crafted artisan goods, devour chimney cake, sip on hot drinks, and, of course, catch a glimpse of the big guy himself.
Details here.
PUSHIN' – Skool of Hard Beats
On 7th December, PUSHIN' Skool of Hard Beats is bringing old-school UK breakbeat hardcore, jungle, drum and bass, and drumfunk to life at Vortex Budapest. Whether you're a fan of these genres or just curious to explore, it's the perfect event to dive into their high-energy rhythms. Behind the decks, expect banging sets from Benc, Rambo, Makrai Márton, and S Olbricht.
Details here.
Sunday, 8 December
PENNY Santa Run 2024
The PENNY Santa Run is a proper tradition now: picture thousands of Santas dashing through the city, spreading festive cheer. Whether you join the race or just enjoy the vibes, you’re in for a treat! The race kicks off and finishes on Fővám tér, and depending on the distance you pick, you'll run along the embankments, and even through the famous shopping street Váci utca and Március 15. tér. Families are also welcome to join, with a friendly 1 km route available (and two time slots to choose from). You can also opt for the 2.3 km and 5 km distances – up to you!
Sign up for the Santa Run on the Hungarian site here or drop an email at nevezes@futanet.hu.
Festive Brunch at Babutzi
Either after or instead of the Santa Run, you can indulge in a generous brunch at a local-favourite breakfast spot,Babutzi. On 7th and 8th December (from 8 am to 3 pm), they're serving up a special menu that's sure to get you in the festive spirit. The menu features Roast Beef Benedict, Beetroot Tartare with Goat's Cheese, Stuffed Cabbage Toast, Duck Breast Toast with Quince Jelly, and even Traditional Pork Breakfast (blood and liver sausage, mustard, pickles, bread), Gingerbread Oat Porridge, and Bejgli (walnut or poppy seed roll). Wash them down in style with festive drinks like Coconut Snowball Martini!
Details here, book a table here.
Green Market Christmas Market
If you're after a unique Christmas market, pop into one of Budapest’s biggest indoor ones at the Klauzál tér Market Hall. Coming on 8th December and organised by Green Market, the event focuses on local, eco-friendly products made from natural materials. And hey, that means plenty of sustainable gift ideas! You can also join a variety of festive activities, including Christmas craft workshops, puppet shows, and the Gasztro Placc featuring goods from local producers. Children can enjoy a special Christmas concert by Ági Szalóki, while the courtyard hosts a vintage clothing market, perfect for finding unique, sustainable pieces.
Details here.
Lightdome
It's your last chance to visit Budapest's magical Lightdome in the Zoo as it's closing its gates on Sunday evening. Centred around nature, the exhibit promises to dazzle your senses – and definitely set the festive mood. Expect a wide-ranging journey through nature's wonders, from the microscopic to the cosmic. Installations will delve into the mystical links of Mother Nature and reflect on human influence.
Get tickets here.
(Cover photo: Major Kata - We Love Budapest)
