Celebrate the spirit of the season by enjoying live performances of moving music while admiring several significant houses of prayer found throughout Hungary’s capital. During the holidays, the following churches open their doors for everyone to enjoy classical masterpieces presented by talented musicians, providing joyous delight for the ears and eyes.

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St. Michael’s Church

Tucked between the colorful shops of downtown Pest’s Váci Street – now bedecked with bright bulbs as a splendid scene of festive cheer – this thoroughly restored Catholic landmark was built in the 1700s with a remarkable interior, ornately festooned with impressive statues and intricate frescoes. On Christmas morning, the public is welcome here for a free performance of Mozart’s Mass in D major, K. 194 with the Liszt Ferenc Chorus and Orchestra.

Where: 1056 Budapest, Váci utca 47/B
When: December 25, 11am
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Matthias Church

Hungary’s most historic house of worship was first established almost 1,000 years ago at its commanding site atop Castle Hill, where the freshly renewed spire and multihued-tile roof now gleam as a crowning jewel of Budapest’s skyline. Between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, people can visit this venerable venue for a trio of concerts performed by the esteemed Hungarian Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, starring award-winning Magyar violinist Miklós Szenthelyi.

When: December 27, 29, 30, 8pm
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St. Stephen’s Basilica

Budapest’s biggest church is the city’s tallest building, and immediately after entering this holy hall, awestruck visitors are continually amazed by the uplifting atmosphere beneath the giant dome here, brilliantly illuminated by enchanting stained-glass windows. A few days after Christmas, a special concert on the immense pipe organ includes resonant works by Liszt, Bach, and Mozart, along with reverberating Yuletide favorites like “Silent Night”.

When: December 29, 5pm
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