With the onset of the festive season, myriad twinkling lights illuminate the cityscape, turning Budapest into a dreamlike destination with a soaring Yuletide spirit. Amid this exuberant atmosphere, a trio of the city’s vintage vehicles become special Christmastime carriages that take travelers on magical journeys to a winter wonderland, as sparkling streetcars traverse downtown while festooned with shining lights, the Children’s Railway transforms into Santa’s sleigh, and Advent Express trains carry a merry crowd from Budapest to Vienna or Prague.

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Budapest streetcars with glittering lights

Embark on a fairy-tale city-sightseeing trip aboard intricately illuminated streetcars that traverse some of downtown Budapest’s most scenic paths from December 5th through January 6th (except December 24th and 31st). More than 39,000 snow-white and blue-colored LED lights adorn the retro conveyances on tram line 2 during the festive season, creating a stunning visual experience amid the folds of darkness, while the interiors of the vehicles bear special Christmas ornaments. A journey aboard these distinct Yuletide streetcars is available every day from 5pm with regular public-transport tickets and passes, but capturing the flashy vehicles from the outside as they pass by will provide shutterbugs with magical photos of the Magyar metropolis. Besides tram line 2, similarly glittering conveyances will pop up along several other lines across Budapest, including tram 4, 14, 19, 47, 50, 56A, and 59.

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Santa Claus aboard the Children’s Railway 

Registered as the planet’s longest narrow-gauge railway line where kids are in control, the vintage cars of the Children’s Railway chug through the forested Buda Hills as passengers enjoy scenic settings all along the way. For the past 20 years around Hungary’s annual Santa Claus celebrations on December 6th, jolly old Saint Nick puts his sleigh aside for a few days to instead ride these rails to entertain kids and families with joyous activities, like singing songs and playing games, while accompanying Krampuses help distribute Santa’s gifts among passengers. The journey costs 2,000 forints per person (or 1,700 forints for children under 14), and tickets must be purchased in advance at the Hűvösvölgy station of the Children’s Railway, or at downtown’s Broadway ticketing offices.

The round-trip rides run on December 3rd, 4th, and 6th, departing from the Hűvösvölgy station at 8:20am, 9:20am, 10:20am, 11:20am, 12:20pm, 1:20pm, 2:20pm, 3:20pm, 4:20pm, and 5:20pm

Broadway offices:
Budapest 1136, Hollán Ernő utca 10
Budapest 1026, Gábor Áron utca 74-78
Budapest 1075, Károly krt. 21

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Nostalgia Advent Express beyond borders

Budapest’s captivating Christmas fairs draw many visitors to Hungary’s capital during the winter season, but those who would like to journey outside of the Magyar metropolis can take a high-spirited day trip to Vienna aboard vintage carriages of MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) to feel the Yuletide vibe of the Austrian capital. During the time-transcending trip, passengers are served welcome drinks and snacks, while a party wagon is available for those who would like to dance the journey away amid lively tunes. What’s more, guests can dine and wine on the go at the train’s elegant decades-old dining car. Round-trip Advent Express trains to Vienna depart from Budapest on November 26th, December 9th, and December 10th – and now for the first time, MÁV Nostalgia will launch a two-day round-trip journey (December 17-18) taking passengers to the heart of Prague, a city that’s now draped in festive splendor.

More information and tickets
Tickets can also be reserved by email on jegyiroda@mavnosztalgia.hu