During December 24th to January 1st, the Jewish Festival of Lights is observed worldwide, with the spirit of shalom shining ever brighter with every additional candle lit on countless menorahs. On each of the eight days and nights of this joyous celebration, diverse events provide Budapest’s Jewish community with plenty of places to enjoy traditional Hanukkah activities like playing dreidel games, eating doughnuts, and singing songs – along with some more unconventional festivities, like a klezmer hip-hop concert or Hungary’s first Hanukkah flash mob.

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Menorah-lighting ceremonies at Nyugati Square

Every year in Pest’s central Nyugati Square, a giant menorah is erected as the centerpiece of the city’s public Hanukkah celebrations. On each evening at 6pm from December 24th through the 31st (except for the 30th), this is the site of jubilant music, dancing, and dining on doughnuts as various city leaders unite to light another branch of the holy candelabrum.

Where: Nyugati Square (Budapest 1066, by Nyugati Railway Station)
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Negyed7Negyed8 Festival

Celebrating Hanukkah with diverse urban performances, parties, and more, the Negyed7Negyed8 (translating to “Quarter7Quarter8”) Festival takes place throughout the holiday at the Auróra community center. This event’s numerous events include the free “ChrisMukkah” concert by Hagesher – a local band specializing in klezmer hip-hop laced with Balkan melodies – on December 24th starting at 11:30pm, and a DJ-scored house party for “dissidents, migrants, traitors, refugees and tourists” on December 27th beginning at 8pm.

Where: Auróra (Budapest 1084, Auróra u. 11)
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Hanukkah in Wonderland

At the Bálint Ház Jewish community center on December 27th between 3pm and 7pm, this family-friendly Hanukkah party welcomes kids and grown-ups alike with festive games, face-painting, craft making, live music, dancing, doughnuts, and even a Hanukkah-themed escape room that can only be broken out of by correctly solving puzzles, answering riddles, and being creative.

Where: Bálint Ház (Budapest 1061, Révay u. 16)
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Hanukkah at Gozsdu Udvar

Downtown Pest’s most popular complex of bars and restaurants is sharing the Judaic jollity by hosting a modern-styled menorah and two nights of public celebration on December 27th and 28th between 6pm and 9pm. After a candle-lighting ritual led by a local rabbi, everyone can join in the singing of Hanukkah songs and devour kosher doughnuts.

Where: Gozsdu Udvar central courtyard (Budapest 1075, Király u. 13)
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Hillel Hanukkah

Budapest’s Israeli Cultural Institute welcomes a youthful crowd (aged 18-30 only) to sip mulled wine and feast on doughnuts during Hillel Hanukkah, beginning at 7pm on December 30th. After the candle-lighting ceremony, the participants will head out into the city center to create Hungary’s first Hanukkah flash mob, followed by a surprise concert.

Where: Israeli Cultural Institute (Budapest 1061, Paulay Ede u. 1)
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