Halloween is knocking on the door with spider-like hands in just a couple of days, and we are ready to let it in. If you are prepared too, wondering how Hungarians welcome the return of the dead spirits, read on. From classic horror movies to family-friendly events, themed beer tastings, and vampire tours in the Castle, here are our favourite things to do this Halloween. Although 31 October falls on a Tuesday this year, the celebrations start at the weekend and last several days.
We celebrate Halloween on the night of October 31st, and according to belief, the spirits of the dead return from the afterlife with one sole purpose: to inhabit the bodies of the living. That's why we don varied masks to disguise ourselves and confuse spirits and supernatural beings. Many believe it to be an American whim, but Halloween actually emerged in the 1850s, based on ancient Celtic traditions. Truly enough, it was then popularised worldwide by Americans, primarily thanks to the horror movie series of the same name. Nowadays, the essence lies more in the madness, the party, and the costumes, so let's see what you can get up to if you spend the spooky season in Budapest!
1/13
Halloween treats by Cupcake
The dessert shop Cupcake Tortaműhely specialises in - you guessed it - cupcakes, but think mouthwateringly decorated and delicious ones. And they are not joking about when it comes to Halloween. Pop to their store near Batthány tér and check out their Halloween-themed (rather cute than scary) cupcake and cake pop selection, which you can take away in boxes, too. They look so pretty that you might struggle with the first bite not to spoil it. (x)
2/13
Halloween at the B
Budapest boasts a very cool repertory cinema, which welcomes Halloween in style: with spooky/scary/horror films. Between 28-31 October, you can get the creeps from classics such as The Shining, Psycho, or The Rocky Horror Picture Show. See the programme here.
3/13
Halloween 'Night at the Museum'
Did you know that Madame Tussauds has modelled dead bodies and severed body parts on several occasions? These used to be displayed at a separate location called the Chamber of Horrors, a place that attracted loads of people back then. Now, you can relive these times on two occasions: on the evenings of 30 and 31 October, you can view Madame Tussauds Budapest's exhibition like never before. Skeletons, chills, and terror await the bravest, which will even make Dracula frightened. Get tickets here. (x)
4/13
Dark jokes
On 31 October, you can laugh all the ghosts in the face at the Halloween Special Dark Jokes Comedy Night. The international team of Hot Paprika Comedy is ensuring dark jokes and uncomfortable chuckles to the downtown bar Hoff House to kickstart your Halloween. The show is free, but donations are welcome (recommended donation: HUF 2000 in cash). More details here.
5/13
Celtic Halloween
The Aquincum Museum in Óbuda sits on the ancient Roman and Celtic ruins of the area, and this year, the museum is hosting a whole day of celebrations on 31 October. Halloween itself traces back to the Celtic Samhain, the last day in the Celtic calendar when it was believed that the boundary between this world and the world of the dead could open up and allow supernatural creatures to walk free. In honour of the holiday’s Celtic roots, the museum is offering a programme of events including pumpkin carving, face painting, fortune-telling, scavenger hunt, dancing and fire duels, and demonstrations of Celtic living practices.
Get tickets here.
6/13
Halloween at Flava Kitchen&More
On Halloween night (31 October), exciting chills await at Flava Kitchen&More in the heart of Budapest. In the hustle and bustle of Szabadság tér, the Michelin-recommended restaurant transforms into an eerie setting with spooky decorations. Besides the à la carte menu, special holiday delicacies will be on offer, such as pumpkin cream soup, octopus black tagliatelle, pumpkin risotto with beetroot croquettes, and the Flava Kiss dessert – retouched slightly for the occasion. You can wash them down in style with sumptuous cocktails like Bloody Belvedere and Pumpkin Spice Glenmorangie. And if you arrive with a reservation, you can kick off the evening with a complimentary Blood Shot cocktail! (x)
7/13
vampire
Lurk around in the Castle District after dark, unravelling its hidden corners and bloody history. The Vampire Tour (organised several times between 28 October and 1 November) takes you back to the 15th and 17th centuries with the help of a professional storyteller in period costume. His lantern will guide you along silent streets and sinister corners, and he will tell legends and lore. You will learn about two mad figures: Vlad Dracula, 'the impaler' and Elizabeth Báthory, 'the blood countess' and hear about cases of vampirism in old Hungary. While listening to all the creepy but capturing stories, don't miss to look around: the walk comes with magical views from the top of the hill. Get tickets here.
8/13
Halloween Run
This race is taking place at a super cool spot matching Halloween vibes: a 2,5-kilometre-long tunnel system in Kőbánya. On 4 November, you can complete several distances (including categories for school children and younger), even in a costume, if you feel like that. Some magic and spookiness are on the cards, but there is no need to be scared – it's a family-friendly event after all.
More details here (Hungarian-only), but you can message the organisers here as well.
9/13
hopaholic
Extending opening hours and themed beers await at the party district's beloved craft beer bar and bottle shop, Hopaholic between 27 October and 5 November. You can clink your glasses to Halloween with pumpkin ales, Ghosts (in The Laboratory), and Midnight Specials. Keep the beer flights coming, offering a selection of four different beers, and if you get hungry between two rounds, order a pizza or a burger. More details here.
Past events
10/13
Halloween with children
Family-friendly events are galore in Budapest this Halloween. Let's start with Budapest Zoo's event, inviting you to explore another side of the gardens and catch scuba diving at the Shark School, pet snakes, learn about bats, and set off on a frightening scavenger hunt. At downtown Budapest's Hunyadi tér Market, you can join a night farmers' market, where an LED show and pumpkin carving are both on the schedule. You can also hunt ghosts at Budapest Garden or hike to the Buda Hills and ride ponies.
11/13
Halloween at Római-part's Miamor
If you are up for spending Halloween outdoors, riverside Római-part (Roman Embankment) will be a great choice. Its vibey food court, Miamor, is already stocking up its 'trick or treat' basket as it is about to host a 3-day-long family-friendly event (27-29 October). The entry is free, giving you access to games, costume contests, and children's disco. You can also get crafty and carve a pumpkin, which will be sold on the spot. (x)
12/13
Budapest Charit
On 28 October, you can bring your artfully carved pumpkins to the iconic landmark Heroes' Square where hundreds of Halloween pumpkins are traditionally lit. Beginning at 7 pm, anyone can place their jack-o’-lanterns around the semi-circular colonnade of historic Hungarian heroes. Participants are also encouraged to bring a few cartons, cans or boxes of non-perishable food – festival organisers will deliver these edible donations to children in need.
13/13
PomPom Hallow
On 29 October, dark shadows, luminous wings, lovely skeletons, and masked classmates will fill the Turbina Cultural Centre for a Halloween-styled family rave. 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. In the Big Hall, Bodoo, then Metha will shake you up, while upstairs DP Morgan calms the spirits next to the creative table and food stall. In the Small Hall, a spooky-free kids' corner awaits. Get tickets here.
