New Year’s Eve is no longer just about one night out: many people start celebrating as early as late morning, treating the day as a long, experience-filled farewell to the year. Luckily, Budapest caters to every style - from market browsing and ice skating to fine dining and underground raves.
Daytime programmes for all ages
One of the most iconic ways to kick off the last day of the year is the Ügetőszilveszter at Kincsem Park, which for 26 years has brought together sport, the thrill of betting and a festival atmosphere. Alongside horse and greyhound races, pony gallops and spectacular demonstrations, mulled wine, street food and music keep spirits high and the cold at bay, with fireworks closing the evening.
If you’d rather stay active, the city’s ice rinks - from the classic City Park Ice Rink to smaller, more intimate venues - are open throughout the day, often accompanied by DJs and hot drinks to warm you up between laps. For a slower pace, Czakó Market makes an ideal year-end stop: fresh bread, cheese and olives can be picked up while enjoying a cocktail, either before or after a peaceful morning walk. (The Fény Street Market is also hosting an event, but it has already sold out.)
Film lovers can bid farewell to the year at Bem Cinema, with cult classics and its legendary popcorn, while families will find a winning option in PomPom NYE at Akvárium: an afternoon children’s disco with limited volume, a play corner and electronic music that parents can enjoy too.
Food and atmosphere in the spotlight
For those who prefer to ease into the evening through food, there’s no shortage of tempting options. Monokini Kantin’s New Year’s Eve tasting menu is bold and playful, moving from classic Hungarian party favourites like devilled eggs to venison terrine, paired with carefully selected wines and beers. The menu is available in two time slots with limited seating; the food costs HUF 25,000, with drink pairings priced at HUF 18,000. At Párisi Passage Restaurant, guests can choose between an early evening menu or an exclusive gala dinner in an elegant setting, complete with classic and vegetarian dishes, live music and champagne, all inside one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. For something more relaxed, Temporary prepares for the night with pizza, DJs and a champagne toast, while Time Out Market Budapest hosts a disco-style New Year’s Eve party with a HUF 4,990 ticket, multiple food counters and a communal midnight champagne moment. Those looking to combine an elegant dinner with dancing until dawn can opt for KIOSK, where a buffet dinner and party ticket together offer a full New Year’s Eve experience for HUF 69,900.
Time to party
As always, the night truly belongs to the parties. Majorka promises a house-party atmosphere with DJs, drink deals and an expanded steamed dumpling menu - as if you were celebrating in a friend’s living room. Nearby, Nemdebár focuses purely on drinks, but there’s no shortage of alcohol or familiar faces on the last night of the year. For fans of underground electronic music, Be Massive New Year’s Eve at Várkert Bazár is a must, featuring melodic and underground sounds, international-level production and tickets ranging from early bird options at HUF 7,500 to VIP lounge experiences. Palazzo Permanens delivers a full-scale rave across five rooms, taking dancers on a journey from psytrance to techno with international performers. Those after a more refined celebration can welcome 2026 at W Budapest’s Grand Budapest Affair in the Drechsler Palace, combining fine dining, champagne and dancing until morning. Meanwhile, the KASSA boat, moored near Batthyány Square, hosts a New Year’s electronic marathon from 8pm until noon the following day - right in the middle of the Danube.
(Cover photo: KIOSK, Balázs Ladóczki – We Love Budapest)
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