Imagine: Where the city is the present
Love exploring cities on foot? The team of Imagine makes it a true adventure! With expert guides leading the way, you'll uncover hidden secrets, marvel at stunning architecture, and hear fascinating stories about the city. Private English tours are available on various themes, from Christmas markets to the opulent Párisi Udvar (now a luxurious 5-star hotel), the vibrant Jewish District, or the stunning Matthias Church in Buda Castle. And for those with a sweet tooth, you can even embark on a 'pastry' or 'sweets' tour, complete with tastings to satisfy your cravings! You can also sign up for a fun team-building event if you're in Budapest with adventurous friends, family members, or colleagues.
Email info@imagine.hu for details.
Margaret Island Theatre: Gift card for next year’s performances
The open-air theatre in Margaret Island is offering an exclusive festive treat this Advent season: a special gift and discount card. With this unique offer, you can enjoy a 33% discount —pay just 20,000 HUF and receive a card worth 30,000 HUF to spend on tickets for the 2025 season. Full details about the upcoming programmes are available on the Margaret Island Theatre website. But that's not all. Once you've used the initial amount on the gift card, you'll unlock a 20% discount on any additional ticket purchases, along with access to other benefits. Next year promises an extraordinary line-up of performances, featuring some of the world's finest talent alongside Hungary's biggest stars. Audiences will be treated to the spectacular violinist Maxim and his band, as well as the legendary Duke Ellington Orchestra. Opera lovers can look forward to Nabucco and Madame Butterfly, performed by stars from the most prestigious opera houses. For musical theatre enthusiasts, productions of Rudolf and Shrek will delight, while film-score concerts for Psycho and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial promise to either enchant or terrify. Dance fans will be captivated by the world-renowned Malevocompany, and the life of Coco Chanel will be brought to the stage in an elegant ballet. Hungarian icons such as Edda Művek, Magna Cum Laude, Nikolas Takács, and Swing à la Django will also feature prominently, ensuring an exciting and diverse programme of events. This exclusive gift card can be purchased online only, so act quickly while stocks last.
The gift card can be used to purchase tickets for the 2025 season after each performance and programme has been finalised. For more information and to buy tickets click here.
Madame Tussauds Budapest: Your A-list selfie adventure awaits
Madame Tussauds Budapest is embracing the Christmas spirit in style. The already stunning venue has been transformed into a festive wonderland, featuring a glittering Christmas tree adorned with nearly 10,000 LED lights, a magnificent, oversized armchair, a charming winter sleigh, a magical LED snowfall show, and a host of delightful surprises. Whether it's a fun outing with friends, a family gathering, or a romantic date, a visit promises the perfect communal experience and a memorable gift for all ages. With over fifty lifelike wax figures, there's no shortage of opportunities for interactive fun. Visitors can sit behind the desk in the Oval Office, take a ride in Katalin Karády's classic car, pose as Munkácsy's next painting subject, play the drums behind Freddie Mercury, sing along with Harry Styles, or perfect their runway walk with Barbara Palvin. When it's time to unwind, the cosy Cinema Café offers a relaxing spot to recharge. For the festive season, Madame Tussauds Budapest is offering special promotions and a discounted museum magazine, making it an even more enticing destination. Gift tickets are also available for purchase online and can be redeemed within a year, making them an ideal present for anyone on your list.
Click here for more information.
Mattesz Baby Spa: A thoughtful gift for parents with babies
Movement in water helps babies develop not only physically but also emotionally, cognitively, and socially, laying the foundation for healthy growth in later stages of life. Mattesz Baby Spa focuses on ensuring that every stage of a baby's movement development happens in a timely and orderly manner, preparing them for milestones such as crawling and climbing. The Mattesz Method respects each baby's mental and physical readiness, never forcing progress but supporting it naturally. Each session is thoughtfully divided into three parts: land-based exercises, a water session using the Mattesz Method, and a gentle baby massage. This comprehensive approach is designed to provide a relaxing yet beneficial experience for babies as young as 4 weeks old. Mattesz Baby Spa operates in nearly 20 locations, making it accessible to families across the region. This winter, the spa is offering special promotions, making it the perfect opportunity to surprise a family member or friend with young children. Gift vouchers are available in both online and card formats, making gifting easy and convenient. Throughout December, there's also a season ticket promotion at participating locations, as well as a gift pack tailored specifically for the Baby Spa experience.
Click here for the gift card.
Magnolia Day Spa: Your holiday pampering plan
Step into the festive spirit at Magnolia Day Spa, where the scents of orange, cinnamon, vanilla, anise, ginger, pine, and cloves create the perfect holiday atmosphere. Adding to the magic, their signature fragrances like tiaré flower and magnolia blossom are ready to return for Christmas for an extra touch of indulgence. Choose from a range of luxurious experiences, including individual and couples' massages, facials, and body treatments that promise to leave you relaxed, refreshed, and glowing. For a deeper retreat, head to the Sauna and Bath World, where you'll find an eight-person jacuzzi, Kneipp treading pools, a classic Finnish sauna, an aroma sauna, and an infrared sauna to melt away stress. Afterwards, unwind in the cosy teahouse, surrounded by candlelight, exotic scents, and soothing melodies, while enjoying a selection of fresh fruit and specially curated teas. From a plum-ginger massage to an orange-chilli treatment or a decadent cocoa butter ritual, every option at Magnolia Day Spa is designed to leave you feeling utterly rejuvenated. This magical spa experience isn't just a treat for yourself—it's the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Gift vouchers are available online in PDF format or beautifully gift-wrapped at their downtown Budapest shop. Give the gift of relaxation this holiday season—it's a gift everyone will cherish.
Click here for more information .
Vincze Cipő: The go-to destination for quality shoe lovers
For over 30 years, Vincze Cipő has been a trusted name on the Buda side, offering premium Italian and Spanish women's footwear and accessories. Known for their unique, small-series designs, Vincze's collections cater to both special occasions and everyday elegance. Many of their shoes and boots are custom-made and carefully curated, ensuring you won't see the same pair on everyone else—and the same attention to exclusivity extends to their clothing range. Starting 1st December, Vincze Cipő is celebrating the season with festive promotions, offering 20%, 30%, and even 50% off on all products. Orders are available for nationwide delivery via courier, making it easy to shop from the comfort of your home. For the perfect gift, customisable gift vouchers are also available, allowing the recipient to choose the shoes or accessories that best match their taste and style. Whether it's for yourself or someone special, Vincze Cipő is the ultimate destination for those who appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.
Click here for more information .
Makers’ Market: The place to find unique gifts
The Makers' Market Budapest is the perfect destination for design lovers and fans of contemporary crafts. Throughout December, visitors can explore a variety of unique designer products while meeting the talented creators behind them. On 15th and 22nd December, the market will be held at a new venue: the Villányi út Conference Centre, just a 5-minute walk from Móricz Zsigmond körtér. In addition to the wide array of handcrafted items, the market will offer workshops, a DJ, and a festive Christmas atmosphere, making it an all-around enjoyable experience. Each event features a fresh mix of artists, with some overlap, so it's well worth visiting both dates to discover something new each time. From ceramics, jewellery, and clothing to graphics, bags, and gourmet treats, the Makers' Market is the ideal place to find personalised, one-of-a-kind gifts that stand out from the ordinary. Plus, your purchase supports Hungarian artists, adding even more meaning to your gift-giving this season.
Click here for more information and appointments .
Lagom Beauty: Sustainable beauty and radiant glow
Lagom Beauty, located on Petőfi Sándor utca in downtown Budapest, opened its doors this December to offer a holistic approach to conscious beauty care and health maintenance. The salon invites guests to experience a sense of naturalness, calm, self-care, balance, and introspection through its thoughtfully curated services. Among the treatments available are the HydraFacial MD skin renewal, Venus Legacy skin tightening, HydraFacial MD Keravive hair treatment, and lymphatic massage. The salon also features Petra Görgey's menstrual cycle awareness education, lifestyle counselling, and hypnotherapy, catering to a wide range of wellness needs. Right now, special discounts are available: 4-session passes for select services are 10% off, and 8-session passes are discounted by 20%. The name Lagom, of Swedish origin, means 'just the right amount'—a perfect balance that avoids excess while embracing simplicity. This philosophy is reflected in every aspect of the salon, offering an experience of harmony and sustainable beauty right in the heart of the city.
Click here for more information.
Budapest Retro Museum: A Nostalgic Time Travel for All Ages
Step into the Budapest Retro Museum and journey back to the vibrant decades of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Located at the corner of Október 6. utca in downtown Budapest, this museum is a lively, immersive tribute to the spirit of the 60s, offering a warm, authentic time-travel experience. Whether you're inviting grandparents to revisit their youth, giving 40-50-year-olds a taste of their childhood, or introducing younger visitors to a world they've only heard about, the museum promises fun and discovery for everyone. Climb into a classic Lada police car, eavesdrop on retro-era humour in an old-school phone booth, and marvel at the iconic artefacts of the 60s—all original and lovingly preserved. The authentic vibe of the era is brought to life through music, design, and cultural nostalgia. The experience doesn't end with the exhibits. The stylish retro bistro serves up beloved classics like retro hot dogs, grilled sandwiches, and fried sausages, including the famous Debreceni, a mildly smoked sausage seasoned with paprika, garlic, and spices, served with mustard for that authentic Hungarian flavour. Pair these with a cup of Julius Meinl coffee or the caffeine-free alternative, Maci, alongside fizzy nostalgia-inducing soft drinks like Bambi and Márka. For those looking to share the joy, gift vouchers are available and can be redeemed for tickets, souvenirs from the gift shop, or treats in the bistro.
Click here for more information.
Coffee Education Center: Barista training and coffee workshops
This Christmas, give more than just a gift—offer an unforgettable experience with a Coffee Education Center gift voucher. Perfect for coffee enthusiasts and aspiring professionals alike, these workshops open the door to the magical world of specialty coffee. For those looking to enhance their home brewing skills, the Home Barista courses are an ideal fit, while the Professional Barista courses cater to anyone aspiring to build a career in the coffee industry. Explore the intricate world of flavours and aromas in the Cupping workshop or master the art of frothing milk and creating stunning designs in the Latte Art workshop. Fans of pour-over coffee will love the Filter Coffee workshop, designed to elevate their brewing game to the next level. Led by Döníz Kiss, the Coffee Education Center's founder and a renowned barista trainer, each session combines a welcoming atmosphere with high-quality, hands-on learning. Whether for a loved one or yourself, these workshops promise both fun and newfound skills. Gift vouchers are available online and can be printed instantly after purchase, making them a convenient yet thoughtful present for the coffee lover in your life.
Click here for more information.
Csopa Science Center: Join the Elf Workshop during the winter break
This holiday season, the Csopa Science Center invites you to experience the magic of the Csoda Manók Műhelye (Workshop of the Wonder Elves), where the joy of Santa Claus, the Christmas spirit, and preparations for the New Year blend seamlessly with science to create unforgettable moments for all ages. Every Advent weekend, families can immerse themselves in a wonderland of fun and discovery. No snow outside? No problem—enjoy a magical indoor snowfall every hour, along with creative, family-friendly quests. At the Rénszarvastanoda (Reindeer School), you can race in snowball challenges, tackle package delivery tasks, and build Arctic-inspired creations, all while facing exciting and fun challenges. In addition to these holiday-themed adventures, the centre's interactive exhibits are ready to be explored, offering hands-on learning and play for curious minds. Don't miss the four daily science shows in the Öveges Hall, where dazzling experiments take centre stage, or the Richter Gedeon Lab, where visitors can roll up their sleeves and participate in hands-on scientific activities. If you're looking for a unique holiday gift, Csopa Science Center gift vouchers are available—perfect for surprising someone with an engaging and magical family outing.
Click here for more information.
Head Spa Essence: Where tranquillity meets luxury
Welcome to Head Spa Essence, the newest destination for luxury pampering and rejuvenation in Dunaharaszti, just outside Budapest. Recently opened, the spa offers an oasis of relaxation, focusing on total body and soul rejuvenation while revitalising your hair and skin. The spa's treatments include facials, body therapies, and massages, featuring sound bowl therapy and aromatherapy, all available for individuals or couples. Only the finest products are used, including Davines, Panarom, and Adrienne Feller, ensuring every treatment is a truly indulgent experience. As part of their grand opening, Head Spa Essence is offering an exclusive 10% discount on all services—simply use the coupon code ESSENCE10 when booking. And for an extra-special gift, you can purchase vouchers for holidays, birthdays, or any occasion, giving someone you love the chance to experience the ultimate luxury. Convenience is key at this beautiful new location, with spacious free parking available and the entire facility fully accessible.
Book your appointment here.
Lumina Park: Be enchanted by a bright fairytale world
This winter, Lumina Park, the largest light park in Central Europe, returns to Margaret Island at Palatinus Beach, inviting visitors of all ages to step into a magical world of light and wonder. Open until 2nd March, the park features a spectacular fairytale film festival brought to life through dazzling light displays. Stroll through the illuminated paths and meet beloved characters from classic stories, including Captain Nemo, Robin Hood, King Kong, and even figures from the magical world of Narnia. Perfect for families, the enchanting atmosphere promises to delight children and adults alike during an evening of exploration and storytelling. For a cosy pause, several buffets throughout the park offer hot drinks, making your visit even more enjoyable. The park is open every day except 24th December, so you can experience its magic before, during, or after the holidays. Tickets are free for children under 2 years old, and pricing information can be found online. To avoid queues, it's best to purchase tickets online—or give them as a thoughtful holiday gift!
Click here for more information.
Green Market Budapest: Conscious shopping for the holidays
This Advent season, Green Market Budapest returns to the Klauzál tér Market Hall on 15th, and 22nd December, offering a festive and eco-friendly shopping experience. Celebrate the joy of the season by browsing a curated selection of handmade creations from natural materials, recycled specialties, and the most stylish second-hand treasures. From natural cosmetics, soaps, jewellery, and clothing to bags, fashion accessories, DIY vintage decor, and artisan gourmet foods, there's something for everyone on your holiday list. The market is a hub for unique, handcrafted treasures that promote conscious shopping and sustainability. Adding to the festive spirit, live performances by beloved artists like folk singer Ági Szalóki and children's music bands Alma Együttes and Kaláka will set the mood for celebration. Meanwhile, a craft workshop invites visitors of all ages to explore their creativity and enjoy hands-on activities. Admission to the market and activities is completely free, making it a perfect outing for the whole family.
Click here for more information.
The most beautiful Christmas markets with Pepsi
This holiday season, Pepsi adds its sparkle to Budapest's beloved Christmas markets, appearing at both the Classic XMAS Market on Vörösmarty tér and the Advent Bazilika Christmas Market by St. Stephen's Basilica, the latter celebrated as Europe's most beautiful Christmas market for an impressive four years in a row. Visitors can admire spectacular Pepsi decorations, including a striking Pepsi gate welcoming guests at the entrance to the fair. The festivities continue with the Pepsi stage, hosting a variety of performances and events throughout Advent to spread holiday cheer. For one special evening on 5th December, the Pepsi Stall lit up Szent István tér, near the Chain Bridge, with a festive programme. Guests could enjoy a craft workshop to create their own Christmas decorations, an exclusive acoustic concert by Marci Mehringer, and a festive photo wall.
(Cover photo: Ladóczki Balázs – We Love Budapest)
