All posts in Budapest Christmas

Budapest Christmas: places, events, markets, festivals, etc.

Spending your Christmas holiday in Budapest? Don’t miss out one of the fun Ice Rinks of Budapest to try this fun wintery sport.

2018 Opening Hours have not been confirmed yet.

Budapest Ice Rinks

Ice Rink in the City Park

Location: Varosliget Budapest, near Heroes Square (Hosok tere)

Opening hours:

  • December 24: Closed
  • December 25: Open as usual (10 am – 2pm, 4pm – 8pm)
  • December 26: Open as usual (10 am – 2pm, 4pm – 9pm)

 

Ticket: HUF 1,200 (weekdays) / HUF 1,500 (weekends)

Skate Rental: from HUF 800 / hour

Ice Rink at Budapest Whale

Location: Budapest Whale (Balna), 11-12 Fovam Square, Budapest, District IX.

Opening hours:

  • December 24: 10 am – 2pm
  • December 25: Closed
  • December 26: Closed

Ticket: Entry is free

Skate Rental: from HUF 1,000 / 3 hours

Budapest Panorama Skating

Budapest Panorama Skating

 

Nutcracker Show in Budapest

Enjoy festive Christmas concerts in Budapest, with events in major venues, churches and beautiful buildings.

Christmas in Budapest

Christmas in Budapest

Have the jolliest holiday with our guide to Christmas concerts, events, activities in the Hungarian capital city, as there is nothing more festive as Budapest during Christmas.

Be careful, as there are wonderful performances and concerts, some of the events are already full house months before, so secure your tickets now!

Check the full list of Budapest Christmas Concerts

Christmas Concerts on 24 December

Xmas Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise

Budapest Xmas Eve Dinner with Gypsy Music

Budapest Xmas Eve Dinner with Gypsy Music

Celebrate Christmas Eve in Budapest with a festive Dinner Cruise program with live performance.

Classical Music Concert in the Downtown St Anne’s Church

Concert at St Anne's Church in Budapest

Concert at St Anne’s Church in Budapest

The  Christmas Eve Concert will feature classical music by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi, Schubert, while admiring St. Anna’s Church, one of the most beautiful Baroque buildings in Hungary.

Address: Szervita Square, District V in Budapest’s city centre.

The Magic Flute

A quest for wisdom, love and light in a world where nothing is what it seems.

Address: Budapest Erkel Theatre,  II. János Pál pápa square 30, District 8, H-1087 Budapest (tickets available from Opera.hu)

 Midnight Masses

Matthias Church Budapest Christmas

Matthias Church Budapest Christmas

Midnight masses are night-time events which are considered to be at the core of a traditional Christmas.

Take part in a Midnight Mass in Budapest in St Stephen’s Basilica, Matthias Church or any other churches of Budapest, where you will be able to join the locals to celebrate Christmas Eve together.

 

 

Christmas Concerts on 25 December

Christmas Day Chamber Concert in Budapest

Christmas Day Chamber Concert in Danube Palace Budapest

Christmas Day Chamber Concert in Danube Palace Budapest

The  Christmas Day Chamber Concert of the Danube Chamber Orchestra is a combination of chamber music and gala concert.

Address: Danube Palace Budapest, Zrinyi utca 5, Budapest 1051, Hungary

Budapest Christmas Day Dinner Cruise with Gypsy Music

Live Gypsy Music on the Budapest Dinner Cruise with Gypsy Music – Dinner Cruise with Gypsy Music and Buffet Dinner (7pm – 9pm)

Piano Music on Budapest Christmas Dinner Cruise

Piano Music on Budapest Christmas Dinner Cruise

Bar Piano Battle Concert

A festive Budapest river cruise with 4-course served dinner and live Piano Music on the Budapest Christmas Dinner Cruise with Piano Music from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.

Budapest Late Night Danube River Cruise

Enjoy the wonderful river side attractions in Budapest late night, from 10pm, on a night Danube river cruise with 2 free drinks or with a nice dinner and drinks on the Late Night Danube River Cruise.

Nutcracker Ballet Show

The Nutcracker Ballet Show in the the Hungarian State Opera House has been performed over 20 years with great success.

Nutcracker Budapest Opera House at Christmas

Nutcracker Budapest Opera House at Christmas

This spectacular ballet show is one of the highlights of any Christmas holidays.

Address: Opera House Budapest, Andrássy út 22, District 6, H-1061 Budapest

Screening of the Nutcracker Ballet

The Royal Ballet’s glorious production of ‘The Nutcracker’, created by Peter Wright 32 years ago, is an all-time ballet favourite.

Screening is from 4 pm in the fascinating building of the Puskin Film Theatre (also on Dec 26 at 2pm)

Address: Kossuth Lajos street 18, District 5, H-1053 Budapest

Free Folk Concerts at Budapest Christmas Market

Budapest Christmas Market Atmosphere TopBudapestOrg

Budapest Christmas Market Atmosphere TopBudapestOrg

Enjoy free Hungarian folk concerts in Budapest on Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market.

Dates in 2023: TBC

Address: Vorosmarty square District 5, Budapest

La Boheme

La Boheme by Puccini is one of opera’s most popular and unforgettable love stories in the Budapest Opera House from 7pm on 25 December.

Address: Opera House Budapest, Andrássy út 22, District 6, H-1061 Budapest

Christmas Concerts on 26 December

Hungarian Folk Music and Dance Show

Budapest Folk Show at Christmas

Budapest Folk Show at Christmas

Hungarian Folk Music and Dance Show on Dec 26.

When the Folk Dance Show ends at 9.30pm, you can opt for a Danube city cruise to continue your beautiful cultural night in Budapest.

Buffet Dinner Cruise with Gypsy Music

Live Gypsy Music on the Budapest Dinner Cruise with Gypsy Music – Dinner Cruise with Gypsy Music and Buffet Dinner (7pm – 9pm)

Bar Piano Battle concert

A festive Budapest river cruise with 4-course served dinner and live Piano Music

Budapest Cruise at Night at Christmas

Budapest Cruise at Night at Christmas

on the Budapest Christmas Dinner Cruise with Piano Music (7.30pm – 10.30pm)

Budapest Candlelit Dinner Cruise – A La Carte Dinner

Live Salon Music on the romantic and candlelit A La Carte Cruise in Budapest on Dec 26 from 7pm to 9.30pm.

Budapest Late Night Danube River Cruise

Enjoy the wonderful river side attractions in Budapest late night, from 10pm, on a night Danube river cruise with 2 free drinks or with a nice dinner and drinks on the Late Night Danube River Cruise.

Christmas Dinner Cruises with Live Music are also available while tickets last.

Budapest Christmas Market Folk Concert Hargittai

Budapest Christmas Market Folk Concert Hargittai

Free Folk Concerts at Budapest Christmas Market

Enjoy free Hungarian folk concerts in Budapest on Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market.

Dates for 2023: TBC

Address: Vorosmarty square District 5, Budapest

More Budapest Christmas Concerts 

For your Budapest Christmas holiday you can use the 2018 Christmas Streetcar Schedule to plan ahead your tram ride on the festive, illuminated Xmas Streetcar of the city of Budapest. You can save the timetables for your mobile or tablet, and choose from several routes.

Budapest Christmas Streetcar

Budapest Christmas Streetcar – Mark Mervai Photography

Without a doubt, the most popular of all Christmas Streetcars in Budapest is Tram number 2, which is running along the river Danube, offering beautiful views of the cityscape and the UNESCO attractions along the Pearl of the Danube, one of the longest rivers of the European continent. Tram 2 stops include several highlights of the city, mostly from the 19th century, like the Margaret Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament, the Hungarian Academy, the Gresham Palace, the Pesti Vigado Concert Hall, or the contemporary futuristic building of the Whale.

Tram 2 Christmas Streetcar Schedule in Budapest

Route of Tram stops: Jaszai Mari Square – House of Parliament, Visitor Centre – Kossuth Lajos Square – Szechenyi István Square – Eotvos Square – Vigado Square – Marcius 15. Square – Fovam Square – Zsil Street – Boraros Square – Haller Street / Soroksari Street – Millenniumi Cultural Centre

December 2, from 5 pm until late evening
December 3, from 5 pm until late evening
December 4, from 5 pm until late evening
December 10, from 5 pm until late evening
December 11, from 5 pm until late evening
December 16, from 5 pm until late evening
December 17, from 5 pm until late evening
December 18, from 5 pm until late evening
December 23, from 5 pm until late evening
December 25, from 5 pm until late evening
December 30, from 5 pm until late evening
January 1, from 5 pm until late evening
January 6, from 5 pm until late evening

Tram 19 Christmas Streetcar Schedule in Budapest

Christmas Streetcar Tram Fenyvillamos Budapest 2015

Christmas Tram Budapest Tibor Illyes / MTI Photo

Route of stops: Becsi Street / Vorosvari Street – Varadi Street – Szent Margit Hospital – Selmeci Street – Katinyi Martirok’s Park – Kolosy Square – Zsigmond Square – Komjadi Bela Street – Szent Lukacs Gyogyfurdo – Margit bridge, Budai hidfo – Bem Jozsef Square – Batthyany Square – Halasz Street – Clark Adam Square – Varkert Bazar – Rudas Gyogyfurdo – Szent Gellert Square – Gardonyi Square – Moricz Zsigmond Square – Kosztolanyi Dezso Square – Karolina Street – Csoka Street – Szent Gellert Church – Kelenfold Railway Station

December 5, from 5 pm until late evening
December 6, from 5 pm until late evening
December 12, from 5 pm until late evening
December 13, from 5 pm until late evening
December 19, from 5 pm until late evening
December 20, from 5 pm until late evening
December 26, from 5 pm until late evening
December 27, from 5 pm until late evening
January 2, from 5 pm until late evening
January 3, from 5 pm until late evening

Tram 50 Christmas Streetcar Schedule in Budapest

Route of stops: Corvin Boulevard – Lehel Sreet – Kossuth Square – Fo Street – Arpad Street –
Villanytelep – Lajosmizsei sorompo – Tinodi Street – Margo Tivadar Street – Kemeny Zsigmond Street – Baross Street – Thokoly Sreet – Szarvas csarda square – Madarasz Street- Iparvasut- Honved Street – Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street – Ungvar Street – Pestszentlorinc, Beke Square

Budapest Christmas Streetcar

Budapest Christmas Streetcar (Photo: BartokBelaUt.hu)

December 1, from 5 pm until late evening
December 15, from 5 pm until late evening

Tram 59 Christmas Streetcar Schedule in Budapest

Route of stops: Szent Janos Hospital – Varosmajor – Nyul Street – Szell Kalman Square – Deli palyaudvar – Kek Golyo Street – Kiralyhago Square – Kiss Janos altabornagy street – Apor Vilmos – Square – Zolyomi Stairs – Vas Gereben Street – Lipto Street – Farkasreti Cemetery – Suveg Street – Marton Aron Square

December 22, from 5 pm until late evening

Tram 49 Christmas Streetcar Schedule in Budapest

Route of stops: Kelenfold Train Station – St. Gellert Church – Csoka Street – Karolina Road – Kosztolanyi Dezso Square – Moricz Zsigmond Korter – Gardonyi Square – St. Gellert Square – Fovam Square – Kalvin Square – Astoria – Deak Ferenc Square.

December 7, from 5 pm until late evening
December 14, from 5 pm until late evening
December 21, from 5 pm until late evening
December 28, from 5 pm until late evening
January 4, from 5 pm until late evening

Tram 47 Christmas Streetcar Schedule in Budapest

Christmas Streetcar Budapest

Christmas Streetcar Budapest (Photo: BartokBelaUt.hu)

Route of stops: Deak Ferenc Square    – Astoria – Kalvin Square – Fovam Square – Szent Gellert Square – Gardonyi Square – Moricz Zsigmond Square – Ujbuda-Center – Csonka Janos Square – Hauszmann Alajos Street – Etele Street / Fehervari Street – Kalotaszeg Street – Andor Street
– Albertfalva kitero – Albertfalva Street – Fonyod Street – Budafok kocsiszin – Budafoki elagazas
Leanyka utcai lakotelep – Savoyai Jeno Square – Varoshaz Square

Not scheduled for 2018

Tram 56A Christmas Streetcar Schedule in Budapest

Route of stops: Huvosvolgy – Heinrich Istvan Street – Volgy Street – Vadaskerti Street – Nagyhid – Zuhatag sor – Kelemen Laszlo Street – Akademia – Budagyongye – Nagyajtai Street – Szent Janos Hospital – Varosmajor – Nyul Street – Szell Kalman Square – Deli Railway Station – Miko Street – Krisztina Square – Dozsa Gyorgy Square – Dobrentei Square – Rudas Thermal Bath – Szent Gellert Square – Gardonyi Square – Moricz Zsigmond Square

Not scheduled for 2018

Free Travel with Budapest Card

There is no surcharge to travel on the Budapest Christmas Streetcar, you can use your Budapest Card or public transport travel pass, tickets as on any vehicles of the BKV company in Budapest.

See the Budapest Card prices below:

  • 24H Budapest Card
  • €22
  • Free Public Transport
  • Entry to Buda Castle
  • Free Guided Tours
  • 6 Top Museum Entries
  • Thermal Bath Discounts
  • Many more Benefits
  • Buy Card
  • 48H Budapest Card
  • €33
  • Free Public Transport
  • Entry to Buda Castle
  • Free Guided Tours
  • 6 Top Museum Entries
  • Thermal Bath Discounts
  • Many more Benefits
  • Buy Card
  • 72H Budapest Card
  • €44
  • Free Public Transport
  • Entry to Buda Castle
  • Free Guided Tours
  • 6 Top Museum Entries
  • Thermal Bath Discounts
  • Many more Benefits
  • Buy Card
River Danube in Budapest

Spending 2 January in Budapest will most definitely make you ready to start the new year in a good mood.

With the festive period behind us, the first days of the New Year are often result in some self-reflection which can easily spiral into the January blues. Let us help you beat this feeling.

Pick up some bargains, enjoy winter activities and make the most of this gloomy day!

Thermal Baths in Budapest on 2 January

Szechenyi Baths Budapest Winter by David Almeida

Szechenyi Baths Budapest Winter by David Almeida

What better way to start the new year than visiting one of the thermal baths of Budapest. They offer much more than just pools, there are saunas, steam baths, massage parlors as well as aqua-therapy etc.
Thermal baths are simply great ways to relax after a day of touring the city or after a busy year.

 

Budapest has a number of fantastic thermal baths, but  Szechenyi Baths, Gellert Spa, Lukacs Baths, and Rudas Baths are the most well-known ones. Book your fast track bath entry or your massage by clicking on any of the Budapest baths listed above.

River Danube Cruises on 2 January

River Danube Cruise Budapest in Winter

River Danube Cruise Budapest in Winter

Discover historic monuments, bridges and witness the stunning panorama of Budapest from the comfort of a ship on a daytime river cruise or try a wonderful and romantic dinner cruise where you can choose from several kinds of meals (meat dishes, vegetarian options, soups, salads, desserts).

Buda Castle Tours and Segway Tours on 2 January

The Buda Castle District in Budapest is always worth a visit, as it is full of medieval houses, crooked streets, cafes and restaurants, the whole area just oozes history.

There are all kinds of tours in the Buda Castle District in Budapest: walking tours, Segway tours, Private tours, and many more.

Budapest Winter in Buda Castle, the Hapsburg Gate

Winter in Buda Castle – Philippe Clabots Photography

Nowadays it is all about Segways, so why not try one of the Segway Tours in Budapest?

Budapest Christmas Market by St Stephen's Basilica

Spending 29 December in Budapest can easily be fun with many interesting things to do.

Let us give you some ideas of the seasonal festivals, performances, special concerts and other holiday season events on how to spend this day in the capital city.

Thermal Baths in Budapest on 29 December

Szechenyi Baths Budapest in Winter

Szechenyi Baths Budapest in Winter

Want to get ready for the New Year’s Eve party and chill out before the big event? Maybe longing for a game of water chess? Or just want to relax after the busy Christmas holiday? Just take a dip in one of Budapest’s many famous spas.

Budapest has a number of great spas and outdoor pools worth visiting, but  Szechenyi Baths, Gellert Spa, Lukacs Baths, or Rudas Baths are the most known ones.

They are open every day, all year, opening hours might vary, please check the websites.

Hungarian Folk Show in Budapest on 29 December

Folk Cruise Dinner Budapest - Balancing Bottles

Folk Cruise Dinner Budapest – Balancing Bottles

One of the most prestigious folk ensemble, the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, will perform in the beautiful Danube Palace (Duna Palota) by the Four Seasons Hotel in Budapest on 29 December.

The Hungarian Folk Show events are extremely popular, booking in advance is highly suggested.

Would like to have more Hungarian folk experience?

Enjoy an amazing Hungarian Folk Music and Dance Show on a boat tour in Budapest while cruising on the Danube. The Folk Show on Dinner Cruise program includes an evening with either a Danube Cruise and 5 Drinks or a 4-Course Served Dinner. This evening offers a bit of fun too, with a bit of folk dance learning opportunity!

River Danube Cruises on 29 December in Budapest

Go on a boat trip on the Danube and admire the top attractions of Budapest.

Night on Hungarian Folk Boat - Budapest Parliament

Night on Hungarian Folk Boat

If you are interested in a lunch cruise or a cruise with only drinks, maybe even with an audio guide, please choose from several day cruise options.

There is a wide range of dinner cruises with either either a la carte, served dinner, or buffet style with all kinds of live music on board.

Hungarian and international dishes, meat and vegetarian options await you on the Budapest Dinner Cruises.

New Year Church Concert in Budapest

Concert at St Anne's Church in Budapest

Concert at St Anne’s Church in Budapest

New Year’s Church Concert in Budapest in St Anne’s Church in the city centre. Listen to the wonderfully evocative works by Bach, Handel, Vivaldi while enjoying the baroque architecture of the recently restored St. Anna’s Church in Budapest’s city centre.

Just a walk away from most major hotels in Budapest from 7 pm on 29 December.

Buda Castle Tours on 29 December

The Buda Castle District in Budapest attracts tourists every day, all year round. With different winter Castle tours in the Buda Castle District, or a 2h Budget Buda Castle Walking Tour, everyone finds the perfect option.

Segway Tours in Budapest on Dec 29 in Budapest

Winter Segway Tours Budapest

Winter Segway Tours Budapest

Have you tried a Segway tour before? If not, do not miss the 1 or 2 hour long guided Segway Tours in Budapest as they are fun for everybody.

You can choose from different Segway Tours in Budapest on December 29:

Christmas Markets on Dec 29 in Budapest

Spend some hours in one of Europe’s best Christmas markets while sipping mulled wine, buying authentic handmade souvenirs or listening free concerts.

Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market

Christmas Market at Vorosmarty Square Budapest

Christmas Market at Vorosmarty Square Budapest

Address: Vorosmarty Ter, District V

Opening hours on Dec 29: 10 am – 7 pm (handicraft shops), 10 am – 8 pm (food stalls)

St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market

Address: Szent Istvan Ter, in front of the Budapest Basilica building, District V

Opening hours on Dec 29: 10 am – 10 pm (food and handicraft stalls) with laser show every half an hour between 4.30 pm and 8 pm on the Basilica’s facade.