All posts in Budapest Winter Attrations

Budapest Panorama Skating

One of the most scenic ice rinks in Budapest during the Christmas season is perhaps the Skating Rink at the Whale Winter Festival, located near the modern whale-shaped building, called “Balna”.
The Whale Winter Festival has opened its gates to let you skate along the river Danube while marvelling at the several beauties of Budapest’s century old UNESCO World Heritage sites, typically enjoyed from Budapest River Cruises.

Whale Winter Festival

The unmistakable whale shaped building of the glass covered Whale Event Hall & Whale Bistro are welcoming You for the Budapest Whale Winter Festival event series for the festive season. There are ongoing, varied winter programs and activities both inside the building, and in the Panorama Hall, culminating in the spectacular and fun Boogie & Swing New Year’s Eve Party on December 31.

There will be something for every age!

Ice Rink Highlights

Ice Skating Budapest Whale

Ice Skating Budapest Whale

  • Free entry to the ice skating rink
  • Amazing Danube view (UNESCO site)
  • Free concerts & music programs (Ice Disco)
  • Mulled Wine
  • Street Food
  • Affordable prices
  • Crafts Market
  • Interactive Play Centre for kids
  • Free 1 hour parking (weekdays + 2 hours weekends)

Winter Festival Program: Daily Schedule
Free Ice Skating with Panorama View
Interactive Crafts Play Centre for kids with Animators
Ice Disco from 6pm

Christmas Gift Making: the Crafts Play Centre of the Whale Winter Festival is aimed for families with kids who want to make Xmas gifts as crafts. There are various other children programmes.

Opening Hours

Budapest Panorama Skating

Budapest Panorama Skating

The Skating Rink Opening hours of the Winter Festival are as follows:

Sunday – Thursday 10 am – 10 pm (break for rink maintenance 2-3pm)
Friday – Saturday: 10am – 12 pm (midnight) (break for rink maintenance 2-3pm)
Mon – Sun: closed for ice rink maintenance

Festive Opening Hours:
24 Dec: 10 am – 2pm
25-26 Dec CLOSED
27-30 Dec 10 am – 10 pm
31 Dec 10 am – 6 pm
Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Party in Budapest Whale
1 Jan CLOSED

NYE Swing Party in Budapest Whale

NYE Swing Party in Budapest Whale

Every afternoon between 14:00 and 15:00 the ice rink is closed due to ice maintenance.

Rental Prices for Skating Rink

HUF 1000 / 3 hours (approx. €3.5)
Deposit: HUF 10000 (approx. €35)

Miscellaneous info on skates for hiring:
Runner Ice Skates available from size 26
For smaller children double blade skates are also available (attachable to regular street shoes).

Address of Whale Winter Festival
Balna Budapest
Budapest
District IX (Post code: 1093 Budapest)
11-12 Fovam Square

Other Ice Rinks in Budapest:

City Park Ice Rink Budapest

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?

Christmas Market at Vorosmarty Square Budapest

30 December in Budapest is all about getting ready to say our farewells to the old year.

Some people try to relax before NYE, some has already started partying.

The definite highlight of this day is the chance to spend the night of 30 December in the warm thermal pools of Szechenyi Baths and welcome the last day of 2018 while listening to amazing music.

Szechenyi Baths Party Budapest NYE Sparty

Szechenyi Baths Party Budapest NYE Sparty

New Year Bath Party in Szechenyi Baths

A simply brilliant concept, combining the hot, relaxing waters of the outdoor pools of Szechenyi Baths and a nightclub.

If you are in Budapest on 30 December then you should never miss the New Year Bath Party, but be careful, tickets sell out like hot cakes, so don’t hesitate to book early!

Thermal Baths in Budapest on 30 December

Budapest is called the ‘City of Baths’.  Hungary is famous for its thermal springs, and Budapest is full of thermal waters with healing qualities.

Gellert Bath at Christmas

Gellert Bath at Christmas – You Flavio Photography

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

By clicking on any of the Budapest baths listed above additional info along with price, opening hours, useful tips can be found.

Budapest Gala Concert on 30 December

Have you ever been on a gala concert offering a truly unique entertainment with a special Hungarian flavour and a wide repertoire from gypsy and operetta music to Hungarian-related classical music?

You can enjoy the famous Danube Symphony Orchestra and masterpieces written by Berlioz, Liszt, Lehar, Liszt on the Budapest Gala Concerts and then, should you wish, you can even go on a romantic late night river cruise.

Budapest Gala Concerts

Budapest Gala Concerts

100 Member Gypsy Orchestra at the Budapest Congress Center on 30 December

Traditional concert from the renowned 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra at the Budapest Congress Center.

Music by Bizet, Brahms, Strauss, Tchaikovsky and Liszt, the evening begins with wine tasting and a folk dance show.

The concert can also be booked with a delicious dinner.

River Danube Cruises on 30 December

A river Danube cruise is always a memorable event, irrespectively of the actual season.

Winter Daytime Cruise in Budapest

Winter Daytime Cruise in Budapest

A lunch cruise, a simple cruise with drinks or a sightseeing cruise with an audio guide, there is a wide range of day cruise options available.

As for the evenings, tickets for the dinner cruises almost always run out days before the date of the cruise, as many people wish to ensure a relaxing evening or night with the loved ones while admiring the UNESCO World Heritage Sights of Budapest and the most famous landmarks, buildings of the city (the Parliament, Buda Castle with the Royal Palace, the Chain Bridge and the other beautiful bridges).

Get ready for an evening cruise and make the reservation long before.

Buda Castle Tours and Segway Tours on 30 December

The Buda Castle District in Budapest is worth a visit. Packed with historic sights, medieval houses, charming streets and some really good cafes and restaurants, this area needs at least a full day to explore.

What better way to discover the crooked streets then booking Castle tours in the Buda Castle District, or a 2h Budget Buda Castle Walking Tour.

Budapest Buda Castle Hill in Winter Mispahn

Budapest Buda Castle Hill in Winter Mispahn

If you wish to spare your legs, try one of the Segway Tours in Budapest.

You can also choose from other different Segway Tours in other parts of Budapest on December 30:

Christmas Markets on Dec 30 in Budapest

Say goodbye to 2018 by visiting one of the traditional Budapest Christmas Markets offering quality gifts, cultural programs, good food and special winter drinks.

Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market

Address: Vorosmarty Ter, District V

Open: 10 am – 10 pm (food stalls only)

St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market

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

Open: 10 am – 10 pm, with laser show every half an hour between 4.30 pm and 8 pm on the Basilica’s facade.

 

 

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.

 

 

Christmas Fair at Vorosmarty Square Budapest

You can choose from many things to do in Budapest on 28 December.

Christmas in Budapest

Christmas in Budapest

If the weather is wet and cold we recommend a visit to one of the world famous thermal baths in the morning, then going on a sightseeing tour on the Danube, followed by a Hungarian Folk music concert for the evening.

Thermal Baths in Budapest on 28 December

Visiting at least one of the thermal baths of Budapest is a must, especially in a cold month like December.

Szechenyi Baths, Gellert Spa, Lukacs Baths, Rudas Baths  are open (with small variations) from 6 am to 10 pm.

Szechenyi Baths Budapest Winter - Miles Actually Photography

Szechenyi Baths Budapest Winter – Miles Actually Photography

Check-in for online reservations: 9 am – 6 pm.

Did you know that you can make your spa visit totally carefree by buying not only a fast track bath ticket but also booking other rentals and services in advance, as well?

It is definitely worth it, as there are almost always huge queues building up in Budapest’s baths even on weekdays.

Hungarian Folk Show in Budapest on 28 December

Hungary has rich folk traditions and folk dancing is still actively practiced nowadays in dance houses.

Hungarian Folk Show Budapest

Hungarian Folk Show Budapest

With award winning Hungarian Folk Dancers, beautiful Hungarian Folk Dresses and a Spectacular Dance Show, the Hungarian Folk Show is a must see event.

When the Folk Dance Show has ended, you go for a Danube city cruise with buffet dinner from 10 pm.

River Danube Cruises on 28 Dec in Budapest

Probably the best and most convenient way to admire the World Heritage UNESCO sites of the capital city on the two riverbanks is to go on a boat trip on river Danube.

The Danube day cruises (either sightseeing or lunch cruises) are available during the day or you can go in the evening and choose a good quality served or buffet meal on any Budapest Dinner Cruises or a late Night Cruise.

Budapest Boat Tour on Danube River

Budapest Boat Tour on Danube – Global Ranger

Castle District Tours on 28 December

The Castle District with the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion is a sight for everyone visiting Budapest.

You can book any kind of Buda Castle District Tour  starting from walking tours, Segway tours to Private tours.

Christmas Markets on 28 December

The holiday Christmas fairs offer cultural programs, a taste of Hungary’s culinary delights (strudels, artisan chocolates, goulash, gingerbread etc), hand-crafted products and a lot more.

Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market

Address: Vorosmarty Ter, District V

Opening hours on Dec 28: 10 am – 7 pm (handicraft shops), 10 am – 8 pm (food stalls)

Christmas Fair at Vorosmarty Square Budapest

Christmas Fair at Vorosmarty Square Budapest

St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market

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

Opening hours on Dec 28: 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.