Although the city of Budapest is a lot quieter during the three days of Christmas, especially on Dec 24, which is the most respected and intimate Christmas event in Budapest, the life on the river Danube does not stop for a moment. If you wish to add a beautiful scenic Budapest river cruise to your city escape itinerary, you can join the merry locals and foreigners on one of the nostalgia boat rides. The ships are heated! If you do not mind the cold weather, you can even get up to the deck of the ship to toast, to pop the question, to take a deep breath and most of all, to let the UNESCO World Heritage attractions sink in. Let Christmas bring its full beauty, and warm lights to you.
7 pm Cruise with Buffet Style Dinner + Music: take an all inclusive dinner cruise on the beautiful old charm Count Szechenyi Ship (heated in winter cruises) Budapest Dinner Cruises are available daily from Dec 1 through 31, including festive New Year’s Eve cruises. For a gorgeous illuminated riverside Budapest night boat trips offer fascinating sightseeing rides with narration in December and January.
Budapest Christmas awaits you with a wide array of daytime sightseeing boats: Budapest Budget Cruises start from €10. Professional guided tours on Duna Bella boats offer drinks while most Budapest Sightseeing Boats either include a drink or unlimited drinks or offer drinks at the ship bar (pay as you order). Dates: Dec 1-31.
Experience the charm of Budapest aboard the popular A La Carte Dinner Cruise, now offering a new afternoon edition from 2 pm to 4.30 pm including the beautiful sunset hours. Savour a sumptuous a la carte 4-course meal as you glide along the river, perfectly timed to catch the enchanting December sunset. Departing from the heart of the city, this relaxing cruise with lovely a la carte choices offers tranquil riverside views and a delightful dining experience, the ideal way to unwind after exploring the Budapest Christmas Market. Dates: from December 20 to January 5. The fab Legenda A La Carte Dinner Cruise is sold out for almost every day in December (by Dec 1!). Don’t wait too much. This Sunset Dinner edition on the same boat, same chef and attentive staff will be booked up soon too. #RESERVATION or book your Dec 31 Dinner while you can!
Budapest Cruise with 4 Course Dinner + Piano Music: festive 3 hour cruise with Served Dinner of 4 options for the Main Course (Fish, Duck, Beef, Vegetarian) and live piano music. Dates: Dec 1 – 30, including Dec 24 the Budapest Christmas Eve cruise.
Christmas Bistro Dinner: enjoy 2-hour evening cruise and savor a three-course dinner of Hungarian cuisine.
Unlimited Prosecco Cruise Experience the city’s most iconic landmarks while enjoying endless glasses of premium Prosecco.
Captivating Wine Cruise along Budapest’s Danube River, complemented by an exquisite wine tasting experience.
For a Christmas fun party cruise you can check out the Boat Party programme.
Budapest Dinner Cruises run daily from December 1 to 31, including special New Year’s Eve cruises. Enjoy an all-inclusive dinner cruise aboard the charming historic Count Széchenyi Ship, which is heated for comfort during winter.
Indulge in a 4-course a la carte dinner, live music, and stunning river views on a candlelit cruise. Dec 1-31, Thu-Sun (except Dec 24)
In December, with sunset at 4:00 pm, the city’s attractions shine in the evening light, creating a breathtaking atmosphere. Winter Cruises typically run until 10:00 pm, offering plenty of time to experience Budapest’s beauty after dark. These scenic cruises in Budapest offer a unique perspective of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will cross under many beautiful bridges over the Danube River in Budapest and be part of a boat sightseeing tour with beautiful sights along the riverfront: Buda Castle, Matthias Church, Fisherman’s Bastion, Gellert Spa, National Theater, Palace of Arts, University of Economics, Central Market Hall, Pesti Vigado Concert Hall, Gresham Palace, St Stephen’s Cathedral, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, and the beautiful bridges themselves, like the Liberty Bridge, the Chain Bridge, etc.
Dec 24: Christmas Eve river rides offering daytime or evening cruises with sightseeing only or including dinner.
Choose from a variety of unforgettable experiences in Budapest: a Christmas Lunch Cruise at 2 pm or an evening cruise with a 4-course Dinner.
Dec 25: The variety of Festive Cruise options available makes planning for the evening celebrations on December 25th effortless.
Enjoy a scenic Budapest cruise with a choice of dining experiences: a 3 or 6-course à la carte dinner accompanied by live piano music, a buffet-style dinner on the 7 PM cruise, or a relaxing 2 PM lunch cruise.
Dec 26: Experience the magic of Budapest on the Danube! Indulge in a festive Boxing Day Cruises with live music, cozy heated ships, and delicious dining options.
On December 26, enjoy a dinner cruise featuring either à la carte service, a plated dinner with Piano Music, or a buffet (with self-served dishes included in the buffet option).
Skip the line €16-€20
Visit Lumina Park Budapest with Cruise on the Danube in December. This is the perfect festive programme for all generations. The Cruise and Lumina Light Park combined ticket includes skip the line entries to the Park featuring light installations. From the Dock on Margaret Island, your ticket includes an optional minibus (large golf cart) transfer. Marvel at the festive lights of Budapest, take amazing photos and may the fairy lights glow up your festive spirit! Prices start from €16 for children and €20 for adults for a 2 in 1 Christmas deal – a top choice in Budapest this winter.
- Dec 31: A La Carte Dinner cruise, 2.5 hour on New Year’s Eve on Legenda sightseeing boat
- Dec 31: NYE Boat Party (10.30pm-1am party cruise with unlimited drinks and live DJ)
- Jan 1: New Year’s Day cruise in Budapest on January 1 (evening cruises with dinner on a heated
Related Boat Cruises
To widen your horizon and see more of Europe at Christmas time, see the European Christmas market cruises.
Hello,
It is a great site on Budapest Christmas events. I would like to mention about your site on the travel blog I maintain. If you’re interested in guest blog or link exchange, please send me an email and I’ll provide you with more details.
Best Regards
Hi Rachna, it makes me glad that you have found Budapest Christmas a good source. :)
I cannot wish Merry Christmas yet, but happy to help in planning activities. A short guest blog post might be interesting.
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When does the sun go down over Budapest Danube? Are boats warmed up in the cold months? Or do you sit with a coat?
Hello Fabio,
Thank you for your inquiry.
The Sun sets around 4.30pm in December in Budapest. Boat cruises are heated so guest can enjoy the panorama all year round.