Obuda Christmas Market 2012 is a much awaited Christmas market, mostly known by locals, but less by Budapest expats and tourists visiting Hungary.
While the Advent Fair is an all day event, the weekends offer special concerts and performances on top of the daily markets, smith shows, etc. On weekdays (from Monday to Friday) you can see some programs from 4 pm (e.g. the performances of local schools, kindergartens, clubs, etc. like the traditional Bethlehem play by Hungarian school children, choirs singing etc.)
Let’s quickly add that while the market in Obuda is open from December 1 to 23, the skating rink on Fo Square (Fő tér) is open from Dec 1 to Dec 31, from 8 am to 8 pm.
You can take a peak at how Obuda is preparing for the Advent Fair on Fo Square in Obuda district (District III, Fő tér)
Here are some of the events of the Obuda Christmas Market in the Old Buda district of Budapest (District III, by Arpad Bridge)
December 1, 2012: Obuda Christmas Fair
DECEMBER 1 SATURDAY
11:00 The devil and the fairy – Andrea Malek and Eva Korpas concert
16:00 – Concert by Csintekerinto Band, Szilvia Bognar and his Band
18:00 Opening Ceremony
The Magma Fire Theatre performance
Balazs Bus, mayor of Obuda-Békásmegyer gives a ceremonial speech
Skating rink Initiation
Concert: Good Tidings – the opening concert of Kaláka World Music Band (a huge favorite of locals)
Kalaka is one of our favourites too, listen to this beautiful song (“Somebody is walking atop the trees” poem by Sandor Kanyadi, music by Kalaka Band):
December 2, 2012: Obuda Christmas Fair
11:00 the concert and show of the Folk Music School in Óbuda: singing together for the Advent
15:00 Travel Mail Concert by the MagyarVista Social Club (inspired by the Buena Vista Social Club)
16:00 Waiting for Santa’s elves with Finnish Lessons to learn the song for Santa Claus – Broccoli and Rocket, alias Bela Agoston singer. The clown and the music clown accompanied by the Ilona Andor School children’s choir
16:30 Youlupukki, the real Santa Claus from Finland arrives
18:00 Veni, Veni, Emmanuel – Bolyki brothers singing a capella
The first Advent candle lights are lit by Dr. Vilmos Khirer papal prelate, Hon. canon, judicial vicar
This is a video of the Bolyki Brothers Christmas Concert at the Obuda Christmas Market:
December 8, 2012: Obuda Christmas Fair
11:00 Music Fairy – tale of Esther chain band
16:00 Singing Santa – Gryllus Vilmos concert
18:00 Winter sunshine – Day concert
December 9, 2012: Obuda Christmas Fair
December 9 SUNDAY
11:00 Folk Music School in Óbuda the show – singing together for the Advent
16:00 Concert: I am bringing Fire – Agnes Herczku and her Band
18.00 The great Music Mountain – Lovasi and the accidental (Helicon Audio Book Series)
The second Advent candle lights are lit by Mihaly Varga minister
December 15, 2012: Obuda Christmas Fair
December 15 SATURDAY
11:00 – Toldi, the story of a Hungarian hero shown by Gabor Boka in an old style of retro movies at fairs and markets (story told in pictures)
16:00 Concert (New Folk style): Start of Life – Budapest Nufolk Revolution
18.00 announcing the winners of the Christmas tree decorating competition and drawing competition. Delivering the Xmas gifts and the Christmas toy collections to needy children. On stager: Balazs Bus, Óbuda-Békásmegyer Mayor (the mayor of District III)
18:30 Concert: Pearls to Men by the Mistral Band
December 16, 2012: Obuda Christmas Fair
December 16 SUNDAY
11:00 Folk Music School in Óbuda the show – singing together for the Advent
16:00 Shepherds, wake up! – Bela Szerenyi and his family
18:00 Concert (world music, raggie folk) Hear, Nazarene? – Gyorgy Ferenczi and Rackajam Band
The third Advent candle lights are lit by Elizabeth Menczer, Member of Parliament
December 22, 2012: Obuda Christmas Fair
December 22 SATURDAY
11:00 Come to Bethlehem with us! – Gyöngyi Écs and Marcell Kovats performs a fabulous interactive story for children
16:00 Concert: Kétháné – by the Romengó Band
18:00 – Concert: Playing at Christmas – by the Sebő Band (Ferenc Sebo)
December 23, 2012: Obuda Christmas Fair
December 23 SUNDAY
11:00 Folk Music School in Óbuda the show – singing together for the Advent
16:00 Concert by the Buda Folk Band: Frequent Wanderers’ Christmas
18:00 Concert by Kalaka Band: Can I Come in with the Bethlehem? – The final concert of the Advent Fair in Obuda is performed by Kaláka
The fourth Advent candle lights are lit by Bela P. Abraham SDB Salesian Provincial
