December Programs and Things to Do in Budapest
The Advent Feast at Szt. István Square, in front of the Basilica
The last month of the year and the first month of the winter season has a lot in store for visitors to Budapest.
Although the weather is cold with average monthly temperature around 2 deg. Celsius, a range of festivals, Christmas fairs, concerts and other activities take place at various spots in the city enticing everyone to brave the unpleasant weather.
December ends with awesome New Year parties at various venues: in the streets, on the Danube, in bars and clubs, and hotels.
Quick Links: Weather in December – Events, Festivals: Christmas Markets – WAMP Gastro Fair – Hungarian Flavours Fair – New Year Programs – New Year’s Day Concert
Sightseeing: Christmas Boat Tours – Christmas Tram – Xmas Market Tour – Bethlehem in Víziváros Tour – Ice Skating
Concerts, Opera, Ballet – Museum Exhibitions – Cafe, Cake Shop TIP of the Month
Weather in December – What to Pack?
I’ve already mentioned that December is cold with temperatures below zero or a couple of degrees above zero.
On top of the subzero temperatures it is often cloudy and windy. We usually don’t get much snow in December (in 2013 and 2014 there wasn’t any), though some days there is some rain or sleet.
It’s best to dress in several layers: so do bring warm sweaters, cardigans, or a vest that you can pull on a long-sleeve shirt.
A lightweight but warm coat, scarf, winter cap, gloves are must to make exploring the city in the cold more pleasant.
Warm socks and a comfortable winter boots/shoes (water proof, if possible) can also go on your packing list.
Christmas Fairs and Other Events in 2015.
December is all about Christmas and after that, the approaching New Year. Budapest is home to one of the most charming (and affordable) Christmas markets in Europe that takes place on Vörösmarty Square (end of November 2015 – 01. January 2016.)in the city centre, easily accessible by public transport (M1 underground at Vörösmarty tér, M1, M2, M3 metro lines at Deák tér station, tram 2 on the Pest side of the Danube: get off at Vigadó tér stop).
The event launches around the last weekend of November and is open till 01. January 2016. (after Christmas only the food and drink stalls are open though).
Highlights: The market is a great source of quality handmade gifts: knitted hats, leather products, pottery, jewelry, kitchen utensils, homedecor items, culinary delicacies.
The food court offers typical Hungarian and international dishes: stuffed cabbage, grilled and roast meats, sandwiches, strudel, beigli and other pastries and cakes, and of course typical winter drinks: hot wine, punch, grog, tea and coffee.
Concerts, the visit of Santa Claus on 06. December, children programs and playhouse (weekdays: 14.00-18.00, weekends: 10.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00) are permanent programs each year.
Drawback: a bit crowdy and touristy
The Christmas Festival at Szt. István Square (between end of November and 01. January 2016.) in front of the Basilica is the second most popular festive fair in Hungary’s capital. The largest church of the city gives a spectacular background to the fair and there’s also a small ice rink.
Lovely wooden cottages offer various local craft products, handmade Christmas bonbons, mulled wine and other drinks, and food.
You can sip seasoned winter drinks in the heated hütte, while watching a spectacular light mapping show on the facade of the Basilica.
TIP: One of our favourite confectioneries of the city, Cake Shop, will be there for the first time with delicious cakes, pastries, meringues and other desserts. If you miss their shop in József Attila utca (near Erzsébet Sqr.) do try their delicacies at the fair.
Check out other Christmas markets in Budapest.
Advent in Óbuda, End of November – 21. December 2015.
Location: Óbuda-Main Square (Fő tér), district III.
Opening hours of the Xmas market: Mon-Thurs: 14.00-21.00, Fri-Sun: 10.00-22.00
Admission: free
Website
The Main Square of Óbuda turns into a wonderful Christmas venue each year.
A tall Christmas tree, craft fair, and tasty local food offering authentic Hungarian food (stuffed cabbage, Fishermen’s soup, veal paprikash, roast goose, strudel, oven-baked bread, and fragrant winter drinks) welcome everyone in the Advent period.
You can skate on the ice rink for free (skate rental is available for 600 HUF for adults and 400 HUF for children) every day from 8.00 till 22.00.
Don’t forget to view the photo exhibition introducing old Christmas, New Year and other folk traditions, how people lived in the village in winter. The exhibit is open between the last weeend of November and 06. January 2015.
Saturnalia, December, 2015., Aquincum Museum, Óbuda
Address: Aquincum Museum, Szentendrei út 135., district III.,
Getting there: Szentendre Suburban Railway H5, (HÉV), get off at Kaszásdűlő or Aquincum stop
Time: 11.00-16.00,
Admission: free
The Saturnalia Festival in Aquincum Museum evokes how people celebrated the coming of winter in antiquity.
You can find out about this ancient pagan feast that preceded Christmas introduced by the Roman Catholic church.
Guided tour in the museum’s garden, Roman gingerbread and herbal tea tasting, participating in an ancient feast, and galanty show ensure an entertaining Sunday afternoon.
You can also try your hands at making antique gifts in the workshop (for that you have to pay a minimal fee to cover the expense of tools and materials).
WAMP Designer Gastro Fair, Beginning of December 2015.
Venue: Millenáris “B” Building, Kis Rókus utca 16-20, district II., close to Mammut Shopping Mall
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Although the location of this gastro fair is not central, foodies must drop by anyway.
Take tram 6 or M2 (red line) metro till Széna tér stop and you’ll reach the huge industrial building of Millenáris and park, just behind Mammut Shopping Centre in a few minutes.
The fair has been part of the city’s designer and craft food scene for a couple of years now.
A great place to browse among and buy quality food stuff as well as wonderful designer items: homemade jams, cheese, bread and pastries, chocolates, biscuits, chutneys, oils, spices, herbs, wine and pálinka, designer kitchen utensils.
It’s a whole different experience than shopping in a store or plaza. The sellers who design and make their own items are friendly and happy to talk about their products and craft.
Hungarian Flavours Fair Christmas Edition (Magyar Ízek) – December, Erzsébet Square
Admission: free
The Magyar Ízek Karácsonyi Vásár is focusing on high quality artisan food and drinks.
You can taste and buy:
Cheeses by Torockói Sajt, Hankai Sajt or Mirc Nárcisz producers
Sausages, salamis, ham, bacon by Székely Falatos Gyergyószentmiklós, Szála Bt.Békéscsabai kolbász, Hungarikum Spejz, Szomor szalámi and Házi Hurka és kolbász
Oils, spices, mustard, and pasta by Batha Porta, Fűszerész or Terra Tuffola
Honey, jam, fruit syrup, fruit juices
Two of the fines confectioneries of Budapest will also be present (Sulyán and Auguszt) offering cakes, pastries, biscuits, Christmas specialties
Chocolate and Sweets: Choco Card, Csokicsel, ChocoMe, Mézeskalács 2000
Wineries: Dúzsi Tamás from the Szekszárd region, Sápi Csaba, Kései Pince
Craft beer: Kapucinus Brewery, Beer Bus (Főzdebusz), Kézműves Köleses Sör (Artisan Millet Beer).
New Year’s Eve Programs
Budapest is the perfect place to be on the last days of 2015 since people will say farewell to the old year at countless parties in bars and clubs, street carnivals, and at home parties.
New Year’s Party on the Danube with Dinner and Open Drink Bar
This is no doubts one of the best-value programs for Szilveszter (New Year’s Eve in Hungarian).
Warm buffet dinner, a wide choice in drinks from the open bar, dinner at midnight, raffle, a cruise on the river two times during the night, live music, great atmosphere! Places are limited!
Buy Your Ticket Online!
New Year Wine Tasting in Buda Castle
Dates: to be announced later
Celebrate the coming of New Year with fine Hungarian wines!
The two special tasting lists include some wonderful wines from Hungary’s top wineries, from exquisite reds, and whites to sparkling wines and dessert wines.
Details and Reservation.
New Year’s Day Concerts in the Danube Palace
Chamber Concert with Cimbalom Show by the Danube Chamber Orchestra
Date & Time: 01. January 2016. at 17.30, the concert is 70 minute long (no break)
Celebrate New Year’s Day with classical concert spiced up with a Cimbalom performance (hammer dulcimer – authentic Hungarian folk instrument) in the elegant neo-Baroque Duna Palota located in the Budapest city centre.
TIP: Go on a river excursion with buffet dinner after the concert to have an even more memorable evening on the first day of 2016.
Price & Reservation: Concert + Cruise with Dinner: 62.30 EUR
Buy Your Ticket
More Concerts & Cultural Programs in Budapest
Hungarian Folk Shows
€22.50
Book Program
Organ Concerts Basilica
€22.50
Book Program
Symphony Concert with Cimbalom Show
€26.00
Book Program
See more New Year Programs in Budapest!
Sightseeing in December
Budapest is not the nicest in the dreary December weather but it’s still worth exploring the many historic and cultural sights.
If you don’t like chugging along in a cold, windy weather take a boat cruise or go on a bus tour to see the most of the city.
Boat Tour with Dinner and Music
There are several boat excursions on the Danube with or without meal or music in the evening.
Enjoy a ride on a heated boat and see the wonderful sights, lying on the two banks of the river and protected by the UNESCO’s World Heritage program.
TIP: The Christmas Eve (24. December) or Christmas Day (25. December) cruises with 4-course festive dinner and live music are great value for the money and a wonderful program for the holiday when most restaurants are closed in Budapest.
You can admire the illuminated city scape during the 1.5-half hour sightseeing while enjoying a delicious warm dinner of four courses including Hungarian and international dishes as wall as vegetarian choices.
Riverride – Tour on Water & Road
If you don’t want to eat juts see the sights hop on the unique amphibian vehicle called Riverride.
The yellow boat-bus construction will take you on a 1 hour and 45 minute (half time on water half time on land) city sightseeing tour on the Danube and the roads of the city.
You’ll see the famous landmarks of Budapest and can admire the beauty of the two riverbanks and bridges included in the World Heritage list.
The bus is heated and covered. Live guiding in English and German languages.
Sights include:
Hungarian Academy of Sciences,
St. Stephen’s Basilica,
the Opera House,
Andrássy Boulevard,
the Great Synagogue,
Széchenyi Chain Bridge,
Buda Castle and more.
Schedule: 01 November – 31. March: every day at 11.00, 13.00, 15.00, 01. April – 31. October: every day: at 10.00, 12.00, 15.00, 17.00
Departure: from Széchenyi tér 7/8. in Pest (at a bus stop in front of an office building next to the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace).
Tickets: adult (from 14 years of age: 7 500 HUF, children (ages 6-14): 5 000 HUF, children under 6: free. Find out more at the organiser’s website.
Christmas Trams – Trams 2 & 19
Each year usually two tram lines, one of them is tram 2 along the Danube bank in Pest, are decked out in festive lights welcoming the approach of Christmas and the New Year.
You can travel on these special trams with regular public transport tickets (a single ticket costs 350 HUF) or the Budapest Card (entitles the holder to free use of all public transportation).
Schedule: these special tram lines start to run at the beginning of December.
In 2015 the special service runs between December and January (except for 24. and 31. December when the Christmas trams don’t run) on line 2 on weekdays and on line 19 on holidays.
Tram 2: 2015. December
2016. January:
Departure times:
Közvágóhíd H: 16.33, 17.33, 18.35, 19.35, 20.35
Jászai Mari tér: 17.07, 18.06, 19.06, 20.06, 21.06
Tram 19: 2014. December 14., 20., 21., 25., 26., 27., 28.
2016. January 1., 2., 3., 4.
Departure times:
Batthyány tér M+H: 16.30, 17.30, 18.30, 19.30, 20.30
Kelenföld vasútállomás M: 17.00, 18.00, 19.00, 20.00, 21.00
See more photos about the Christmas Trams of Budapest.
Christmas Market Tour
Dates: 01-23. December 2015., every day at 14.30
It is a great holiday-themed guided walk tour where you’ll get an insight into Hungarian Christmas traditions while visiting three Christmas fairs and the Pest’s main sights including St. Stephen’s Basilica (interior visit if it’s visitor time for the public), Andrássy Avenue, the Opera House all glowing in spectacular holiday decoration.
A 3-tier wine tasting in a local restaurant is also part of the program: you can take a rest while sipping fine Hungarian wines.
The tour ends at the city’s largest fair at Vörösmarty Square where you’ll be treated a glass of hot wine.
Tour Prices:
Adults: 27 EUR (online: 24.30 EUR)
Students: 25 EUR (online: 22.50 EUR)
Children: (3-12 years of age): 13 EUR (online: 11.70 EUR).
See details at the organiser’s website.
Bethlehem in Víziváros – Walking Tour by Imagine Budapest
Discover the hidden attractions of northern Buda, called Víziváros (Watertown) on foot.
The 1.5-hour tour will lead you through this romantic part of the city, showing you two churches including the moving Bethlehem of Szent Anna Church.
Itinerary: Batthyány-tér – Bem rakpart – Csalogány utca – Fő utca – Batthyány utca – Batthyány-tér
Tickets: adult: 2 500 HUF, students, pensioners: 2 300 HUF
Tour dates in December: Fridays: at 11.00. Meeting point: entrance of St. Anne Church at Batthyány-tér, Buda, district I., (M2 (red) metro
Registration is online at the organiser’s website.
Ice Skating – The No. 1 Winter Activity in the City
Ice skating is an awesome winter exercise and the largest place to do it is in the City Park, the Városligeti Műjégpálya ice rink. have a go then savour a cup of luxurious coffee in Városliget Cafe.
Opening hours: every day: 09.00-13.00 and 17.00-21.00
Tickets: Mon-Tue: adult: 1 000 HUF, student, pensioner: 800 HUF, Wed-Thurs all day, Friday morning: adult: 1 500 HUF, student, pensioner: 1 000 HUF, Fri afternoon: adult: 2 000 HUF, student, pensioner: 1 500 HUF, Sat-Sun all day: adult: 2 000 HUF, student, pensioner: 1 500 HUF, free for children under 6.
See website for more details.
Another scenic place to slide on ice is in front of the Ludwig Museum of Contemporary Arts in MÜPA (Place of Arts-located at the Pest end of the Rákóczi bridge, address: )
The illuminated building of the Palace of Arts, the colourful lights how and the riverside location make skating there a wonderful experience.
Open:
Tickets: a valid ticket for a performance in the MÜPA (valid for 2 hours until the day of the performance).
Concerts, Ballet
A classical concert either in a church or in one of the city’s numerous concert halls or a folklore performance are great indoor programs in winter.
The Nutcracker in the Opera House
The Hungarian National Opera House includes the Nutcracker in its December program each year.
Tchaikovsky’s last ballet is an ideal program in the Advent period.
Before the show you can admire the 130-year old building of the Opera on Andrássy út one of the best-known works of architect Miklós Ybl.
See the program of the Opera in December and tickets.
Folk Dance Shows in December
Dates in December: 05. 26. 28. 29.
Discover Hungary’s rich and versatile folk music, dance and costume heritage through the dance performances of the country’s best folk ensembles (the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble, Danube Folk Ensemble and the Hungarian Folk Ensemble & Orchestra).
The 45-minute show starts at 20.00 and are held in the Duna Palota in Zrínyi Str. near the Basilica.
Organ Concerts in the Basilica
Dates in December: 03. 10. 17. 30.
The spectacular church of the city, St. Stephen’s Basilica is a regular venue for organ and other classical concerts.
A great way to enjoy the wonderful acoustics, the lyrics of the historic organ, and admire the interior the neo-classical temple in the heart of Budapest.
View details and reserve a ticket.
Music & Wine Gala Concert of the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra
Date: 30. December, 19.00
Venue: Budapest Congress Center, address: Jagelló út 1-3, Bp., 1123, district XII.
Tickets: from 45 EUR
A fabulous program to say farewell to 2015.
The 2-part concert of the famous orchestra includes a unique interpretation popular pieces by Strauss, Rossini, Brahms, Bizet, Liszt and Tchaikovsky.
During the program you can enjoy a wonderful dinner or just snacks and wine.
A wine tasting and folk dance show precedes the concert where you can sample the best of Hungary’s wine regions and wine makers.
Read more and see ticket reservation on our Holiday concerts page.
Museum Exhibitions in December
Cafe TIP of the Month
Városliget Cafe
Address: Olof Palme sétány 5., district XIV., City park (Városliget)
Opening hours: Mon-Sun: 12.00-22.00
Website
This charming cafe in the Budapest’s largest park, the City Park, serves fine coffee drinks prepared from freshly roasted coffee beans.
Try their signature drink the Liget Kávé: a perfect espresso topped with freshly whipped cream and Belgian chocolate flakes and with crunchy homemade biscuit.
You can also indulge in a slice of delicious Sacher cake, Eszterházy cake, or Morello Cherry strudel with vanilla ice cream.
They also serve seasonal daily menu of classic Austro-Hungarian dishes. Their specialty is the “Tányérhús” (tafelspitz), beef slowly cooked in broth.
Cake Shop
Address: József Attila utca 12., district V., close to Erzsébet tér in the city centre
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 8.00-20.00, Sat: 10.00-20.00, Sun: 10.00-18.00
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If you miss their stall at the Advent fair in front of the Basilica you can easily find them in the city centre near Erzsébet Square in József Attila utca.
You can’t miss the girls working with a bright red Kitchenaid behind the shop window overlooking the street, creating the most exquisite cakes, pastries, biscuits, macarons, and brownies in town. (Daubner, my other favourite cake shop, doesn’t count because it’s located at the end of the world).
Coffees, teas, Christmas specialties, savoury snacks are all available.
Stepping through the door you’ll encounter an enchanting shop dominated by the fragrant aroma or sugar, vanilla, chocolate, caramel and coffee.
Take a break and treat yourself to a slice of cake and a cup of hot coffee in this little gem of Budapest!
TIP: Other favourite coffee shops in town: Espresso Embassy – one of the first new wave coffee bars in Budapest is located in Arany J. utca (not far from Cake Shop). Expert, coffee fanatic baristas, high-quality, single origin coffees from various roasters (both local and international), great teas, pastries and cakes entice you to spend there an hour or two.
Related
Budapest Programs, Things to Do in November
October Events, Festival, Program Tips
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