Last Updated on 3 January 2026 by LizzyBP
Programs & Things to Do Recommendations
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 usually cold with average monthly temperature around 2 deg. Celsius/35 Fahrenheit, a range of
- Winter festivals and Christmas fairs,
- Concerts and other activities take place at various spots in the city enticing everyone to brave the unpleasant December weather.
Table of Contents – Budapest In December
Besides Christmas, children are expecting the visit of Santa on St. Nicholas day, 06. December.
Joulupukki, the real Santa comes to Hungary from Finnland for a week. He can be spotted at various places in Budapest, including Vörösmarty tér.
December ends with awesome New Year parties at various venues:
- In the streets,
- On the Danube,
- In bars and clubs, and
- Hotels.
We Recommend: đ Cruise on a Historic Paddle Boat
â Weather In Budapest In December – What to Pack?
- 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 previous years 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 comfortable winter boots/shoes (water proof, if possible) can also go on your packing list
đĄ TIP: There are plenty of indoor activities you can do, away from the cold and wind. See recommendations below! đ We also have a full post dedicated to Rainy day Thingst to do in Budapest!
đ New Year’s Eve Programs
A sightseeing tour on the Danube with dinner or drinks is the best and most comfortable way to see the world-renowned attractions of the city.
You’ll be on a warm, spacious ship protected from the biting wind and cold. Have just drinks (cocktail/wines/carft beer) or enjoy a pleasant dinner while cruising the river and admiring the many sights on the embankments.
đ Christmas Fairs and Other Events in December
Christmas Fair At Vörösmarty Square
Location:
- Vörösmarty tér, Downtown Budapest (On Map)
Date:
- November 15. – December 31 2025
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11.00 – 21.00
- Friday – saturday: 11.00 – 22.00
- Sunday: 11.00 – 21.00
- 24. December: 10.00 – 14.00
- 25 – 26. December: 12.00 – 18.00
- 29 – 30 December: 11.00 – 22.00
- 31. December/NYE: 11.00 – 03.00 AM
December is all about Christmas and after that, the approaching New Year.
Budapest is home to one of the most charming Christmas markets in Europe that takes place on Vörösmarty Square in the city centre.
It is easily accessible by public transport from anywhere in the city
- M1 underground (yellow line) at Vörösmarty tér,
- M1, M2, M3 metro lines at Deåk tér station,
- Tram 2, 2B on the Pest side of the Danube: get off at Vigadó tér stop).
Quality, Handmade Gifts At The Vörösmarty Xmas Market
Highlights:
The market is a great source for 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 between 15.00-16.00, children activities and playhouse (weekdays: 14.00-18.00, weekends: 10.00-13.00 and 16.00-19.00) are permanent programs each year.
Drawbacks:
- A bit crowdy and touristy,
- Prices have gone up considerably in the last couple of years
đ Advent Festival & Fair at Szent IstvĂĄn Square, Basilica
Location:
- In front of St. Stephen’s Basilica and in ZrĂnyi Street (On Map)
Date:
- November 14, 2025 – January 01, 2026
Opening Hours:
- Monday – Sunday: 10.00 – 22:00,
- December 24.: 10:00 – 14:00,
- December 25. & 26.:10.00 – 18.00
- December 31.: 10:00 – 03:00 am
- January 01.: 10.00 – 18.00
The Christmas Market and Advent Festival at Szt. IstvĂĄn Sqaure 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 (200 sqm).
Lovely wooden cottages offer various local craft products, handmade Christmas bonbons, mulled wine and other drinks, and quality street food from lĂĄngos to gourmet burgers.
You can sip spiced winter drinks in the heated hĂŒtte, while watching a spectacular light mapping show on the facade of the Basilica (every 30 minues after sunset).
See exact programs on the official website of the event.
đ Find out more details about the Advent & Christmas Fair At The Basilica!
â» Green Xmas Market, KlauzĂĄl Square, Nov 30, Dec 07 & 14 2025
Budapest’s KlauzĂĄl Market Hall hosts one of the largest and most charming indoor Christmas markets!
Discover a treasure trove of beautiful gifts, unique handcrafted treasures, one-of-a-kind designs, recycled creative products, natural cosmetics, soaps, jewelry, clothing, bags, fashion accessories, DIY and vintage-style home decor, and artisanal gourmet products… truly high-quality gems!
Get into the Christmas spirit, unwind, create, browse, shop, and FEEL GOOD during the 3 Advent Sundays before Christmas!
In addition to the market, there will be exciting family programs for both young and old!
Location, Getting there:
- AkĂĄcfa utca 42-48, Bp 1072 (View On Map)
- Trams 4, 6: WesselĂ©nyi utca-ErzsĂ©bet körĂșt stop, cc. 5-min walk from there (400 m)
Opening Hours:
- December 08, 15, 22: 10.00 – 18.00
đĄ TIP: Check out other Christmas markets in Budapest and see also a list of hotels closest to the Vörösmarty Square Holiday Fair!
đ The Ultimate Holiday Shopping Party: Lepopup Christmas Market, Dec 13, 2025
Time Out Market Budapest – the recently opened gastro venue in the Corvin Palace- will host Budapest’s biggest holiday shopping event!
Lepopup Budapest is transforming the culinary centre into a spectacular Christmas haven for one day only.
If you dop by on Saturday, December 13th (12:00 – 22:00) you ‘ll find a full day of festive cheer, cool beats, and incredible local Hungarian brands.
Browse unique gifts from over 25 talented local creators – from jewelry and art to skincare and fashion -while treating yourself to gourmet bites from the city’s finest food vendors.
The atmosphere will be buzzing with live DJ sets from Eszter TĂŒcsök and a surprise DJ throughout the day!
Skip the crowded malls and find one-of-a-kind treasures in this exciting new venue of the city.
đĄ TIP: Interested in similar boutique events? Browse our list of the best small Xmas markets and pop-up holiday fairs in Budapest!
đ Christmas Tree at the Parliament
As a tradition the country’s official Christmas tree stands in front of the Parliament building on Kossuth Square.
This year it’s a 45-years old magnificent silver fir of 20 m height and with 50 m diameter.
The tree weighs approx. 5 tons. A 30 kg golden star ornament sits on its tip.
A wooden Nativity Scene stands right next to it.
The Christmas tree and the special seasonal lighting will adorn the square till 06. January/Epiphany.
đą Festive River Cruises With Dinner/Drinks
Here are some wonderful programs with dinner in Budapest on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Christmas Cruise with Buffet Dinner Unlimited drinks
December 25 & 26
Duration: 120min. â Price: âŹ89
Budapest: St. Stephen’s Basilica Tour with Music Performance
December 20,22-25,27-31
Duration: 90 min. â Price: âŹ55
Budapest: Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink
December 20-23, 25-31
Duration: 60 Minutes â Price From: âŹ17
đĄ TIP: Read also our post about What to Do on Christmas Eve in Budapest? Browse also our Christmas in Budapest page to see how Hungarian prepare for the holiday!
Folk Dance Evenings – Hungarian Gastro Cellar, Dec 27
A great indoor program in the heart of Budapest, even at Christmas on December 26. Relax by a glass of drink and enjoy a 2 x 30 minute dazzling folk dance show in a spacious pub cellar.
Dates in Deecmber 2025: 05, 12, 19, 21 26 and 28 – Secure your place in time! đ More details and a review of our experience of the Folk Evening in the Hungarian GastroCellar…
Hungarian Folklore Night at Gastro Cellar
The Folk Show is organized in the spacious Hungarian Gastro Cellar, located in the heart of the city center.
Performance starts at 19:00 and consists of two 30-minute sessions with a break in between.
Includes: Welcome Drink
Program Starts: 19.00
Durations : 2.5 Hours
Price: From âŹ19
Magic Grove – Advent/New Year Fair in City Park, Dec 06 – Jan 01 ’25
Venue:
- City Park/VĂĄrosliget (next to Heroes’ Square)
Opening Hours – December 06 – January 01:
- Mon – Thurs: 11.00 – 19.00
- Fri – Sun: 10.00 – 19.00
Christmas-New Year Opening Hours:
- December 24/Christmas Eve: 10.00 – 14.00
- December 25 – 26: 10.00 – 19.00
- December 31: 10.00 – 19.00
- January 01, 2025/New Year’s Day: 11.00 – 19.00
The city’s largest park, VĂĄrosliget, or just Liget, hosts a holiday fair with food and drinks, as well as family programs till 12. January 2020.
On 31. December you can join the crowd to carouse and say good bye to 2025 on a rockân’roll street party.
Advent in Ăbuda, November 28 – December 23, 2025
Tasty local food offering authentic Hungarian dishes like stuffed cabbage, Fishermen’s soup, veal paprikash, roast goose, strudel, oven-baked bread, as well as fragrant winter drinks) welcome everyone in the centre of Ăbuda in the Advent period.
Location:
- Ăbuda-Main Square (FĆ tĂ©r) and SzentlĂ©lek tĂ©r district III. (View On Map)
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 Ăbuda as well as the SzentlĂ©lek tĂ©r, a 2 minute walk from Main Sqr., turn into a wonderful Christmas venue each year.
- A tall Christmas tree,
- Craft fair,
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.
Find out more about the Advent Festival in Ăbuda!
Advent Weekends in VĂĄrkert Bazaar
Dates:
- on Sundays: 01, 08, 15, 22 December
Address:
- Ybl Miklós tér 2-6., district I., Buda
Getting there:
- Bus No. 16. or No. 105 (you can get on at Deåk F. Sqr. in Pest centre, or at Széchenyi tér at the ChainBridge, get off at Clark Adam tér, then a few minutes walk)
Entry: free to most programs, theatre performances can be attended with tickets (cc. 2 900 HUF)
The finely restored historic building complex, VĂĄrkert Bazaar & Royal Gardens at the southern foot of the Castle Hill host a series of programs on Sundays preceding Christmas, between 27. November and 24. December.
Families with kids can choose from lots of things to do:
- craft workshops,
- playhouse,
- interactive performances.
Concerts, folk performances and a wonderful festive atmosphere await everyone at one of Budapest’s top landmarks.
For example you can watch a high quality recording of the Nutcracker – a favorite in the Advent season – performed by the Royal Ballet. It will be shown in the Guard’s Palace on two days: December 14 and 20 at 11.00 and 18.00 on both days.
Each Sunday, at 18.30 a candle will light up on the festive Advent wreath – located in the Event Hall – marking the approach of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
Find out more about the programs.
New Year’s Eve Programs – December 31, 2025
Budapest is the perfect place to be on the last days of 2025 since people will say farewell to the old year at countless locations.
Popular New Year’s Eve programs include:
- Street carnivals, and
- Interactive performances.
- Parties in bars and clubs
đ New Year’s Eve Party on the Danube with Dinner & Open Bar or Cocktails
Here are three amazing programs for New Year’s Eve in Budapest. If you want to welcome 2025 properly then any of the events listed below is a great choice.
Places are limited, so make sure you secure your place in time!
đ See our selection of New Year’s Eve Party Cruises with Dinner/Drinks!
đĄ TIP: See alo our list of Budapest Restaurants that are open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
đ Find more New Year Programs in Budapest!
Sightseeing & Other Things To Do in Budapest 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 and avoid walking if the weather is unpleasant.
âš Lumina Park – Magic World, Margaret Island
Lumina Park, one of Budapestâs favorite winter attractions, opens its gates to once again light up the cool, dark evenings with dazzling displays.
It’s an open-air light and art exhibition located on the premises of the Palatinus Bath on Margaret Island: a trail of spectacular installations created by artists and designers from across Europe.
Each yearâs theme changes, bringing new characters, illuminated scenes, and interactive features. Think of it as a walk-through fairytale made of light.
This yearâs theme, “Magic World”, invites you on an enchanting journey through spectacular landscapes and fairy-tale realms at the Palatinus Bath, from October 22 all the way until the beginning of spring.
Expect thousands of twinkling LEDs, playful music, and photo-worthy moments around every corner. It takes cc. 1 -1.5 hours to walk through the park.
Practical Info:
- đ Location: Margaret Island (Margitsziget), central Budapest – easy to reach by tram 4/6 or bus 26.
- đ Opening Dates: October 22, 2025 – March 2026
- đ Opening Hours: Closed on Mondays, Tuesday – Friday: Typically 16.30 – 21.00, on weekends till 22.00 PM (last entry around 21.00)
đïž Tickets:
Available online and at the gate.
- Standard: Mon – Thurs, Weekend/holiday tickets, Fri – Sun: 4 900 – 5 200 HUF
- Discount (students up to 26 yrs, seniors): Mon – Thurs: 4 200, Weekend/holiday tickets, Fri – Sun: 4 600 HUF
- Free for children under 2 yrs.
- Children (ages 3â14): 3 000 HUF
Family and student discounts are available.
â Food & Drinks: Small food stalls offer mulled wine, hot chocolate, and snacks, perfect for chilly evenings.
đ Buy Your Lumina Park Ticket Online:
Budapest: Lumina Park Entry Ticket
Step into a magical world at Lumina Park in Budapest, where enchanting lights and stunning installations await. Wander through the snowy landscapes of Narnia, come face-to-face with King Kong, or embark on an interstellar journey inspired by 2001: A Space Odyssey…
Opening Hours:
From 22th of October – Every Day from 17:00
Closed: december 3, 24
Last admission: 20:00
Meeting point Palatinus Bath
Budapest, Margaret Island SoĂł RezsĆ sĂ©tĂĄny 1.
Price: From âŹ18
đ Christmas Trams – 6 Lines Including Trams 2, Dec 01 ’24 – Jan 03 ’25
Each year some of the tram lines, one is tram 2 along the Danube bank in Pest, are decked out in festive lights welcoming the approach of Christmas and the New Year.
The 3500 m long string has 39 500 blue and white LED lights. The interior of the vehicle is also decorated in holiday theme.
You can travel on these special trams with regular public transport tickets (a single ticket costs 450 HUF) or the Budapest Card (entitles the holder to free use of all public transportation).
Schedule: the festive trams run every day after 17.00 till late evening between 01. December – 06. January ( exc. 24 Dec and 31. Dec).
đĄ Christmas Tram 2 Route: KözvĂĄgĂłhĂd – MĂŒpa/National Theatre – BorĂĄros tĂ©r – Zsil utca – FĆvĂĄm tĂ©r/Great Market Hall – MĂĄrcius 15- Square – VigadĂł tĂ©r – Eötvös tĂ©r – SzĂ©chenyi tĂ©r/Chain bridge – Kossuth Square – Parliament/Visitor Centre – JĂĄszai Mari tĂ©r: 01. December 2025 – 03. January 2026 (except for 24. and 31. December when the Christmas trams don’t run):
See more photos about the Christmas Trams of Budapest.
đŒ Concerts, Cultural Entertainment In Budapest In December
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 & Melodiesâs of the Holiday – Music Academy, December 19, 2025
Experience the grandeur of the approaching holiday with “The Nutcracker & Melodies of Christmas” concert.
Featuring the MĂV Symphony Orchestra and the Magnificat Girlsâ Choir in the magnificent Grand Hall of the Franz Liszt Academy of Music, this performance captures the festive soul of the season.
The program ranges from the
- Magical tunes of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and
- Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel Suite to
- Hungarian carols and beloved classics like
- Adolphe Adam’s “O Holy Night.”
This heartwarming evening is perfect for music lovers and families visiting the city!
Details:
- đ Date: December 19, 2025, at 19:00
- đ Venue: Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Liszt Ferenc tĂ©r 8, Bp 1061 (View on Google Maps)
đŒ Church Concerts In December
Budapest has numerous beautiful churches, many of them hosting music performances in the evenings.
A wonderful program to leave the crazyness of the holiday shopping behind and getting your mind calm down and focusing inside.
đ Choose Any of the Following Concerts for a Relaxing Winter Evening in Budapest:
01, 05, 08, 12, 15, 19, 29 – DEC 2025
02, 09, 14, 21, 23, 28 – DEC 2025
03, 06, 07, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 25, 27, 31 – DEC 2025
Christmas Concert in the Basilica, December 08, 2025
The English Choir of the St. Stephen’s Basilica gives a Christmas and anniversary concert on December 08, Sunday at 14.30.
Attendace is FREE.
đ See dates of other concerts in Budapest’s St. Stephen Basilica
Franciscan Church (Ferenciek tere)- Advent Concerts, Dec 14 & 22, 2025
This historic downtown Baroque temple offers two free Chamber Concerts on two Saturdays in the Advent period.
Rejoice! – Advent Chamber Concert
- December 14, Saturday, 19.30
Program:
- G. Ph. Telemann a-moll triĂłszonĂĄta, Twv42:a4
- Christoph Schaffrath: C-dĂșr szonĂĄta, SWV F1
- J.S. Bach: E-dĂșr szonĂĄta, BWV 1016
- G.Ph. Telemann: d-moll szonĂĄta TWV 41:d4
- J.S. Bach: Capriccio, BWV 992
- J.S. Bach: G-dĂșr triĂłszonĂĄta BWV 1038
Remember Us, Lord! Christmas Concert
- December 21, Saturday, 19.30
Program:
- G. Ph. Telemann a-moll triĂłszonĂĄta, Twv42:a4
- Michelangelo Rossi: Rorate coeli
- G. Ph. Telemann: Hemmet den Eifer,v erbannet die Rache, TWV 1:730
- Gaudentius Dettelbach OFM: Motetto Pastorello
- Giovanni Matteo Asola: Gaudete
- G. Ph. Telemann: Vor des lichten Tages Schein, TWV 1:1483
- Tarquinio Merula: Hodie nobis de coelo
- Alessandro Scarlatti: Ad te Domine, levavi
- D. Buxtehude: In dulci iubilo, BuxWV 52
Address:
- Inner-City Franciscan Church, Ferenciek tere 9, Bp 1053 (View on Google Maps)
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 AndrĂĄssy Ășt one of the best-known works of architect MiklĂłs Ybl.
đ See the program of the Opera in December and tickets.
đĄ TIP: A special Nutcracker Festival is usually held in front of the Opera with a small craft fair, traditional Christmas delights: Sekler cake, roast chestnut, mulled wine. Date: TBA
đ» Music & Wine Gala Concert of the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra
Date:
- December 30, 2025, 18.00
Venue:
- Budapest Congress Center, address: JagellĂł Ășt 1-3, Bp., 1123, district XII. (See on Google Maps)
Tickets: from 42 EUR
A New Year Gala Concert of the 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra is a fabulous program to say farewell to the old year.
The 2-part concert of the famous orchestra includes a unique interpretation of 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.
đĄ TIP: See more Chistmas & New Year Concerts in Budapest in December 2025!
đš Museum Exhibitions in December
Here are our top picks if you’d love to visit some of the city’s museums and art exhibitions.
3. Golden Duck Gallery
đ Location: RĂĄday Street, (1092 Budapest, RĂĄday u. 31/a), in a lively area full of restaurants, cafes, and quirky shops
Tucked away on RĂĄday Street, one of Budapestâs most charming cultural streets, Golden Duck Gallery is a cozy, contemporary art space where you can discover fresh, modern works by emerging and international artists.
Itâs not a huge museum – rather, it feels like stepping into an artistâs creative world. The exhibitions often change, featuring
- Paintings,
- Sculptures, and
- Mixed-media art that reflect Budapestâs lively, international art scene.
ChristmARTâ2 Exhibition
đ Dates: November 11, 2025 – January 10, 2026. Grand opening on November 14 at 18:00.
Golden Duck Art Galllety will run a festive-season show, celebrating the holiday mood through art. You can experience a special blend of the Christmas spirit and contemporary artistic expression.
â Why Itâs a Good Stop on Your Trip
- Because it spans mid-November to early January, youâll enjoy a holiday-season atmosphere.
- It offers a more relaxed alternative to the larger museums: less pressure, smaller scale, and you can drop in for an hour or so while exploring the city.
- Itâs centrally located, easy to combine with other sightseeing.
- The festive timing means itâs in tune with the seasonal mood of Budapest in late year – lights, decorations, early winter vibe.
- Even if youâre not buying art, itâs fun to browse, soak up the ambience, maybe pick up a small print or souvenir.
đĄ TIP: The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, so even if youâre not a serious art collector, itâs a lovely stop during your city stroll. After your visit, you can grab coffee or a glass of wine at one of the nearby cafĂ©s or bars – the street is full of local charm.
đ Good to know:
- Entry is usually free or low-cost
- Easy to combine with other sights near Kalvin Square
- Great for a 1-hour cultural stop between sightseeing and dining
Cafe TIP of the Month
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 – Top Winter Activities & Programs – January Events
