Last Updated on 12 December 2025 by LizzyBP
Classical Concerts at Christmas & New Year’s Day
Classical Concerts at Christmas & New Year’s Day
A series of Christmas and New Year concerts, festive performances will be held in various venues in Budapest during the 2025/2026 Christmas-New Year holiday season.
From majestic performances within the sacred walls of the St. Stephen’s Basilica and the intimate acoustic spaces of historic churches, to the more modern concert halls of the Palace of Arts, Budapest brings music and tradition together in perfect harmony.
Nothing will put you in a joyous year-end holiday mood than a great concert in a sacred venue.
Budapest has quite a few lovely churches, elegant concert halls where a wide variety of concerts are held each year.
The choice of classical music performances is even greater during the festive season. Here’s a list of our favourite concerts around Christmas and New Year’s Eve/Day.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents – Christmas, New Year Concerts
🎶 Church Concerts in Budapest at Christmas & All December
As you can see the most popular churches – St. Stephen’s Basilica, Matthias Church in the Castle, St. Michael Church in Váci Street – will all have several musical performances over the whole month, including Christmas, and New Years. Advance bookong is highly recommended due to the increased popularity of church concerts in the holiday season.
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
💟 Inner City St. Anne Church, Szervita Square
This lovely Baroque church, built between 1725-33, right in the heart of the city on Szervita tér hosts festive concerts in the Advent period.
Located just steps from Váci Street, St. Anna Church provides an elegant yet understated setting for a truly memorable holiday performance in Budapest.
A less imposing, but a very charming place to meditate and pray or just relax by the melodies of classical church music.
I personally prefer smaller churches like the Inner City St. Anne on Szervita Sqr. to drop by in the Christmas season than the more popular, larger temples (Basilica or Matthias Church).
Address: Szervita tér 6., Bp 1052, district V., City Centre (View on Google Maps)
Open: Mon – Sat: 10.00 – 18.30, Sun: 8.30 – 18.30
Likely To Sell Out!
Concert dates:
- December 13, 20, 23, 27, 31
Concert Program:
- A. Vivaldi – The Four Seasons (Spring & Summer)
- J. Pachelbel – Canon & Gigue in D major
- W. A. Mozart – Requiem (Lacrimosa)
- J. S. Bach – Air on the G String
- F. Schubert – Ave Maria
- W. A. Mozart – Salzburg Symphony K136 Allegro – Divertimento
- L. van Beethoven – Symphony No. 5 (Allegro)
- G. F. Handel – Ombra mai fu from Xerxes
Performed by: Budapest Classic Orchestra, featuring a violin soloist and soprano vocalist
Tickets:
- Category A (Rows 1 – 5): 38 EUR
- Category B (Rows 6 – 14): 32 EUR
- Category C: (Rows: 15 – 20: 26 EUR
Choose the seating option that best suits your preferences and settle into a warm, festive atmosphere.
🎄 Advent Concerts in St. Stephen’s Basilica
Venue: St. Stephen’s Basilica, Szt. István tér, district V.
Nothing beats a church concert around Christmas time to help you get in the holiday mood and the city’s largest temple is perfect place for listening to classical music.
Enjoy this wonderful concert series and the stunning architecture of the Basilica.
💡 The plaza in front of the Basilica hosts the city’s second largest Christmas Market from mid-November till January 1st, 2026. It was voted Europe’s most beautiful Christmas Fair for 4 times in previous years. Take your time to have a look around the holiday whirl before your concert!
Organ Concerts on Thursday Evenings at 8 PM
Organ Concerts In The Basilica
Every Thursday at 20.00
Duration: 70 min
Price: From €38
Concert on the Grand Organ Wed: 10.00 AM
Basilica: Grand Organ Concert & Visitor Ticket
Every Wednesday at 10.00
Duration: 1 hour
Price: From €51
Organ Concert Series in the Basilica – Thursday Evenings at 20.00 / 8 PM
The program of the concert was adapted by Miklós Teleki.
Together with Virágh András, they belong to some of the best organ artists in Hungary.
The arias of the program are performed by Kolos Kováts, one of the most famous concert and oratorio singers in Hungary.
A flute piece performed by Eleonóra Krusic makes the concert.
Dates:
- December 2025: 18, 27, 30
- January 2026: 03
Tickets: 29 / 34 / 38 EUR depending on seat category, 25 / 31/ 36 EUR for students.
Program:
- J. S. Bach: Toccata Air
- G. F. Haendel: Oratorio Messiah – Rejoice
- T. Albinoni: Sonata di Chiesa
- G. F. Haendel: Xerxes – Largo
- A. Vivaldi: The four seasons – Largo from winter
- Ch. Gounod: Ave Maria
- C-M Widor: Toccata from the Organ Symphony No. 5 Op. 42 No. 1
- F. Liszt: Ave Maris Stella
- T. Albinoni: Adagio
- C. Franck: Panis Angelicus
- J. Massenet: Thais Meditation
- F. Schubert: Ave Maria
- W. A. Mozart: Alleluja from Exultant, Jubilate
👉 Find out about other organ concerts in Budapest!
Advent Chamber Music at the Inner City Franciscan Church
This Advent concert series between December 06 and 20 invites listeners to slow down and prepare for Christmas through the intimate language of chamber music.
Held in the serene setting of the Franciscan Church in the heart of Budapest, the three Saturday evening concerts explore the spiritual depth and expressive beauty of Baroque and Classical masterpieces.
From solo harpsichord works to refined chamber ensembles, the series offers a peaceful musical journey illuminated by the Advent message of hope, light, and quiet anticipation.
Here’s the Program:
Saturday, 6 December 2025, 17.00
Motto:
“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light” (Isaiah 9:1)
Event: Harpsichord Recital
Performer: Rebeka Wang – harpsichord
Program: Works by Merula, Cornet, Michelangelo Rossi, Luigi Rossi, Forqueray, and Duphly
(The driving energies of the 17th century and the French Baroque, presented in a youthful and fresh interpretation.)
Saturday, 13 December 2025, 17.00
Event: Flute and Piano Recital
Performers: Ágnes Fehérvári – flute, László Deák – piano
Program: Works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Friedrich Handel, and Joseph Haydn
(The festive clarity of Baroque and Classical masters — chamber music attuned to the soul.)
Saturday, 20 December 2025, 17.00
Event: Baroque Chamber Music Concert
Performers:
- Hajnalka Héty and Zsombor Németh – baroque violin
- Vera Balogh – baroque flute
- Estilla Geiger – baroque cello
- Mónika Kecskés – harpsichord
Program:
- Johann Sebastian Bach: French Overture, BWV 831
- Simon Simon: La “La Font”
- Johann Sebastian Bach: Trio Sonata from Das Musikalische Opfer, BWV 1079
(The Advent message of Baroque music: Emmanuel — God is with us!)
Venue: Franciscan Church of the Inner City of Budapest, St. Francis Hall: Ferenciek tere 9, Bp 1053, View on Google Maps
🎟️ Admission is free of charge.
Address: Ferenciek tere 9. (Belvárosi Ferences templom)
Concerts in St. Michael Church, Váci Street
Savor a remarkable classical music experience in one of the city’s most atmospheric baroque settings.
The lovely 17th-century St. Michael Church in downtown Budapest gives home to a series of organ concerts all year round, including December.
With its elegant architecture and carefully preserved historic details, the church provides an intimate backdrop for an evening of timeless music.
Performed by musicians of the Danube String Orchestra, these concerts feature some of the most cherished works in classical repertoire by composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Antonio Vivaldi, and their contemporaries.
You can select from several seating categories to suit your preferences and enjoy the performance in comfort.
Depending on the concert program, the evening may include selections from the following repertoires:
Vivaldi Highlights & Famous Sacred Works:
- J. Pachelbel – Canon
- A. Vivaldi – Gloria
- T. Albinoni – Adagio
- F. Schubert – Ave Maria
- W. A. Mozart – Church Sonata in D major, Ave Verum Corpus
- C. Saint-Saëns – The Swan
- W. A. Mozart – Alleluia
- A. Vivaldi – The Four Seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)
Organ Concert Selections
- J. S. Bach – Toccata and Air
- G. F. Handel – Messiah: Rejoice
- T. Albinoni – Sonata da Chiesa
- G. F. Handel – Xerxes: Largo
- A. Vivaldi – The Four Seasons: Largo (Winter)
- Ch. Gounod – Ave Maria
- C. M. Widor – Toccata from Organ Symphony No. 5
- F. Liszt – Ave Maris Stella
- C. Franck – Panis Angelicus
- J. Massenet – Thaïs: Meditation
- F. Schubert – Ave Maria
- W. A. Mozart – Alleluia from Exsultate, Jubilate
Venue: Inner City St. Michael Church in Váci Street, (Belvárosi Szt. Mihály templom, Váci utca 47/b., See on Google Maps).
Tickets:
- 54 – 64 EUR
Advent Concerts in St. Anne’s Church, Buda
During the Advent season, the Church of St. Anne in Buda (Felsővízivárosi Szent Anna Plébánia), located on Fő Street near Batthyány Square, becomes a peaceful cultural and spiritual retreat from the city’s holiday bustle.
Known for its beautiful baroque interior and excellent acoustics, the church regularly hosts free Advent concerts that are open to everyone.
Main Events:
Sunday, 14 December – Advent Concert by the Linz Bach Choir
This special performance by the internationally renowned choir from Linz offers a refined program of sacred choral music, creating a serene and uplifting Advent atmosphere.
🎟️ Free admission
Friday, 19 December – Advent Concert by the Telki Women’s Choir
A warm and intimate evening featuring traditional Advent and Christmas choral works, performed by one of Hungary’s well-known female vocal ensembles.
🎟️ Free admission
Advent Masses with Music:
In addition to formal concerts, Advent church services at St. Anne’s often include live musical accompaniment by singers, choirs, and instrumental groups. Some masses — especially youth services — feature guitar-based ensembles, offering a more contemporary and welcoming musical style.
Practical Tips:
- Arrive early, as free concerts tend to fill up quickly.
- Dress warmly in winter, as churches can be cool.
- Combine the concert with an evening walk along the Danube (you will have a perfect the view of the Parliament in Pest) or a visit to nearby Christmas markets.
📍 Address: Felsővízivárosi St. Anne Parish Church, Batthyány tér 7, district I. (M2 metro/red line), View on Google Maps
🎄 Christmas Concerts – Music Academy, Palace of Arts & Other Venues
Budapest has many cultural and concerts venues offering a a wide range of festive events in the Christmas / New Year season. Here are some recommended programs.
🎹 Christmas Concert in the Palace of Arts, December 17
Hungarian National Philharmonic – Holiday Performance
One week before Christmas, the Hungarian National Philharmonic invites music lovers to a deeply moving holiday concert featuring Hector Berlioz’s rarely performed oratorio L’enfance du Christ (The Childhood of Christ), Op. 25.
Composed between 1850 and 1854, this three-part oratorio explores a lesser-known chapter of the Nativity story: the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt.
Gentle, lyrical, and profoundly atmospheric, the work offers a contemplative alternative to traditional Christmas repertoire and makes for an especially meaningful seasonal experience.
The performance will be conducted by György Vashegyi, renowned for his dedication to French musical heritage. He leads the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hungarian National Choir (choirmaster: Csaba Somos), alongside an outstanding cast of international soloists:
- Cyrille Dubois – Le Récitant / Le Centurion
- Anna Dowsley – The Virgin Mary
- Lysandre Châlon – Joseph / Polydorus
- Thomas Dolié – Herod / The Father of the Family
Presented by the Hungarian National Philharmonic, this elegant and rarely heard masterpiece offers a beautiful and reflective musical gift in the days leading up to Christmas.
📅 Wednesday, 17 December 2025
🕢 19:30 – 22:00 (with one intermission)
📍 Béla Bartók National Concert Hall, Palace of Arts/MüPa Budapest, Komor Marcell u. 1, 1095 (See on Map)
🎼 Baroque Christmas at the Music Academy, December 18
Enjoy the rich sounds of 17th-century English Baroque this Christmas season in the elegant setting of the Zeneakadémia’s Grand Hall.
The Harmonia Caelestis Baroque Orchestra, led by keyboard artist Zsombor Tóth-Vajna, performs a carefully curated program of festive works by composers such as Purcell and Couperin, capturing the warmth and spirit of the holiday period through exquisite baroque music. (
This elegant concert brings together period instruments, superb soloists, and timeless repertoire for an atmospheric evening that’s perfect for visitors seeking a refined cultural experience in Budapest.)
📍 Venue: Music Academy / Zeneakadémia – Grand Hall (View on Google Maps)
📅 Date & Time: 18 December 2025, 19:30
🎟️ Tickets: Available online (various price levels)
A wonderful choice for classical music lovers looking to enjoy something unique and festive while in Budapest during the holidays.
🔔 The Nutcracker & Melodies’s of the Holiday – Music Academy, December 19, 2025
If you’re visiting Budapest right before Christmas, don’t miss this enchanting concert featuring the MÁV Symphony Orchestra and the Magnificat Girls’ Choir.
The evening brings to life the many faces of Christmas through timeless music from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite (including the magical Dance of the Snowflakes and Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy) to Hungarian folk-inspired carols and spiritual choral works.
You’ll also hear Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel Suite, filled with romantic, fairy-tale charm. Perfect for: Music lovers, families, and anyone seeking a festive, heartwarming evening in the city
Highlights include pieces by
- Corelli,
- Bach,
- Kodály,
- Rachmaninov, and
- Adolphe Adam’s beloved “O Holy Night”.
The concert captures both the grandeur and warmth of the season – a perfect way to experience Hungary’s musical soul during Christmas time.
Details:
- 📅 Date: December 19, Friday at 19.00
- 📍 Venue: Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Liszt Ferenc tér 8, Budapest 1061 (View on Google Maps)
Tickets are available online here.
Christmas Concert I – Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninoff , Music Academy, December 19, 2025
with Concerto Budapest
For a truly festive classical music experience holiday season, don’t miss Concerto Budapest’s Christmas Concert I at the Liszt Academy’s Grand Hall.
Under the direction of renowned conductor András Keller, this celebratory program blends some of Tchaikovsky’s most thrilling orchestral favorites with the monumental Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3, showcasing the extraordinary talents of pianist János Balázs.
The concert includes dramatic works like the 1812 Overture, the spirited Capriccio Italien, and beloved excerpts from The Nutcracker – making it the perfect mix of holiday spirit, virtuosic performance, and rich Romantic sound.
📍 Venue: Liszt Academy / Zeneakadémia – Grand Hall
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, 20 December 2025 at 15:00
🎶 Presented by: Concerto Budapest
🎍 A Festive Open-Air Concert in Hunyadi Square to Get You in the Holiday Spirit, December 20, 2025
If you’re visiting Budapest during the Christmas season and looking for an authentic local experience, this charming open-air concert is a wonderful choice.
Set in the lively yet intimate surroundings of Hunyadi Square, – just off Andrássy Avenue – the event offers a short but uplifting musical escape that gently sets the mood for the holidays.
The concert features the Youth Chamber Choir of the Tóth Aladár Music School, joined by their teachers. The program blends classical choral works with lighter, soul-warming melodies, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a winter evening stroll.
The performance is conducted by Anna Kiss, and best of all, admission is free, making it an easy and enjoyable addition to any Christmas itinerary in Budapest.
📍 Location: Hunyadi Square (View on Google Maps)
Date: December 20, Saturday, at 11.00
🎫 Admission: Free
A lovely way to slow down, enjoy live music, and experience Budapest’s local cultural scene during the festive season.
🎷 Jazzy Christmas – A Cappella Night in, ISON, December 20
Join Capella Silentium for a magical Christmas a cappella concert with a jazzy twist! Every piece has been newly arranged by the brilliant Hungarian composer – vocalist Kayamar, guaranteeing fresh harmonies, playful rhythms, and heart-warming festive vibes.
Alongside beloved Christmas classics, expect a few surprises too — The Grinch, Frosty the Snowman, and even a whimsical tale “from the center of the world” make special appearances.
This is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit while discovering one of Hungary’s most exciting vocal ensembles.
☕ Bonus for Early Arrivals
The ISON specialty café and bar opens one hour before the concert, offering handcrafted drinks and fresh pastries – a perfect warm-up for a festive evening.
Tickets:
- 2 000 HUF
📍 Location: ISON – 1074 Budapest, Hársfa utca 25 (View on Google Maps)
📅 Date & Time: December 20, 2025 (Saturday) at 18:00
🌟 New Year Concerts at Various Venues
Concert of the 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra
Date & Time: 30. December 2020., at 18.00
The famous gypsy orchestra performs a festive concert titled Wine and Music in Budapest Congress and World Trade Centre. A perfect program to say good bye to 2018 and welcome the New Year.
Classical pieces by well-known composers, wine tasting and folk dance show followed by a gala dinner ensure an unforgettable evening.
Tickets: from 45 EUR.
See reservation.
TIP: see also the New Year’s Day Concerts in Budapest.
Basilica – New Year Gala Concert on January 2nd, 2026
Date & Time: January 02, Friday at 20.00
Tickets: 1. category: 28 EUR, 2. category: 24 EUR, 3. category: 18 EUR
Program of the Concert:
Performers: András Virágh & András Gábor Virágh – organ, Ildikó Szakács – soprano, Zsuzsanna Gion – mezzo-soprano, László Borsódy -trumpet
Program:
- Charpentier Te Deum – trumpet
- T. Albinoni Adagio
- Ch. Gounod Ave Maria
- J. S. Bach Toccata, Air and Fugue in D Minor – big organ
- W. A. Mozart Alleluja
- G. F. Händel Water music – trumpet
- M. Reger Mariä Wiegenlied
- Liszt Ferenc Hosannah
- A. Vivaldi: Gloria – Duett
- H. Purcell Trumpet voluntary – trumpet
- P. Mascagni Ave Maria
- Hark! The Herald Angels sing
- Ch. M. Widor Toccata from 5th Organ Symphonie – big organ
👉 Find out more about the program on the organiser’s website.
👉 See also our hand-picked December Events and Programs in Budapest.
Past Events
Advent Gospel Concert at Pesti Vigadó, Nov 30, 2025
The Lumen Christi Gospel Choir will fill the grand halls of Pesti Vigadó with uplifting rhythms and soulful harmonies on November 30, the first Advent Sunday in 2025
The evening’s program features beloved songs from the
- Sister Act,
- Traditional spirituals,
- Award-winning gospel hits, and the
- Special repertoire the choir performed at an international competition in Denmark.
Under the direction of Lajos Gergó, the Lumen Christi Gospel Choir promises an unforgettable musical celebration to open the Advent season with energy, faith, and joy.
Practical Info:
- 📅 Date: November 30, 2025 – 18:00 / 6 PM
- 📍 Venue: Pesti Vigadó – Ceremonial Hall (2nd Floor), Vigadó tér 2, Bp 1051 (View on Google Maps)
- Tickets: 5 500 HUF, 7 500 HUF, available through the Pesti Vigadó’s website.
Related:
Christmas Markets in and out of Budapest City Centre – Christmas Programs & Hungarian Traditions – Classical Concerts in Danube Palace/Pesti Vigadó – Cultural Centres, Theatres, Exhibition Halls – Budapest Opera House
