Find out what’s happening in Budapest this December. Christmas markets, concerts, swaps, charity events, activities for kids. Enjoy!
1. Basilica Christmas Fair
2. Santa Claus Factory 2024
3. Santa Claus 2024
4. Újbuda Christmas Market
5. Winter donation clothes exchange
6. Friss Hús party
7. Vintage fair
8. Kids Turbina Christmas
9. SHUK SHUK Design Fair
10. Chez Dodo
From 15 November to 1 January, the Christmas market in front of St Stephen’s Basilica will offer a magical Advent atmosphere. The highlight of the event will be the evening light painting on the façade of the Basilica, as well as delicious food, mulled wine and handicrafts. Children and adults alike will enjoy the festive market and the ice rink.
The Santa’s Garden will be open again this year from 29 November to 21 December to help families in need this festive season. The fundraising event aims to bring durable food, cleaning products and toys to those who need it most. People can drop off their donations at several locations, including the main venue, Millenáris in Budapest. Volunteers can also join in at the Santa’s Village to assist with the packing and sorting of donations. Do a good deed and help more families have a better Christmas!
On 1 December, Santa Claus Factory will welcome a special guest: the Finnish Santa Claus, Joulupukki himself! Children and families can meet the fabulous Santa Claus from Lapland, listen to Christmas stories and take part in exciting festive activities. Don’t miss the chance to meet the real Santa Claus in person and experience the magic of Christmas!
The Újbuda Christmas Fair will again offer a festive atmosphere between 6 and 24 December at the Allee promenade. Handicrafts, mulled wine and delicious Christmas delicacies will be accompanied by exciting programmes and activities for children. Visit us and immerse yourself in the magical festive whirl in the heart of Újbuda!
This winter, Aurora will continue to focus on fundraising, so on the second of December, the organisers are preparing a winter fundraising tournament. As the nights are getting colder, it is especially important to give more attention to our homeless fellow human beings. So, with every cup of tea you buy in Aurora until 15 December, you can support the work of the Street to Home Association.
Join the Friss Hús party on 6 December at Easy art space and celebrate with Hungarian filmmakers. The reason for the party is that Hungarian films and filmmakers are one step closer to the Oscars®, as the Friss Hús Budapest International Short Film Festival is the first Hungarian festival to be included in the list of Oscar®-qualifying festivals. And this evening, Friss Hús DJs, known and unknown, will be waiting for the dancers, while the Easy art space will be offering great drinks for thirsty guests.
On Sunday 8 December, you can once again get your hands on the coolest vintage pieces at Eight and a Half. If you’re a sustainability enthusiast and want to give your loved ones something special for Christmas this year, this is the place to be, because you can find a million different things in one place. It’s worth getting inspired by the different treasures on offer and see what you can find, you might just find the picture frame or vase of your dreams here. And on this occasion, there are special festive surprises in store!
This December, the organisers of the Turbina will once again be hosting a fun family afternoon on 15 December. If you like to get in the mood for the festive season, or if you like to take part in activities with children, this is the place for you! For the little ones, the organisers are preparing an afternoon full of fun with a concert by Vilmos Gryllus, gingerbread decorating, candle making, batik making and many other fun activities.
On 14 December, the SHUK SHUK Design Fair will take place at K11, this time with a Christmas theme, where talented local designers will showcase their unique handmade creations. The event is an ideal opportunity to discover the latest trends, whether in fashion, home decor or jewellery. In an inspiring environment, the fair offers you the chance to meet the designers in person and buy special pieces directly from them. Visit SHUK SHUK Design Fair and immerse yourself in the world of contemporary design!
If you’re looking for a real French experience in the heart of Budapest, you should visit Chez Dodo macaron bar, right next door to the Basilica. Apart from the fantastic location of this little pastry shop, it’s the colourful macarons that draw the passers-by in. Dóri Szalai, the pastry chef, has made a pilgrimage all the way to Paris to develop the most perfect macarons for her and her guests. It’s no exaggeration to say that you can probably taste some of the best and most creative macarons in the country at Dóri’s. The colourful desserts are as delicious as they are beautiful, so it can be hard to choose which one to sample at a moment’s notice. Popular favourites include mango and passion fruit coconut, rose and strawberry, and walnut and plum. If you’re not a big macaron fan, don’t despair, as there are plenty of other flavours to be found behind the counter. It’s also worth trying the different sponge cake slices and minions, or you can sip a delicious coffee with a homemade biscuit.
Photo: adamhliva
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