What to do and see in Budapest in December ?
Discover the numerous events and activities we have selected for your visit to Budapest in December.
This calendar is updated as soon as new events are announced for Budapest in December.
Budapest Christmas Markets in December
Budapest becomes fairy in December with its many Christmas markets in the city center. This is the unique opportunity to discover the city, its architecture and immerse yourself in this warm and festive atmosphere. We have listed the main Christmas markets of Budapest in December 2023 such as those of Vörösmarty Square and the St Stephen Basilica: find them in our special article on ‘the best Christmas markets of Budapest‘ on this link and also discover our article ‘What to eat at the Christmas markets of Budapest?’ on this link.
Concerts St. Stephan Basilica – every Sunday and Tuesday
In the center of Pest enjoy an organ or a string concert in St. Stephen’s Basilica, one of the most beautiful neo-classical buildings in Budapest. Take your pick from 3 concerts, each with 4 seating classes, to tailor your experience to your taste and budget.
Duration: about 70 minutes. Information on Classical Music Concerts in St Stephen’s Basilica
and tickets – click here
Address: ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA, Szent István ter 1, 5th district, Pest – map –
MATTHIAS CHURCH CONCERT – Budapest in december
every Friday
The beautiful Matthias Church in Buda’s Old Town holds classical music concerts several times a month with the Budapest Duna String Orchestra. Spend an evening in this unique venue and enjoy a magical classical concert performed by the Duna String Orchestra and violin soloist Gabora Gyula. Concert every Friday at 7pm:
Information about Matthias Church Concerts and tickets – click here
Address: Matthias Church, Szentháromság tér 2, 1st district, Buda – map –
Budapest skating rink in december
From mid-November until the end of February, come and discover the ‘Városliget’ ice rink, the largest outdoor of its kind in Europe, located on the edge of the ‘City Wood’, the largest green space in the Hungarian capital with a magnificent view of Vajdahunyad Castle! You can rent skates and after this unique experience enjoy good hot chocolate on the terrace.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9h00 to 13h00 and from 17h00 to 21h00; Saturday and Sunday from 09h00 to 13h00 and 16h00 to 21h00 (until 20h00 on Sunday). Price: ≈ 6 € entry on weekdays until noon Friday; on weekends ≈ 8,5 €. Skate rental: 3≈ 7,5 € – Website.
Address: Városliget ice rink, Olof Palme sétány. 5, 14th district. – Map –
Concerts at Saint-Michael’s Church – VIVALDI’s 4 SEASONS 2,6,9,13,16,18,23,27 and 30 December
Enjoy an evening of classical music in Budapest’s city centre with a concert of Antonio Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons by the Danube String Orchestra at St. Michael’s Church. Performances at 7.00 pm lasting around 70 minutes. Choose from 3 seating categories to tailor your experience to your needs and budget:
Information Concert Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons and Tickets – click here
Exhibition ‘Renoir – The painter and his models’ until 7 January 2024
The Budapest Museum of Fine Arts, in collaboration with the Musée d’Orsay in Parisand the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, is organising a unique exhibition on the work of Pierre-Auguste Renoir. Renoir is considered to be one of the most famous Impressionist painters, whose rich and varied oeuvre spans six decades, from the early 1860s until his death in 1919.
This exhibition is both chronological and thematic, exploring Renoir’s relationship with the models who inspired his art, through paintings, graphic works and sculptures.
Address: Museum of Fine Arts, Dózsa György út 41, XIVth district, Pest – website.
Open hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays.
National Opera in Budapest – December 2023
After more than 4 years of renovation, the Hungarian National Opera reopened its doors in 2022! With a capacity of 1200 seats, the National Opera of Budapest inaugurated in 1884 is an iconic place of the Hungarian capital. Discover its architectural beauty and the quality of its representations for an unique evening!
Information about the Budapest Opera, programs and tickets – click here
Budapest Opera House Guided Tour
Discover the second largest stage in Europe on this guided tour of the Hungarian State Opera House, a must-see on your trip to Budapest!
A tour of the Opera House of about 60 minutes starts daily at 13.30, 15.00 and 16.30 in English, including a 10mn concert! Booking at least 1 week in advance strongly recommended.
Information Opera House Guided Tour
and booking – click here
New Year Concert of the 100 Gypsy Violins Orchestra on December 30, 2023.
The 100 Gypsy Violins Orchestra performs a gala concert at the Budapest Congress Center. On Saturday December 30, 2023, a two-part concert will be held, as well as folk dances, a wine tasting and a gala dinner (depending on the category of ticket chosen). Created in 1985, the Gypsy Symphony Orchestra of Budapest renders with virtuosity the soul of the Gypsy people. This orchestra presents a twirling program that combines the tradition of the Hungarian Gypsy violin with works by Khachaturian, Brahms, Strauss, Bizet. The works are performed without score by 100 gypsy musicians, including a majority of violins but also cellos, double basses, cymbals and clarinets.
Information Concert 100 Gypsy Violins Orchestra and tickets – click here
Address: Budapest Congress Center, Jagelló u. 1-3. XIIth district, Buda – map –
Budapest Cruises on the Danube River
Discover Budapest with a cruise on the Danube (45mn-1h), day and night, to admire Buda Castle, Matthias Church, the Hungarian Parliament, the Citadel, the Hotel Gellért,…:
For Cruise information in Budapest – click here
You also have the opportunity to dine during your cruise while admiring Budapest by night!
Enjoy a two and a half hour cruise on the Danube accompanied by a four-course dinner and the musical performance of local Hungarian artists:
For information and booking a dinner cruise – click here
CONCERTS AT LISZT ACADEMY OF MUSIC
December 18
The Liszt Academy of Music is a jewel for its unique architecture and classical concerts. Located in the center of Pest on the Liszt Ferenc Square, it is one of our favorites and a unique experience even if you are not a music lover. (Tickets from 15 euros):
For Concert information and Tickets – click here
Address: Liszt Academy of Music, Liszt Ferenc ter 8, 6th district, Pest – plan –
Discover the beautiful Budapest Academy of Music in video on this link.
EXHIBITION ‘ILLUSION OF TIME’ – RUTH ORKIN
Until 14 January 2024, the Mai Manó House of Photography is hosting the exhibition ‘The Illusion of Time’ by Ruth Orkin (1921-1985), one of the finest photographers of her time, an award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker whose deeply absorbing images capture the charm and intrigue of everyday life. In 1959, Ruth Orkin was named one of the “Ten Best Women Photographers in the United States” by the Professional Photographers of America.
Address: Mai Manó Ház, Nagymező u. 20, 6th district, Pest – plan – website.
Open hours: 14:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday, 11:00 to 19:00 Saturday and Sunday.
SPARTY bath parties at the Széchényi baths –
The Széchenyi Baths host the Sparty parties on Saturday evenings in their outdoor baths. In this impressive setting you will experience animations, dancers, 3D projections and DJs live sets for a unique winter evening !
Information SPARTY event and tickets – click here
Video of the Sparty event:
The Széchenyi baths can be reached by public transport via the Metro M1 – Széchenyi fürdő station – and the trolley bus 72 – Széchenyi fürdő station.
Address: Széchenyi baths, Állatkerti krt. 9th – 14th district, Pest.
Discover other concerts of Christmas in Budapest:
information and tickets Christmas Concert
New Year’s events in Budapest
Information and tickets Budapest New Year shows and concerts
Danube Dinner Cruise – 31 December 2023
Celebrate the festive season in Budapest in style
with a festive dinner cruise on the Danube!
Attention sold out quickly
New Year Dinner cruise information and booking – click here
