What to do and see in Budapest in December 2024?
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 2024.

Budapest Christmas Markets in December

map Christmas markets BudapestBudapest 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 2024 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

budapest basilica

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

ice rink in Budapest

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 Duna String Orchestra Budapest

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

National Opera in Budapest – December 2024
budapest opera

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

The 100 Gypsy Violins Orchestra performs a gala concert at the Budapest Congress Center. On Saturday December 30, 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

budapest cruise tour sightseeing

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!

cruise in Budapest on DanubeEnjoy 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

CONCERT AT LISZT ACADEMY OF MUSIC

Liszt academy of music budapest

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.

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:
budapest concert

information and tickets Christmas Concert 

New Year’s events in Budapest
Budapest in December

Information and tickets Budapest New Year shows and concerts

Danube Dinner Cruise – 31 December
new year cruise

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

To discover Budapest, do not hesitate to consult also our articles, ‘Visit Budapest in 2 days, 3 days or 4 days‘.