What to do in Hungary this week? – 18–24 December

Do you find yourself with a bit of free time on your hands? Whether you’re a local in Hungary or just passing through, we’ve got plenty of programme suggestions to keep you entertained! With a multitude of Christmas events still happening in the country, and even if you fancy a breather from the festive hustle, we’ve got some fantastic alternatives for you.

Christmas fairs

Advent fairs are probably the most popular destinations during the last days leading up to Christmas. Embark on a magical journey through the Advent period, surrounded by enchanting fairy lights and the comforting aroma of mulled wine. Picture yourself strolling with your loved ones – sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? As we have reported HERE, Budapest‘s Advent Basilica Christmas fair has clinched the title of Europe’s most beautiful for the fourth time, but there are other charming markets worth exploring:

• Christmas Fair at St. Stephen’s Basilica
• Chistmas Market at Vörösmarty Square
• Christmas Market In Fashion Street/Deák Ferenc Street
• Christmas Market at Erzsébet Square
• Winter Festival In Városháza/City Hall Park
• Advent Festival In Madách Square
• Christmas Fair In Gozsdu Court
• HERE are the best Christmas fairs in the countryside

Music

For a splendid concert experience, look no further than the Liszt Academy’s website. Catch amazing performances from the 18th to the 23rd, with tickets still available for most concerts. The Young Singaporean Talents in Concert event is even free of charge. Don’t miss out on the following events by the Hungarian State Opera:

• 18th of December – DER MESSIAS (MESSIAH) (Georg Friedrich Händel – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
• 20th of December – TOSCA (Giacomo Puccini)
• 20th of December – ARTABAN (Attila Pacsay)
• 21st of December – LA BOHÈME (Giacomo Puccini)

Italian Film Festival

Craving a taste of Mediterranean Italy in the midst of winter? Head to Urania National Film Theatre for the ongoing Italian Journey event. On the 18th of December, catch the 2003 film called Break Free, with director Gianluca Maria Tavarelli in attendance. The film, screened in Italian with Hungarian subtitles, promises a perfect evening to top off your Monday. If you’ve got plans, no worries – the event will continue into 2024 with more captivating Italian films.

Year of the Dragon Lantern Festival at the Biodome

2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, and the Chinese New Year is celebrated by billions. Why not celebrate it with a spectacular festival in Hungary? The Year of the Dragon Lantern Festival takes place between the 16th of December and the 24th of February at the Biodome on Állatkerti Boulevard. Budapest Zoo writes:

Providing excellent entertainment for all ages on cold winter evenings, the truly special interactive light installations form stunning projections, many over eight meters tall. A window into the mysterious world of Chinese cultural traditions, classical Chinese masterpieces and Eastern mythological stories- walking along the illuminated path, one can encounter Caribbean flamingos, polar bears and playful chimpanzees, amongst other exotic animals and flowers.