What to do in Budapest when the year is ending and you want to make the most out of your New Year holiday? We will guide you from mid December to early January with Christmas Fairs, Festive Concerts, December Cruises. Dec 31 and Jan 1, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Parties, fun shows and relaxing thermal baths await the visitors of Budapest city with a richness of foods and lovely drinks to enjoy. Are you more into winter outdoor fun? You will find also find great open air opportunities, from skating to forest trails in the Hungarian capital.
New Year Party Cruises await you to celebrate Dec 31 in a beautiful location, in the heart of the city: on the river Danube in Budapest. Book your Budapest New Year Dinner Cruise Party or Budapest Booze Cruise Boat Party ticket. The early bird prices will soon disappear.
Christmas Markets are open throughout December, even on Dec 31. If you have a chance, pop into the Basilica Christmas Market to pick artisan handcrafts, get warmed with a mug of spicy mulled wine, and a festive skating rink, light projections mapped over the facade of the Basilica make the early evening darkness
Get a fresh start with New Year Concerts in Budapest
Chase away the end-of-year blues with the uplifting magic of music! New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day concerts fill your heart with joy and set the perfect tone for a fresh start in the year ahead: booking a New Year’s Concert is a must as events in Budapest sell out many weeks before the big days. Check out the New Year Concerts in Budapest for December. For more concerts, take a day trip to Vienna for a classical concert.
Bathe at New Year in Budapest’s Baths
Enjoy a perfect day of relaxation during your December or New Year visit to Budapest in its famous thermal baths of Budapest. Head to the iconic Szechenyi Bath, Gellert Spa or get a Spa & Dinner in Rudas Bath. Get recharged in the stunning thermal palaces with multiple pools ranging from naturally hot through warm and lukewarm to refreshing cold pools. For a touch of calmness, try the rooftop Palm House in Szechenyi Bath, or book a slot in the small but stunning panorama pool of Rudas Bath.
Watch the Winter Danube Sights of Budapest
Take a Festive, Illuminated Evening Cruise
Celebrate Christmas with a Cruise with Dinner & Live Music
Discover the magic of Budapest this December and New Year with a scenic winter Day Boat Tour before the sun sets around 4 PM. Offering exceptional value compared to evening cruises in Budapest, these daytime narrated tours—complete with a guide and drink, or Unlimited Prosecco—reveal the city’s iconic riverside landmarks. Stay cozy inside the heated cabin or step out onto the open deck for stunning photos of the majestic Parliament, historic Buda Castle, and more. Budapest Budget Boat tours start at just €10—early booking is a must!
Celebrate December and New Year with a festive Night Boat Tour in Budapest! Capture stunning photos on a cozy winter cruise (boats are heated in Dec and Jan) as you glide past the city’s illuminated landmarks, sparkling like jewels in a treasure box. These breathtaking sights are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Evening tours start at an affordable €15 this December, offering a magical photo opportunity to cherish in your New Year album.
December Dinner Cruises are often favoured by many for anniversaries, birthdays and special events (it’s not unusual to witness proposals). Enjoy the evening on floating restaurants cruising in the early darkness of December along the Jewel of Budapest, the UNESCO World Heritage sights. A La Carte and Buffet Dinners are also served. The New Year Cruises are definitely in the upper price range, yet, the demand is high so advance booking is essential (legendary Legenda cruises with Candlelit Dinners are one of the top tier, but more affordable options include €49-€67 options among the Budapest Dinner Cruises.
Visit the Festive Hungarian Parliament
The iconic Hungarian Parliament is well worth a winter visit even if Parliament & City Tour tickets are hard to get, do try your luck. It is close to the Budapest Christmas Markets (still open until Dec 31!), the river Danube and the insane ‘Soviet Liberation War Memorial’ commemorating that the Russians loved so much Hungary, they did not go home for over 40 years… Once at the Parliament, take a ride on the Fairy Lights Tram number 2. Cheering is caring.
Book a Table in Style
The splendour of several Budapest’s buildings is amazing. This one, Parisi Passage, used to be a ‘shopping mall’, stylishly Fin de Siècle. Now, a place where booking a dinner / lunch for New Year’s is undoubtedly worth it. Other amazing lavish restaurants where splurging on a festive dinner could be memorable include ($$$$!) New York Cafe / Gresham Palace or the Fisherman’s Bastion – restaurant (unless closed for a private party).
There’s no New Year without the Bath party in Budapest
The Bath Party in Budapest is famous for its vibrant mix of electronic music, creating a high-energy and immersive experience. The music with live DJ typically includes house, techno, EDM, ambient etc. This is a one-of-a-kind event, perfect for party enthusiasts, young travellers, and groups of friends if you want to be in the fresh air warmed up by thermal water and relentless rhythms.
how you start the new year will set the tone – so set it with the opera in Budapest
The traditional New Year’s Day music in the Hungarian National Opera House in Budapest is a sheer communal joy. If you get an entry, that is. Don’t look at the price, it’s not that time. If you have been modest with the celebrations on December 31, now January the 1st is your time. You deserve it. Your soul will fly.
Visit Matthias Church – see the Concert Calendar
Matthias Church is a joy to visit in itself, but you can elevate your visit to a different level by attending an evening concert to appreciate the celestial sounds, the perfect acoustics and the unique interior of the medieval church. Church goers are warmly welcome to join the Christmas masses.
Take a Ride on the Funicular
The nostalgia cable cars of the Funicular connect the winter Danube with the Buda Castle and fit the Christmas spirit with their old world charm. Get your free ride included in the Budapest Tourist Card: 72 Hours Plus only.
Take Photos from Fisherman’s Bastion
See the City Centre of Budapest from the beautiful terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion. The lookout towers are open throughout the festive season, every single day in December. Grab a hot cuppa from the nearby cafes or sit in a cozy restaurant. Buda Castle offers a perfect wintery escape.
Listen to the Tales of the Labyrinth
Step into the enchanting underground world of the Castle Caves in Buda this winter, where centuries-old pathways and softly lit stone walls create a mystical escape from the chilly air above. Perfectly suited for the season, the caves offer a cozy retreat where tales of medieval Budapest come alive, and the labyrinthine paths add a hint of adventure.
Rooftop Palm House in Szechenyi Bath
Experience a complete day of relaxation at the Palm House in Szechenyi Bath. The iconic Bath features 16 pools, multiple warm and hot spring thermal pools and an exclusive rooftop spa area in a warm and cozy rooftop. Indulge in complimentary cocktails, teas and fruits while taking advantage of convenient rental services (robe & towel included). Places are limited so booking is essential.
Rent & Skate on the Gigantic Ice Rink in Budapest City Park
Ice Rink in City Park – Budapest Winter The Ice Rink in Budapest City Park is a must for winter sports lovers in Budapest. Rent a pair of skates to glide around the Ice Rink Palace and Vajdahunyad Castle. Fun and romantic.
Get on the Festive Light Tram
Grab some Roasted Chestnuts and Mulled Wine
Bathe and Dine in Rudas Bath Budapest
Add a festive photo memory to your December holiday with the Christmas Streetcar in Budapest which is scheduled for all days in December: Tram 2, 47 and other central routes are covered in long strings of fairy lights. Such a cheerful sight when the sun already sets at 4 PM in Budapest! Every year from early December, the Christmas / New Year Streetcar ride in Budapest is scheduled in some of the most scenic routes in the city centre.
Enjoy roast chestnut and mulled wine at the Budapest Christmas Markets. For a twist, look for chestnut-flavoured Chimney Cakes (kürtőskalács) or Beigli filled with chestnut cream for a taste of local Christmas flair. Try the roasted chestnut with the Hungarian dessert wine, Tokaj Aszu at a local wine bar to have a perfect match.
No Budapest Winter Holiday can be complete without a nice thermal experience in the festive season. The historical Rudas Baths Spa and Dining package is an excellent choice during the winter months. Enjoy the various pools, saunas, thermal waters, along with the 3-Course Lunch / Dinner and a beautiful view over the river Danube in Budapest and its marvellous sights.
Hike in the Buda Hills to counter the Party
Enough of the Party Noise? Put your boots on to see the serenity of the Buda Hills. Nestled in the enchanting Buda Hills, this nostalgic narrow-gauge train winds through a serene winter wonderland which is worth exploring on foot. Take a self guided trail or book your slot for the Normafa – Buda Hills Guided Trail. a perfect escape from the urban buzz. Whether there’s snow or just crisp winter air, the breathtaking views and tranquil vibe offer a delightful contrast to the party scene.
Recharge from the Party Buzz with Winter Serenity
Experience the natural beauty of the Buda Hills this December for a fun filled New Year Forest Railway trip. This nostalgic narrow-gauge train ride takes you through the picturesque winter landscape of the hills, offering a refreshing relaxation before or after the NYE / NYD buzzing events. While at Normafa, warm up with a cozy drink and delicious dishes at the local restaurant or get a Strudel from the pastry stand—a perfect way to enjoy the season!
Cozy Spa Budapest Christmas
Relax in a fascinating, cozy boutique Spa in Budapest. Beside the wonderful and vast thermal baths of Budapest where many thousands enjoy the benefits of warm and hot spring waters all year round, you can regenerate and regain your personal energy during the cold December days in a truly calming and quiet smaller spa bath in Budapest: Mandala Bath. Book a treatment in advance for the festive Advent weeks as this bath is likely to sell out by Dec.
Festive Pastries: Hungarian Strudel
Indulge in the culinary tradition of Christmas pastries: Beigli rolls and Strudel layered pastries are a must-try for food enthusiasts. Try Strudel by visiting the right place, while exploring the best bits of Budapest with a coffee break. Or, embark on a culinary adventure by attempting to create this pastry at the Strudel Making Class. Strudel is even in the forest: take a winter trail on Normafa and stop at the Strudel vendor for the best match of crispy fresh air and freshly baked Strudel.
Budapest Card in the Festive Season
Budapest Card in the Festive Season: Top Attractions & Tours in December Experience Budapest with the official city pass in December, your key to the Hungarian capital. Enjoy free airport transfers, unlimited public transportation, and discounted entry to top attractions and museums, guided tours, thermal baths, concerts, and restaurants. The Budapest Card offer is available during the Christmas and New Year holiday season as well!
Budapest New Year Spa Relaxation
Visit Gellert Spa: soak away the New Year tiredness and pain in the wonderfully refreshing pools filled with natural hot spring water. Gellert Spa – like all thermal baths in Budapest have special New Year’s Eve and Day opening times, typically with an early closure on Dec 31 and slightly later opening on Jan 1.
Budapest Charity Run
If party dancing is not exhausting you or you wish to join one of the nicest Running Parties in Budapest in December, you can join the hundreds of Santa Claus clad runners who run for a good cause in chilly winter Budapest to raise funds for the foundation for this year’s event. There are various charity runs but all for a good reason. Party with a Heart!
Light Art Experience Hall
Discover the nuanced magic of light as art at the Hold Street Downtown Market Hall’s LAM, the world’s first immersive Light Art Experience in a former Budapest Market Hall. Rather than going for the popular and shallow, the Light Museum hits you like the best of poetry or music.
Discover the magic of the Hold Street Downtown Market Hall’s LAM, the world’s first immersive place dedicated to art expressed through the duality of Light /Dark in the Light Art Experience Hall. An amazing, playful and pioneering exhibition space, the first curated museum of high quality artworks from international artists.
Budapest Christmas Market Tour with Basilica visit
Book a Tour in advance before it gets fully booked up: Booking Christmas Market Tour & Tastings. Alternatively, you can book a Christmas Fair Guided Tour with a Guided Basilica Tour and a visit to the Holy Right Chapel. Book a Tour in advance: Booking Budapest Christmas Market Tour & Basilica.
Prices go lower the more you book the tour for (ranging from €55 per person to €150 per person).
Winter Wonderland in Cinema Mystica
The innovative and artistic digital world of lights will be an unforgettable program. Have your cameras ready to take some brilliant photos during the Winter Wonderland visit at Cinema Mystica Budapest. Absolutely a major hit: booking in advance is essential. Open: Every day From 10 am to 10pm Prices: Adult:€15.25/ Children:€ 9.20/Senior:€11.57 Click here for more details and booking
St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas in Budapest
Celebrate Christmas with the locals at Christmas masses and ceremonies, or let the wonderful music of beautiful winter organ concerts in St Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest fill you in. Budapest Christmas Eve Midnight Masses: the midnight magic of the Advent. Further Budapest Concert in December and Budapest January Concerts. Photo: Budapest St Stephen Basilica – Philippe Clabots Photography
Enjoy the winter panorama with a bubbly for the New Year: the Budapest Evening Sightseeing with Unlimited Prosecco offers music, stylish sightseeing with audio guide
Budapest Sightseeing with Unlimited Prosecco
Visit the Buda Castle for a crisp winter walk and beautiful views of the city. By buying a Budapest Card, you can get free entry to many museums, including free Entry to the Buda Castle: the Hungarian National Gallery the beautifully restored opulent St Stephen’s Hall and the Budapest History Museum. Check out the special December Opening Hours of Buda Castle Budapest. Buda Castle Walking Tours and Buda Bus Tours are available during the Christmas season as well.
Budapest Madame Tussauds at New Year
Step into the New Year with a little Watermelon Sugar, High! Keep Driving toward your dreams and let’s make it a year where we Treat People with Kindness, like Harry, and embrace every golden moment that comes our way. Here’s to a New Year as brilliant as the Golden” times we’re ready to create! Meet your fab celebs at the Budapest Madame Tussauds. Like many other attractions, open on Dec 31 and Jan 1 too!
Spend a day in the hot springs in the beautiful Art Nouveau interior of Gellert Spa: submerge in the geothermal pools of various temperatures. Soak in the outdoor thermal pool or pick one of the several indoor pools with amazing mosaics and beautiful colours. For a true spa relaxation, get spoilt at a treatment. If you would prefer not to share pool waters with others you can rent the Private Bath for two). Check the Gellert Spa Christmas opening hours