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 Booze Cruise Boat Party ticket. The early bird prices will soon disappear.
Celebrate 2025 on an Operetta NYE Dinner Wine Party in the city central contemporary Gastro Cellar. €159 (with 5-Tier Wine ). Have fun and enjoy the evening of Dec 31 in the City Centre, in the happening area. 4 course served Dinner, premium wine selection, live operetta music and Disco party make the NYE dinner party a great option in Budapest city. Limited tickets left!
Celebrate NYE with a Retro Party in a popular Club in Budapest’s party district! Dance into 2025 with two floors, live DJs, and a Video Disco. Enjoy the optional delicious dinner and Unlimited Drinks until 11 pm. The ultimate way to ring in the new year!
Kick off your New Year’s celebration early at the unforgettable pre-NYE pool party in Széchenyi Baths on December 30. Celebrate in the warm thermal waters with an amazing atmosphere—lights, fires and lasers – this is the most popular event of the season, and tickets are selling fast. Book now to secure your spot!
Ditch the ordinary and step aboard the ultimate NYE party cruising along the Danube. Think epic beats from a live DJ, dazzling views of Budapest’s iconic skyline, and a crowd that knows how to party—all for a price that won’t break the bank. This is the New Year’s Eve plan for 20s and 30s looking to kick off 2024 in style. Drinks flowing, vibes electric, memories unforgettable. Tickets are flying—don’t sleep on this! Secure your spot now, and let’s make this NYE one for the books.
Join the NYE Ruin Bar Crawls of Budapest with a local guide who will take you on a memorable tour of the city’s iconic ruin bars and hidden pubs in December. Discover the unique charm of these one-of-a-kind venues, tucked away in abandoned buildings and courtyards, each with its own quirky vibe and rich history. Along the way, you’ll meet friendly locals and fellow travellers, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and learn about Budapest’s exciting nightlife scene during the festive period. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned partygoer, this guided tour will give you an insider’s look at the best spots to enjoy a drink, make new friends, and soak up the city’s unforgettable energy.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with our exclusive Pub Crawl! Kick off the night with a 1-hour open bar, surrounded by a lively group of fun-loving people. Explore Budapest’s trendiest hotspots, enjoying high spirits and fantastic music along the way. Skip the lines and head straight into one of the city’s top-tier nightclubs, where you can dominate the dance floor to electrifying beats. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of excitement, energy, and celebration—book your spot now for €79!
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.
Ready to explore Budapest like a local? Join our guided small-group cruise and let a knowledgeable guide show you the city’s top sights. Sip on a refreshing drink, snap stunning photos of the illuminated city, and ask your guide anything – from hidden gems to the best local eats. It’s the perfect way to make new friends and create unforgettable memories.
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 the unique Beer Bus in Budapest! Have the best time with your new and old friends, and drink endless cold beers while passing by the iconic landmarks of Budapest! This public beer tour is available from just €25 per person through the festive season. The 100% electric vehicle takes up to 14 guests at once and the music is up on the guests!
Ring in 2025 at High Five Club, located in Budapest’s party district. Enjoy a buffet dinner (8–11 pm) with Hungarian cuisine and unlimited drinks for three hours. Dance to 80s, 90s, and 2000s hits on two dance floors. After 11 pm, drinks are pay-as-you-go, and the party continues until 5 am. With an easy E-ticket and free cloakroom, this is the ultimate NYE Budapest Retro party you won’t want to miss.
Join us for an exclusive NYE wine dinner party at Budapest’s renowned Hungarian Gastro Cellar. Enjoy a festive 4-course gala dinner with menu options, paired with premium wines (optional upgrade), and a welcome drink. The evening features a live Hungarian operetta show, followed by a DJ. As the clock strikes twelve, toast with sparkling wine and participate in a thrilling raffle with amazing prizes. Tickets start at €124, or upgrade to the 5-tier wine package for €159. Don’t miss this elegant New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner in the heart of Budapest!
Book a Table in a Unique Place
The splendour of several Budapest’s buildings is amazing resembling Paris. This one, Parisian 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 for the rest – so set it with opera
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.
Christmas holiday in Budapest, take your celebrations to the next level with a 3-hour sumptuous Budapest festive dinner cruise aboard the luxurious River Diva. The evening offers unparalleled views of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Hungarian Parliament, the beautiful bridges, the Buda Castle with the Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. The Festive Dinner
is available for €99 per person. Book now with free 24-hour cancellation! New Year’s Eve is SOLD OUT. Limited tickets remain for Dec 26-30, 2024 and Jan 1-4, 2025
Lavish 3-hour dinner cruise along the Danube aboard the elegant River Diva. The highlight of the evening is the exquisite, chef-curated dinner prepared in the River Diva’s show kitchen. The refined menu features seasonal dishes crafted from the finest ingredients. To complement the meal, an unlimited drink package is available: draught beer, wines, prosecco-based spritzers, soft drinks. Reserve now and pay later. New Year’s Eve is SOLD OUT. Limited tickets remain for Dec 26-30, 2024 and Jan 1-4, 2025.
Unwind with friends or loved ones while sipping your favourite beverages, capture stunning photos of Budapest’s illuminated skyline, and soak in the celebratory vibes. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind experience—Book your Festive Dinner in Budapest. Sorry, by mid Nov and early Dec the bigger party dinner cruises sell out. New Year’s Eve is SOLD OUT. Limited tickets remain for Dec 26-30, 2024 and Jan 1-4, 2025.
The Private Beer Bus Tour offers a fun and unique way to explore the beautiful city of Budapest in December.
Enjoy a customizable experience with your favorite music and unlimited draft beer throughout the tour. A designated driver is included for your convenience. This is the perfect option for groups of friends or parties looking for a fun and memorable outing.
Book your Private Beer Bus Tour today for a one-of-a-kind Budapest experience!
Take a Ride on the Funicular on Dec 31
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.
The Funicular is located in the Buda Castle area which is worth a visit even in the coldest days.
Set off on an exciting detective adventure in the festive season with the Detective Pub Crawls guiding you through some of Budapest’s most popular and charming pubs. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this game offers a fun and dynamic way to uncover the city’s secrets, blending exploration, entertainment, and the vibrant pub culture in one unforgettable journey.
Ring in the New Year with a memorable NYE Cruise in Budapest Neptune Ship. Cruise on the Danube with breathtaking views. Enjoy unlimited drinks, paired with a buffet of finger foods. Toast to midnight with a glass of bubbly near the Parliament and continue celebrating onboard with music and festivities until 2 am on Jan 1st. Tables are shared. The boat provides both open and enclosed seating options, and the buffet is a light offering rather than a full meal. Last few tickets left!
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). Dec 31: open until 6 pm.
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