NYE Party Cruises: Celebrate on the glittering Danube on Dec 31st
Discover the magic of Budapest this December and New Year with a scenic winter 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!
Serenity by Day, Extravaganza by Nights: join the legendary SPARTY on December 30th for a night of pulsating beats, electric atmosphere, and unforgettable moments. Dance the night away in the thermal waters, surrounded by fellow partygoers.
After the excitement of the Sparty find your perfect post-party retreat at the baths on December 31st or January 1st. Trade the dancefloor for the thermal waters, and the party atmosphere for peaceful relaxation in the Palm House.
St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest hosts a renowned organ concert series, featuring award-winning organist Miklós Teleki and other celebrated Hungarian musicians.
This stunning neoclassical church, known for its magical ambiance and exceptional acoustics, is the ideal venue to enjoy classical masterpieces by Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, and Vivaldi.
After Christmas, the Markets will continue to stay open as Winter Fairs with enticing smells from Chimney Cakes, Beiglis, Roast Chestnuts and the winter booster Mulled Wines at Budapest Winter Fairs / Christmas Markets.
Most Budapest Christmas Markets will close down on Dec 31 or Jan 1 so don’t forget to visit them before they pack up until the next Christmas season.
Be refreshed for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with a Thermal relaxation. Enjoy the river views from Rudas Bath while dining & drinking. Great combo package from €85 per person.
For a touch of calmness, try the rooftop Palm House in Szechenyi Bath, or book iconic Gellert Spa.
Unlimited Prosecco Cruise
Join us on December 31st for the Budapest New Year’s Eve Cruise on the Danube! Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with music, unlimited Prosecco, and drinks as you ring in the New Year. The cruise offers various afternoon departure times, but for a truly magical experience, join the special midnight cruise from 11:00 pm to 1:00 am. Celebrate midnight aboard the boat, docked near the majestic Parliament for the fireworks.
To book your tickets, scroll down on the booking site to the NYE options and select the number of tickets you’d like to purchase. NYE ticket prices start from €59
Amazing winter attractions with festive New Year concerts and ballets on the festively lit Parisian style Andrassy Avenue. 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.
Not heading to a party but wishing to ring in the New Year from a fascinating location? Bring your bubble to the Bastion, wrap up well and enjoy you company in the crispy winter air from the Fisherman’s Bastion terraces. Open all night, including midnight.
Ramble on the Buda Castle Courtyards and explore the Savoy Terrace for more views and more quiet. Open all night, including midnight. Day Tours are available.
Matthias Church offers various festive concerts at the end of Dec and early January. Give the gift of music to yourself and your loved ones in a fascinating place with beautiful baroque music.
Explore the old Jewish District and the Ruin Bars of Budapest for parties, street parties, fun costumes and more. See the range of NYE Pub Crawls in Budapest winter season kicking off 2025!
Step into modernity at the Light Art Experience Hall, open on New Year’s Day. Housed in a former Budapest Market Hall, this immersive museum showcases stunning light installations from international artists, blending art and the dynamics of light and dark. Perfect for mesmerizing photos and self-discovery this winter.
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.
Spot the Statue of Bela Lugosi (the Hungarian born vintage Dracula actor) at Vajdahunyad Castle and take a photo with Anonymous, the Chronicler, with a mysterious LOTR atmosphere.
Glide and Drink at Night to see the Winter Attractions all lit up by the Danube
Fun rides on Dec 31 and Jan 1
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 runs 5-10 minutes throughout December.
Forest Railway: chill out in the Buda Hills with the quirky ex-communist Pioneer Railway in the winter wonderland of the Buda Hills.
Get into nature in the Buda Hills of Budapest on the Forest Railway. The nostalgic journey on the forest railway through the Hills, offers a historic narrow gauge train ride in beautiful winter landscape, even if there is no White Christmas with snow. At Normafa, do pop into the restaurant for a warm cuppa and some nice dishes.
A Winter Chairlift Adventure
Libego – Use your Budapest Card, or the super saver Budapest 72h Plus Card to experience a magical winter adventure in Budapest. Take the Chairlift (Libego), a breathtaking ride above the snowy treetops of the Buda Hills! Glide peacefully through nature, surrounded by panoramic views of the city and the rolling hills.
Whether you’re planning a romantic day out or a family adventure, the chairlift ride is the perfect way to escape the city’s hustle. At the top, explore scenic hiking trails or simply enjoy the stunning winter landscapes from János Hill, Budapest’s highest point.
Use Tram 2 (or maybe the Light Tram with a bit of luck) to explore Budapest Attractions in a Quirky Guided Tour including a visit to the Great Market Hall. Super affordable, with a passionate guide and an eco friendly route.
Add a memorable photo to your Christmas holiday album with the Christmas Streetcar in Budapest: Tram 2, 47 and more routes are brightly lit with warm fairy lights. Every year from early December, the Christmas Streetcar ride in Budapest is scheduled in some of the most scenic routes in the city centre.
Warm up for the big night in style at the luxurious Parisian Passage (Hotel Hyatt). Savour quality Champagne with Gourmet Cheeses & Grissini: Goat, Comté, Camembert with a Champagne Sommelier.
Most Budapest attractions have special opening hours on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. You can find the list of the most important museums and other tourist attractions of Budapest on Dec 31 and Jan 1 below.
Is 2025 coming to soon? Turn your back on the New Year and travel back in time! Embark on a quirky journey through time at the Budapest Retro Interactive Museum. This three-story interactive exhibition brings the Communist era to life, offering a unique blend of history and fun. Climb into a vintage LADA police car, spin the dials of a 1970s jukebox, or even try your hand at broadcasting in a retro news studio.
After exploring the past, indulge in a taste of nostalgia at the Retro Bistro. Savor classic Hungarian dishes like fried Debreceni sausage, sip on a refreshing Márka cherry soda, or indulge in a sweet treat.
Embark on a unique tour and uncover Budapest’s vibrant street art scene. Slow down, explore the city’s hidden gems, and learn about the stories behind stunning street art pieces created by local and international artists. Gain a deeper understanding of Budapest’s history, culture, and contemporary issues while enjoying the city’s most captivating street art.
This interactive tour is perfect for families and individuals alike. Let’s walk the streets of Budapest together and discover the magic hidden within.
Embark on a self-guided audio tour through Budapest’s historic Jewish Quarter, exploring its rich history and vibrant culture. Wander along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the city’s communist past.
Visit the iconic Great Synagogue, one of Europe’s largest, and learn about the tragic history of Budapest’s Jewish community. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the district, known for its trendy ruin bars and artistic scene. With a convenient audio guide, you can explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems and fascinating stories.
Delve into the depths of history at Hungary’s first secret museum. Explore a 140 sqm exhibition space housed within a historic building, once a copper workshop and WWII refuge.
Discover the connections between this site and famous figures like King Edward VII, Bismarck, and a young Michael Curtiz. Plus, learn about the surprising links to Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. With free audio guides in 8 languages, you’ll unlock Budapest’s hidden stories.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest church in Budapest, is a masterpiece of Neoclassical design and a symbol of Hungary’s national identity. Dedicated to Hungary’s first king, St. Stephen, the basilica houses his mummified right hand, a treasured relic.
The square in front of the basilica comes alive with a festive atmosphere, featuring light displays, music, and stalls offering traditional treats, making it a delightful stop during the holiday celebrations.
The Dohány Street Synagogue
The Dohány Street Synagogue, also known as the Great Synagogue, is the largest in Europe and a centerpiece of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter. Its unique Moorish Revival architecture, with decorative domes and intricate patterns, makes it an architectural gem.
Learn about history and culture while exploring the surrounding Jewish Quarter, which transforms into a vibrant hub of cozy cafes and festive lights, perfect for enjoying the city’s unique blend of heritage and holiday cheer.
Matthias Church
Matthias Church, located in the heart of Budapest’s Castle District, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture with a history spanning over 700 years. Its distinctive tiled roof and intricate spires make it one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Inside, you’ll find richly decorated interiors, including detailed frescoes and stained-glass windows.
On New Year’s Eve, the church becomes even more magical as the Castle District sparkles with festive lights, offering a serene and inspiring setting to reflect on the past year and welcome the new one.
The Danube in New Year’s Budapest
Walking along the river Danube in wintertime is beautiful, when all riverside cafes, floating restaurants and hotels are already decorated and nicely lit in anticipation for the celebration of Christmas and the New Year. Of course, you can best admire all the attractions and sights along the Danube from sightseeing cruise. Enjoy 7-Tier Wine Tasting Cruise or upgrade to a Dinner Cruise by Candlelight.
Should you choose to have a nice walk along the river, there are tours with professional guides. At this time of the year, the Evening Walking Tour & Night Cruise program can be a great choice too.
Winter Markets around the New Year
Both of the greatest Budapest Christmas Markets (the one at Vorosmarty Square and the other one in front of the St. Stephen’s Basilica) are open until Jan 1. Visiting them is absolutely recommended during your winter holiday in Budapest (free of charge), but what’s even better: you can book a Budapest Christmas Market Guided Tour too, which includes Chimney Cake and Wine Tasting as well.
Other markets not to be missed: are the Great Market Hall and the Downtown Market Hall – both can be visited by yourself or during an interesting Guided Market Hall Tour.
If you wish to visit a Sunday’s Farmer’s Market, we recommend Szimpla Kert’s market in the city centre, which is held every Sunday from 9am to 2pm with lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, jams, mushrooms and meat products directly from producers to customers.
Castles in Budapest around New Year’s Time
With its beautiful sights, the Buda Castle offers a great walk both outside the courtyard, and inside the Royal Palace building with exhibitions and concerts. All kinds of Buda Castle Guided Tours for various budget are available in the Castle area during Christmas and New Year too.
Do not miss the Fisherman’s Bastion, and admire the amazing winter panorama of Budapest – visiting is free of charge during the whole month of December.
If you really wish something special, we recommend the Concerts in Matthias Church.
Another castle in Budapest, lesser-known but a fantastic place is the Vajdahunyad Castle in the middle of the city park. This fairy tale castle with a little lake offers a nice walk surrounded by the beautiful winter park of Varosliget (City Park) right next to the great Ice Rink. Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the romantic castles in Budapest, with its mixed architectural style, lots of little towers and fantastic statues – it’s worth a visit in itself, but can also be visited inside, where the Hungarian Agricultural Museum is located.
Most of the Budapest Guided Walking Tours also feature the Vajdahunyad Castle.
Special Vehicles in Winter Budapest
The Funicular in the Buda Castle (one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Budapest) is a famous attraction, and of course a fun way to travel up and down the Castle Hill. Book a comprehensive Castle Tour with Funicular Ride and Danube Cruise, for a great half-day program in Budapest.
Segways are interesting, fast and great way of discovering the city, and the Budapest Segway Tours are welcoming guests in the winter season too.
Speaking of special vehicles, we must mention the historical underground (“Metro M1” on maps), also called as Millennial Underground, which is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage, and connect the city center (Vorosmarty Square) with the City Park – and Szechenyi Baths.
Outdoor Activities in New Year’s Budapest
Parks in Budapest
The City Park (Varosliget) is the biggest park in Budapest (approx. 122 ha). City Park offers a great place for refreshing winter walks to escape the teeming city center, and it is also the home of some great attractions, such as the Budapest Zoo, the Capital Circus of Budapest, Szechenyi Spa Baths and the Vajdahunyad Castle.
Another beautiful park for taking walks if you are longing for some calm re-connection with mother nature is the Margaret Island. The island can be accessed via 2 bridges on each end, but the nicest way to get there is by a boat. There are several Sightseeing Cruises daily that stop on Margaret Island, so you will have plenty of time to discover the sights of the island (the cruise voucher offers some great discounts, but there are also a lot of free attractions to visit).
Ice Rinks in Budapest
Ice skating can be and ideal afternoon or evening program during your winter holiday in Budapest. Visit with your better half for a romantic event or have a fun family program with kids – the Budapest Ice Rink at the City Park is a perfect choice to spend a few hours on the fresh air.
Walking Tours in Budapest
Budapest offers amazing guided tours in wintertime too. On the Buda side, the popular Buda Castle Tours are worth to mention, but if you wish to book a more comprehensive tour in both the Buda and Pest side, the Budapest Guided Walking Tour is recommended for you. There are some great themed tours as well, for example the Jewish Heritage tour which can be booked as a package with a nice Buffet Dinner Cruise. For those who wish to see the less touristy side of the city, a good choice can be the Alternative & Street Art Walking Tour or a real nice Guided Pub Crawl visiting the best Ruin Bars of Budapest.
Hiking in Budapest
One of the best venues for hiking and winter sports is the Normafa Park, located on Svabhegy (part of the Buda Hills). Easily accessible by public transportation from Szell Kalman Square. There are plenty of hiking routes, various tracks for excursions in the Buda Hills either on foot or by bicycle and if there is enough snow, you can even ski or snowboard! Don’t forget to visit the Chairlift and the Elisabeth Lookout Tower too.
A bit closer to the city center, also on the Buda side you can find the Gellert Hill (right next to the famous Gellert Spa). The hill offers some great walking routes too, but also worth getting on the top to see the iconic Statue of Liberty and the Citadel providing a breathtaking panorama of Budapest.
Shows and Concerts in Budapest New Year
Looking for cultural programs during your winter holiday in Budapest? You’ll have plenty to choose from. There are several Concerts in Budapest in December in different genres, at various locations (theaters, churches, cruises, etc.). On Dec 29 and Dec 30 the pre-NYE celebrations begin, leading up to of course the big night of New Year’s Eve.
The great list of festive programs does not end with Dec 31, there are some unmissable events and concerts on New Year’s Day too.
Attractions in Budapest Anytime
There are many attractions and sights in Budapest that are worth visiting, regardless of the season. These places are open throughout the year, and must be seen at least once on a Budapest trip.
Hungarian Parliament – that majestic building by the river Danube is the 3rd largest parliament of the whole world. Luckily, it is available for visiting on Guided Parliament Tours.
Heroes’ Square – absolutely stunning, and absolutely free. Heroe’s Square is one the most iconic venues of the city of Budapest. Located right next to the City Park, Szechenyi Spa Baths and the Vajdahunyad Castle.
Opera House – the Hungarian State Opera is a fascinating building, it is highly recommended to visit on a Guided Opera Tour. If you are lucky enough to attend to a show or concert too – don’t miss the chance. Check the Christmas & New Year Program in the Opera House.
Majestic Churches – the St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Great Synagogue are the biggest and most beautiful churches in Budapest. Both are offering guided tours as well.
Hidden Gems in Budapest
If you want to get more ideas about your New Year holiday in Budapest, Hungary: find some off the beaten track Hidden Gems in Budapest.
