Budapest’s New Year’s Eve has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a glamorous gala or a laid-back evening, the city offers a diverse range of options. Don’t miss out, book your experience today!
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.
Explore the Festive Basilica Christmas Market – until Jan 1st!
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, light projections mapped over the facade of the Basilica make the early evening darkness
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.
Enjoy a perfect day of relaxation during your December / New Year / Jan visit in the famous thermal baths of Budapest. Head to the iconic Szechenyi Bath, Gellert Spa or skip the line to the Thermal Spa & Dine with Danube View in Rudas Bath. Feel 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 tranquility, try the rooftop Palm House in Szechenyi Bath, or book a slot in the travellers’ choice Bath, Rudas Bath or the cozy Mandala Baths.
Dine in Style on or around New Year on the Gourmet Cruise: Unlimited Drinks included, from €99 it will sell out, no doubt.
Dine in Style on a New Year’s Eve Cruise,Budapest Festive Gourmet Winter Special Dinner Cruise on Diva – December Special Dinner Cruises #RESERVATION FESTIVE DECEMBER DINNER Dec 26, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025
Matthias Church is a special church in the Buda Castle. Take your visit to the next level by enjoying an evening Concert in Matthias Church to appreciate the harmony of sounds, the acoustics and the one of a kind interior of the church dating back to the Middle Ages with its Gothic arches.
Church goers are warmly welcome to join the New Year mass on the special days. Large concerts await you in the Basilica.
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.
Don’t let the final moments of 2024 slip by—hit the dance floor at Budapest’s epic NYE Boat Party! Join 200+ young party lovers from around the world and make it a night to remember!
5 hours of Open Bar, unlimited snacks, friendly people from all over the world, brilliant vibes with great music – book while you can. Sold out soon! Heated indoor deck combined with open top deck for the best NYE Party sights and memorable photos! Let the countdown begin.
Hands-On Chimney Cake Workshop: Taste the New Year!
Learn the art of crafting the iconic Hungarian chimney cake, Kürtőskalács. In this unique workshop, you’ll step into the role of a pastry chef and create your own delicious treats.
From handcrafting the dough to baking it to perfection, you’ll be guided by experienced chefs every step of the way. Discover the secrets behind the perfect Kürtőskalács and learn how to add your own creative touch with various toppings and flavors.
Become a Strudel Master: Better This year than next!
Join us for a 2.5-hour Strudel Making Class where you’ll learn the art of making traditional Hungarian strudels. Under the guidance of a local chef, you’ll create two delicious strudels from scratch, from stretching the dough to adding your favorite fillings.
Savor the flavors of Hungary with a tasting of local delicacies, including Hungarian wine and soft drinks. Take home the recipes to recreate these mouthwatering treats in your own kitchen.
Discover the heart of Budapest’s culinary scene with a guided tour of the Central Market Hall. Learn about Hungarian history, culture, and cuisine from a local expert while savoring delicious local treats.
After the market tour, head to a cozy Budapest apartment and indulge in a variety of Hungarian snacks. Then, roll up your sleeves and join in a communal cooking experience, preparing a traditional Hungarian dish like Chicken Paprikash, Beef Goulash Stew, Stuffed Sour Cabbage Rolls, or Vegetarian Lecso.
Celebrate 2025 on an Operetta NYE Dinner Wine Party in the city central contemporary Gastro Cellar.
Prices from €124 with Dinner or €159 with Dinner & 5-Tier Wine Matching. 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 followed by a Disco party – the versatile programme make this 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 in the city centre!
Dance into 2025 with two dance floors, live DJs, and a Video screening of the songs retro style. Enjoy the optional delicious dinner and Unlimited Drinks until 11 pm. The ultimate way to ring in the new year!
Party Tickets (Party only) from €25, Dinner Party Tickets for €157
Legenda Sunset Dinner Cruise A La Carte
Budapest sunsets are truly one-of-a-kind. Experience the magic with an à la carte dinner cruise as the winter sky transitions from daylight to a starry evening.
The Legenda Dinner Cruise on Dec 31 and nearby dates now offers a Budapest Sunset Dinner Cruise edition—a 2.5-hour relaxing journey featuring a delicious 4-course à la carte dinner, 2- 4.30 pm. Immerse yourself in the festive December atmosphere while enjoying one of the best Budapest river cruises.
Dec 30, 2024-Indulge in a captivating evening of music and wine at the Budapest Congress Center.
The world-renowned 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra will perform a stunning concert, accompanied by exquisite Hungarian wines and a delicious four-course dinner.
Ice Rink in the vast City Park or join the festive skaters in downtown Budapest on Varoshaza Park.
Budapest Winter The Ice Rink in Budapest City Park is a must for winter sports lovers in Budapest. Rent a pair of skates, or a penguin helper to glide around the Ice Rink Palace and Vajdahunyad Castle. Fun and romantic.
Explore the versatility of Nutcracker performances in Budapest. The most classic version is offered by the Budapest Opera House (for more than 40 years now). More contemporary versions are also available.
Booking tickets is open from around October on the official website of the Hungarian State Opera House.
See the Fireworks Display over the City of Budapest from the beautiful terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion. The lookout towers are open throughout the New Year holiday season, as are the beautiful courtyards of the Buda Castle Budapest. Entry to the Fisherman’s Bastion’s upper terraces is free of charge on Dec 31st and Jan 1st! Wrap up warm, sip on a hot drink, and enjoy the stunning New Year’s Eve fireworks at Fisherman’s Bastion.
Chase away the end-of-year blues with the uplifting magic of music! New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day festive concerts in Budapest 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 (3h) from Budapest to Vienna for a classical concert.
The iconic Hungarian Parliament is well worth a winter visit at the end of December. Parliament & City Tour tickets are hard to get, but it’s worth your time to reserve a tour. The Parliament building is a short walk to the Budapest Christmas Markets (still open until Dec 31!), the river Danube and the insane ‘Soviet Liberation War Memorial’ commemorating well… that the Russians liberated then instantly occupies Hungary for 40 years…
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.
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!
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!
Start your New Year’s Eve celebrations with a thrilling pub crawl through Budapest’s vibrant nightlife scene. Join a group of fellow travellers and experience the city’s best bars and clubs. Choose from two exciting options: the 5-hour Ultimate New Year Pub Crawl, which includes 6 shots, a professional guide, team challenges, and fast-track entry to top venues, or the 3-hour Tipsy Party Pub Crawl, perfect for those who want a shorter, fun-filled night out. Grab your crew, lace up your dancing shoes, and get ready for a New Year’s Eve to remember!
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. Or would you rather have a Champagne Tasting at Parisian Passage at New Year for a lovely bubbly time?
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, a wedding or corporate event).
Discover the Wonders of
Ancient Mesopotamia
Explore Hungary’s first exhibition dedicated to ancient Mesopotamia at the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest.
Discover over 150 unique objects from top European collections, offering unparalleled insight into the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian Empires. Experience Mesopotamian culture through artefacts, historical texts, and art, including the iconic Ishtar Gate reliefs and the Babylonian creation myth.
Please note that the Budapest Card discounts are only for the permanent exhibitions.
Light Art Experience Hall: Budapest Light Museum at New Year
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).
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
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 Budapest Madame Tussauds. Like many other attractions, open on Dec 31 and Jan 1 too!
Read our London to Budapest Flight at New Year guide and airport tips to make your travel by air more of a breeze.
New Year in Budapest
Budapest New Year’s Eve is full of parties, special NYE menus in the hundreds of restaurants, street parties, various concerts (from rock to classical), and of course NY cruises on the Danube. Many of the parties sell out by early December, while others only start to open the cashiers in mid Dec. Keep up to date with us to find your best ever NYE in Budapest!
Is it the best place in Europe to ring in the New Year? Pining for tropical heat? Avoid Budapest in December and come back in July, August. But let’s see the best things about Budapest New Year’s Eve, this love or hate day for many.
In the following list you will find events and ideas for all sorts of interests and age groups.
Budapest New Year’s Eve & Day
The end of the year is offering some exciting things to do in Budapest. The list is getting longer day by day, so do check back for dozens of more events.
- Party on December 30: Budapest Bath Party in Szechenyi Baths, the Cinetrip winter edition is the best party you can think of if you are in the 20-40 age gap and love parties. Details: Szechenyi Bath New Year’s Eve Party. The list of Budapest NYE Parties is updated on a daily basis, and there will be more options for those who do not want to splash around in a thermal bath party.
- Party on Budapest December 31: if you are attracted by the idea of taking a cruise, and partying on a big ship, with various shows (from Fran Sinatra to Hungarian Folk show), and gobble endless drinks, there are more Budapest New Year Cruise events to pick from, and sail through into 2023 in style. The sights are beautiful (UNESCO World Heritage), and if you love to have your drink, it sounds a good deal. The list of Budapest NYE Parties is updated on a daily basis
- Dinner on December 31: enjoy a special dinner with live music on the river Danube, or in one of the best restaurants in Budapest. Booking in advance is everywhere essential, as all places will be full house by Dec 31. It is just that day.
- Concert on December 31: say farewell to the Old Year with classical music, salon music, operettas, or opera, or even with a local percussion concert: New Year’s Eve Concerts in Budapest are open for booking from September or October.
Tips for Budapest New Year’s Eve
Here are some ideas for spending am amazing New Year’s Eve in Budapest, Hungary.
There is a wide range of NYE options in Budapest to choose the best setting for your ideal New Year’s Eve. Some want to do clubbing, others only want to have a nice dinner, a concert, or a festive river cruise in Budapest. There are dozens of excellent clubs (from techno to metal), literally hundreds of restaurants with dinners (and many with shows and live concerts), several nice concerts, and yes, even New Year Eve cruise in Budapest.
Accommodation at New Year in Budapest
First of all, book your NYE flights and accommodation well in advance to save some money. The nearer the NYE days come, the more expensive the hotel / hostel rooms get: check out a hand selected list of top Budapest hotels and for a cheaper budget solution, the best hostels in Budapest. Do check out the rental apartments options as often they will get you a great deal, especially if your are a group of friends visiting Budapest late December for the New Year’s Eve. Once you have booked the basics, book your party / make your restaurant reservation in advance too (3 weeks before the event takes place, many parties and restaurants have been fully booked).
Weather at New Year in Budapest
Secondly, Budapest winters are quite cold, so hats, gloves, thick coats, boots will help you to have a lovely NYE in Budapest, or to have a peace of mind that you have the basic necessities. While heating in public buildings, metro cars, etc. is warm or often too warm (around 21-25 degrees Celsius), the weather outside is cold, often getting below freezing, especially at night (Dec, Jan and Feb are the coldest months in Hungary). Most parties on New Year’s Eve (pre and post parties too) will have taxis waiting outside. Oftentimes, however, waiting time for taxis increases to 20-30 min on Dec 31 in the city of Budapest.
After Party & New Year’s Day in Budapest
Thirdly, make some after party plans to start the New Year well, relaxed, happy, as we all should. Despite all appearances, there are many things that are open on January 1 in Budapest, even though this is a public holiday (unlike Dec 31). Mostly importantly, the Budapest baths are open offering naturally warm and refreshing spring waters and very affordable massages. But places are limited, so if you pick the two most popular thermal baths in the city, make sure to book tickets (fast track) and massages online in advance: Gellert Spa and Szechenyi Baths will be open with shortened opening hours.
Slowing Down on New Year
Fourthly, NYE is the night when the phone lines and Budapest taxis are hyper busy. Do not be surprised if you cannot shout Happy New Year via your mobile phone. Everyone is using their cell phones to text, to send crazy photos, to connect, to skype. With 1.7 million residents plus hundreds of thousands of tourists, the lines are just too busy to be able to handle the traffic.
Do expect to have some telecommunication difficulties when it comes to using your phone between 11 pm and 1 am, the peak hours of Budapest NYE. Try to make sure that you can reach your beloved ones before these phone rush hours, or arrange your taxi before, after that. It does not mean that you will not be able to call a taxi company at all, or get connected, but you may have to try it more times or wait 15-25 min to get hold of a phone line, which is not typical in Budapest at other times of the year.
If you are staying in Budapest on New Year’s Eve with friends, relatives, have a set time at a certain meeting point to avoid losing contact with each other. It is reassuring to have a plan. But if you should lose your original company, never mind. Just join some other party people temporarily, and feel the NYE impetus.
Eating Out at New Year in Budapest
Eat and drink? You will have plenty to eat and plenty of cuisines to choose from. Budapest is a real cosmopolitan city with hundreds of restaurants and at least 50 great restaurants (from Hungarian through Italian to French or Greek), even floating restaurants on the river Danube with Budapest Dinner Cruises.
Many restaurants have special NYE menus featuring both international and traditional Hungarian dishes. Outside restaurants, what is traditional Hungarian New Year’s Eve food? Well, most Hungarians would have some party assortments, including the must have NYE frankfurters with mustard and rolls, as well as Lentil soup or Lentil fozelek for NYE (the many lentils act as imaginary coins, which can make you rich … Ar we rich? No, but lentil is still good, and the superstition, deeply rooted in Hungarian folk, is still thriving).
Another traditional meal offered on New Year’s Eve is Stuffed Cabbage (cooked cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and rice, cooked all for a few hours). Restaurants and NY cruises will serve this typically as a buffet style Midnight Dinner option.
Restaurants in Budapest on NYE will typically offer some live entertainment, especially in the more touristy areas of the city, like District V, VI, VII on the Pest side and District I on the Buda side (Buda Castle).
New Year’s Eve Parties in Budapest
Budapest New Year’s Eve parties are all over the city of Budapest, in all genres, for all ages and interests. NYE parties are both inside (cafes, bars, clubs, flats) and outside.
The event starts with a series of pre New Year’s Eve parties in the city, on December 30th, working up your party muscles for Dec 31. The most popular pre NY party is the Budapest Bath Party in Szechenyi Baths on Dec 30.
NYE Parties on Budapest Streets
NYE Parties on Budapest Streets focus on 3 major hot spots in the city, downtown Budapest: Vorosmarty Square, Oktogon Sq (by Andrassy Ave) and Eiffel Square at the Nyugati Train Station. It is hard to predict when these places get really busy, but usually around 11 pm. Entry is free to the street parties.
First of all, in the very heart of the city, on Vorosmarty Square (also the location of the famous Budapest Christmas market), there are hundreds, then thousands of people on and around the square to celebrate New Year’s Eve with bottles of champagnes, wearing sparkly party hats or thick winter hats, and making lots of happy or I-want-to-be-tonight noise. There is a smaller scale Fireworks Show on Dec 31, also visible from the river Danube.
Vorosmarty Square being the most central can get pretty crowded, often with many tourists mixing with the locals. As in any crowd, you may need to stay alert enough to take care of your values and belongings, or not to lose your friends. As mentioned above, you may not be able to reach your own merry company, either because of the many people in the streets, or because of the busy phone lines. If you split up, have a meeting point at a given time.
Vorosmarty Square can be a good point to start an NYE walk in the city. Head towards Deak Square (also lots of people on both Deak Square), cross the neighbouring Elisabeth Square (check out Aquarium Club), then take a walk on Andrassy Avenue to Oktogon Square (and Octagonal shaped square at the crossing point of Andrassy korut with the big ring road with the trams 4 or 6). On Oktogon, you will see thousands of more people (especially young guys and girls in their 20s/30s), from here, you can turn left, and in 5 min you will get to Eiffel Square where the third big open air party is at Nyugati Railway Station.
On Oktogon Square there are some live concerts with Hungarian bands, lots of cheering, friendly people dancing, clinking, drinking, and dealing with the cold with a big smile. This is also a good place to be at when the clocks strike midnight.
Unfortunately, there is no official website or well published info about the upcoming street parties, so we are relying on the customary party info, and the fact that NYE street parties in Budapest have been running on for many years now.
Budapest New Year Fireworks Show: many assume that Budapest celebrate the New Year with a huge fireworks show like many other cities on December 31. However, Budapest has the huge fireworks in the summer time on August 20, rather than on Dec 31. That said, there are some smaller scale fireworks usually by the river Danube, but they are not as spectacular as the summer fireworks (see the one in the picture from the summer. Now on NYE if you see fireworks it will be smaller).
NYE Parties in Budapest Clubs and Bars
Basically, all clubs and bars throw a New Year’s Eve party on December 31, and many have pre parties as well as after parties too. See our list of Budapest New Year Parties or the top Budapest bars to get an idea where you could head to, where your will need to book a ticket in advance to be party of the best clubbing on NYE in Budapest. Speaking of bars, you can also join a NYE Ruin Pub Crawl in Budapest on Dec 31!
Some of the best Budapest New Year Parties we have collected here.
New Year’s Eve Parties in Budapest Hotels
Needless to say, many of the best hotels in Budapest are organising a NYE party to say farewell to the old year in style. Luxury Budapest hotels, like Corinthia, Hilton, etc. as well as top tier hotels like Hotel Gellert. Please visit the hotels website to learn more about their New Year’s Eve packages, shows, dinners.
New Year’s Eve Parties on Budapest Ships
Those who love great panoramic views of Budapest, live entertainments (cruise shows with music or Gypsy music, dancers, etc.), a la carte or buffet dinner and open bars can book their New Year Eve river cruise and party on some of the ships of Budapest. Budapest NYE cruises are quite affordable: check out the vast array of programs for Budapest New Year Cruise on Dec 31.
New Year’s Eve Parties in Budapest Baths
While the thermal baths of Budapest are open on Dec 31 and Jan 1, and the spa baths are often the venues of amazing, awesome and unique bath parties, on NYE there won’t be spa parties (sparties) in Budapest, sorry. But don’t be disappointed.
- Dec 30, 2023: a huge and spectacular New Year party at Szechenyi Baths: Cinetrip is over 15 years old, and the party will be unforgettable. Do not miss it. It is a bit of Ibiza in Budapest. One of the best ways to get warmed up for the New Year’s Eve Parties. Mixed ages (20’s-40’s), hiphop, trance music, laser shows and live shows.
Midnight on New Year’s Eve in Budapest
At midnight, as if by a magic stroke with a wand, the happy, cheering crowds turn into solemn mood in Budapest for 2 min. Instead of loud cheers, laughs, jumping around, and big hugging, Hungarians, yes, we locals, go singing our national anthem with as much dignity as the consumed NYE alcohol allows. It is an emotional moment for us, Hungarians.
This is a very Hungarian thing to switch from the friendliest party creature into a sort of ‘matter of life and death’ faced, “I painfully love my mother country even if all things seem to be against her” solemn mood. Do not be surprised, once the anthem is over, this shocking insight into the Hungarian national psyche is over, and the party mood is reset, as if nothing has happened.
After the anthem, the smiles, cheers, loud shouting and big hugs come back with full force. Want to hear what we sing at midnight on New Year’s Eve in Budapest? Now, this is the Hungarian anthem, a really solemn hymn (of course, the lyrics is about a plead to God to bless the Hungarians and get help in good or bad, followed by a reflection of hundreds of bad and bloody years. How could we not go solemn singing about such turmoils?).
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.
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.
It is one of the best guides on the New Year celebration, I have ever seen on the internet.
Thanks for your good writing. I hope this New Year will be amazing for everyone.
Thank you for your kind words, Anita! Have a wonderful NYE celebration in Budapest!
Great guide thank you. Me and my wife are coming for a 3 day trip do Budapest including New year’s evening.. Greetings from Sarajevo…