The spirit of the holiday season comes alive in the outdoor spaces of the Buda Castle District. Starting November 26, an atmospheric Advent market awaits visitors on the Terrace of the Fishing Children, where festive decorations, charcoal-grilled Christmas delicacies, and hot beverages make winter strolls even more enchanting. Amidst the Christmas lights, visitors of all ages can admire a hand-carved wooden nativity scene, on display until January 10.
Opening in early December, an outdoor winter exhibition titled “Winter in the City” evokes the magical winter world of Budapest a century ago. Featuring 16 illuminated light boxes and a total of 32 display panels, the exhibition showcases unique graphic artifacts from that era. Through period posters, promotional slips, and other rare printed materials, the display offers a glimpse into the daily lives and holiday customs of the capital during the 1920s and 1930s. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with the National Széchényi Library.
As in previous years, we invite you to join an engaging outdoor themed walk in the Buda Castle District during the festive season. The Advent walking tour titled “Sisi’s Christmas” evokes the holiday celebrations of Empress Elisabeth, the Christmas traditions of the Habsburg family, and the intimate, candlelit atmosphere of winter evenings from a bygone era. Tour dates: November 29 at 11:00 and 14:00; December 6 at 11:00 and 14:00; December 13 at 11:00 and 14:00.
Family Programs During the 2026 Advent season, a wide array of musical, puppet, and theatrical performances for children awaits families. The program includes both ticketed theatrical productions and free outdoor puppet shows. On December 6, the Várkert Bazár hosts an all-day St. Nicholas Day family event for visitors of all ages. Taking place between 10:00 and 18:00, the program features craft workshops, interactive Christmas games, mini-concerts, and musical performances to create a festive atmosphere. Children can meet St. Nicholas and his Christmas elves in person and even take photos with them.
As part of the program “ZENE-MŰ-HELY” (Music-Craft-Workshop) – “The Magic of Early Music,” children can explore the fascinating world of instrument making under the guidance of master violin maker Szabolcs Bárdi, alongside mini-concerts by Petra Somlai and Márton Egri. At the free craft workshops, participants can create Christmas ornaments and small gifts using beads, textiles, and paper.
In their concert titled “Kiskarácsony – Nagykarácsony” (Little Christmas – Big Christmas), the Kolompos Ensemble brings old Hungarian Christmas traditions to life through playful activities, music, and song. Visitors can learn about, among other things, folk customs associated with St. Nicholas Day, the traditions of St. Lucy’s Day, and the practice of *betlehemezés* (Nativity plays).
In their Christmas concert titled *Nagy öröm hirdettetik* (“Great Joy Is Proclaimed”), the band Klárisok, led by Klára Korzenszky and her fellow musicians—recounts the Nativity story by blending the rich traditions of Hungarian folk music with melodies from other musical cultures. The *Bihari Aprók* (Little Biharis) group from the János Bihari Dance Ensemble will also participate, joining in the singing and performances.
Advance registration is required to attend the family day. Programs held in the foyer are free of charge, while tickets are required for the concerts.
The Várkert Bazár’s online Advent calendar launches in early November and December. Available at varkertbazar.hu, the calendar features concerts, literary evenings, art film screenings, family-friendly programs and daily special offers.
Photos by Várkert Bazár (Castle Garden Bazaar)
Recomadation by Aggie Reiter
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