What’s Happening in Budapest: December
If you followed and attended some of the events featured in our guide to What’s Happening in Budapest: November. Then theres no doubt you would’ve had had an awesome time. Well, the fun doesn’t stop there, December is also a pretty hot month, with so many things going on across the city. As usual, we’ve rounded up the best events taking place in Budapest this December, which you should check out if you’re in town.
Bites & Sips
Zhao Zhou Tea Social
When it comes to Artisan tea, no place in Budapest does it quite like Zhao Zhou. Located on Lánchíd Utca, this shop has carved out an impeccable reputation for offering an eclectic selection of high-quality sips. Straight from the tea regions of South Asia, to banks of the Danube. If that wasn’t enough, they’ve recently started hosting tea-themed socials on Saturday mornings. Giving you the chance to sample the different styles of tasty teas. Accompanied by finger food and a breakfast menu packed with tasty treats from the far east.
Location: Various | Dates: Saturday 7th & 14th December
Fruccola Afterwork
The team behind Fruccola have already created the perfect place for locals to east healthy fast food in Budapest. However, the owners have decided to add an extra layer of fun, with their new event series, Fruccola Afterworks. The second event of the series will see the Mom Park branch transformed into a food-filled party palace. On offer will be delicious food, mashed up with DJ David Swallow scratching Berlin-style electric beats, getting you ready for the weekend. Good food, tasty tunes, boozy beverages and great company, what more could you ask for.
Location: Mom Park | Dates: Thursday 5th December
Dry November: The End / Põhjala Takeover
If you’ve done dry November, then Hops beer bar is the go-to place to celebrate. This drinking den is renowned in Budapest for offering a cracking selection of craft beers. However, for one day the taps at this spot will be taken over by Estonia based brewery, Põhjala. So head down and join fellow temporary teetotallers for a well-deserved drink.
Location: Hops Beer Bar | Dates: Sunday 1st December
All You Can Eat Wings
Finding good chicken wings in Budapest is like looking for a needle in a haystack. If you’re in town this December and do fancy some finger-licking wings. Then don’t spend hours searching, get yourself down to 10 Sixty-Six Bar on every Friday and Sunday, for an all you can eat chicken wing bonanza.
Location: 10 Sixty-Six Bar | Date: Every Friday and Sunday
ARTventures
Film Club: Van Gough
Few creatives have had a cultural impact on the western worlds art scene like Vincent Van Gough. He has mesmerised the masses with his post impressional style of painting. From the “Starry Nights”, “Yellow Houses” to his anatomical drawings and self-portraits, his works are still the most sought after till this day. This December, Budapest’s stunning Várkert Bazá will be screening a film about Van Gough, through the lens of the prolific dutch collector, Helene Kröller-Müller. It will delve deeper into his work, inspiration and life, helping you get into the mid of the genius beyond the brush.
Location: Várkert Bazá | Dates: Tuesday 3rd December
Exclusive IRKA 2020 / DOT for You Surprise Party
Set up in 2015, DOT for You is a community-driven company that creates unique and custom paper products. From notebooks, journals, diaries and much much more. What makes their products special is the focus on fine details, design and use of artistic principles when creating them. This event will be celebrating the launch of their new IRKA 2020 Edition product range. Giving you a chance to speak to the creators, see what’s new and a mingle with a community of like-minded creatives over some champagne.
Location: Tobe Gallery | Dates: Wednesday 4th December
First Holiday Book Fair
Christmas is around the corner, and if you’re still struggling to decide what to buy for you’re loved ones, then a book usually hits the spot. However, instead of taking a trip to the bookstore this December, head to the Petőfi Irodalmi Múzeum for the First Holiday Book Fair. Here you’ll have the chance to browse a library of over 500 titles, written by the most revered and lesser-known names in Hungarian literature. In addition to this, there will also authors in attendance, presentations, workshops, readings, food and drink. Oh, and if you like what you see, as an attendee you’ll also get access to exclusive discounts.
Location: Petőfi Irodalmi Múzeum | Dates: Saturday 1st – 15th December
Wine Calling
France has a rich tradition when it comes to wine, with a variety of regions across the country churning out a superb selection of sips. In recent times, the country is seeing a shift from the normal methods of production. With a wave of rebellious winemakers adopting the new natural approach of wine production. This December, The French Institute will be screening, Wine Calling, a documentary which delves into this emerging counterculture. Helping you get a deeper understanding of what it is, and the tribe of people behind its rise.
Location: French Institute | Dates: Thursday 5th December
Budapest International Foto Awards
Photography is one of those versatile artistic mediums that captures, and projects the life and soul of its subjects, through stillness. BIFA is a new community-driven movement on a mission to provide a platform to recognise the creative talents in this field. Held at Hybridartspace, their first event will give you the chance to see the amazing pictures and meet with the award-winning creatives behind the lens.
Location: Hybridartspace | Date: Sunday 1st – Tuesday 3rd December
Nightime Entertainment
Aktrecords / Pablo Bolivar Xmas Seance
Ahhh Christmas. The one time of year that brings old friends and family together to celebrate. In line with the spirit of the festive period, Aktrecords are back with their annual Xmas seance. This much-anticipated night of fun will see Pablo Bolivar take the helm behind the decks, scratching up superb sounds to serenade partygoers from near and far. In addition to the banging beats, there will also be tremendous visuals from Glowing Bulbs. So get yourself down to A38, and get ready to dance till the early morn.
Jazz n Bass
Anker’t is one of Budapest’s iconic ruin pubs, celebrating its 18th birthday last year with a pre-new years eve party, packed full of banging Jazz, blues and bass vibes. After the success of the 2018 event, they’re back again with Jazz N Bass 2019. This night promises to be bigger and better than ever before. With melodic live music from a selection of artists, serenading your soul and getting you jamming late into the night.
Location: Anker’t | Date: Monday 30th December
Laugh Budapest Laugh
The Studios is Budapest’s bonafide boss of venues where people of the city go to party. However, on the night of the 4th, Laugh Budapest Laugh takes the centre stage. With a schedule packed full of comedians who will have you in stitches, with tears of laughter rolling down your face. So a great way to get over the mid-week blues and get psyched up for the rest of the week.
Location: The Studios | Date: Wednesday 4th December
Shopping
NiNi Boutique Opening
If you have a passion for fashion, then join like-minded shopaholics for the opening of the new Nini Boutique. The luxury vintage fashion brand was founded by Nini Molnar in 2015. Specialising in handbags, swimwear and other amazing accessories, since launching it’s become a favourite amongst fashionistas both local and far. So head down, speak to the founder and get some retail therapy with a glass of champagne in hand.
Location: Nini Boutique | Dates: Friday 29th November – Sunday 1st December
Vegan Sunday Christmas Market
When compared to other major city’s, the plant-based movement in Budapest is still in its infancy. However, it’s quickly gaining momentum as a new generation of environmentally conscious consumers come of age. The Vegan Sunday Christmas market is the perfect place to go and get a taste of Budapest’s vegan culture. Expect delicious food, Christmas desserts and drinks, and a whole host of other amazing things. From handmade arts and crafts to beauty products and much more.
Location: Anker’t | Dates: Saturday 15th December
Mezvásár 2019
Remember the 90’s, a time before skinny jeans and tight fit tops. Where people could be seen rocking colourful jerseys with matching kicks. The scene for this classical style seems to be a relic of the past. However, if you’re driven by nostalgia and want to revive this trend, or are looking to get rid of old threads from this time. Then Mezvásár is a must-attend event that you can’t miss. Here you’ll find buyers browsing the aisles packed full of classical clothes and sharing stories about the iconic clothing item that was Jersey.
Location: ELLÁTÓház | Date: Sunday 1st – Tuesday 3rd December
These are our top picks for what’s happening in Budapest this November. Stay tuned for our Christmas and New years special edition later this month. Oh and if you fancy finding cool places to explore Budapest in the meanwhile, be sure to download the Like Locals app. Available for free on both iOS and Android devices.