Budapest’s City Park is a popular destination throughout the year. As one of the capital’s largest and most beautiful parks, it always offers new discoveries and experiences. However, there is one season – Advent – when it provides a truly unique and unforgettable experience. During this period, the City Park is not merely a park but a genuine winter wonderland: skating, the splendour of Vajdahunyad Castle, the magical decorative lighting and the unparalleled cultural and family programmes make it the perfect setting for the festive season.
A special attraction awaits you in the Rose Garden by the House of the Hungarian Millennium, where, for the first time this year, you can admire the illuminated rose arbour, the Zsolnay fountain dressed in lights, walk along a corridor of lights, and take a selfie with a balloon made entirely of light. This section of the park is, of course, free to visit. For those who fancy a real ballooning experience, you can still do so in winter: the BalloonFly provides a unique view over the Park, dressed for the festive season.
You are probably familiar with one of Europe’s oldest outdoor ice rinks: in the winter season, the City Park Lake welcomes skaters rather than rowers. While gliding across the ice, you can enjoy the varied panorama, including views of Vajdahunyad Castle and the House of Music Hungary. After skating, a walk to one of the museums in the City Park offers excellent festive events at both the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Ethnography.
You can see the remarkable life-sized statue of the Archangel Gabriel in the City Park Visitor Centre, located in the building of the Museum of Ethnography, and a free exhibition presenting the story of the Angel of Heroes’ Square.
It is difficult to list all the events awaiting you in the City Park. You are sure to find something to enjoy here whether you are visiting with young or older children, with a larger family group, or with friends, and whether the experience is free or ticketed. We update our programme weekly, so you will always find something to your liking.
An impressive exhibition space has opened in the City Park Visitor Center, located in the building of the Museum of Ethnography. Here, a life-size replica of the statue of Archangel Gabriel has been installed. This allows visitors to get up close and personal with the artwork - which is otherwise only visible from a height of 36 meters -, and even take photos with it. The free exhibition is further enhanced by spectacular projections.
The City Park has a centuries-old gastronomic tradition. By the mid-1800s, several dining establishments were already operating here. Today, there are more than a dozen restaurants in the park offering a varied menu to visitors during Advent.
-lead_md.webp)
-(1)-lead_sm.webp)
