Budapest’s SlowXmas returns for its eighth edition from November 25 to December 24, transforming eight themed streets and nearly a hundred local businesses into a festive alternative to mall madness. Think culture, art, and real-life encounters instead of checkout lines and piped-in jingles. The citywide initiative, now a five-time City Marketing Diamond Award winner, officially launched on November 24 and promises close to half a thousand programs listed on bevasarloutca.hu.
From three streets to a citywide movement
Born in 2017 through the collaboration of Art&Antiques Street (Falk Miksa Street), Bartók Béla Boulevard, and Ráday Soho, SlowXmas has grown into a full-blown cultural and tourism movement. Joining the founders are Fashion Street, the Margit Quarter, the Palace District, Tompa Street–Ferenc Square, and Víziváros in District I — together with almost 100 local ventures. New this year: a fresh partner from outside Budapest. Thanks to Hello Miskolc, select regional highlights also land on the program map.
Art, auctions, carols, and comfort food
Art&Antiques Street rolls out Advent walks, exhibitions, auctions, art rarities, and discounted bites, said cofounder Judit Tar. Over on Bartók Béla Boulevard, expect exhibitions, workshops, theater, kids’ programs, Christmas caroling, and the much-loved window display competition, with two slow-down hotspots on December 6 and 13, noted Mónika Jáki, deputy head of the local association.
Fashion glitz and tea warmth
Fashion Street glows under magical lights and hosts Santa Day on December 6. Warm up daily with divine tea at the Kempinski Hotel Living Room, and try its new fashion app for a proper digital city-style experience.
Margit Quarter and Palace District vibes
Margit Quarter (Margit-negyed) promises an Advent market, style consultations, exhibitions, puppet shows, and theater performances (Dante, Jurányi, Manyi) for a fizzy cultural fix. In the Palace District, visitors can dip into exhibitions, stand-up nights, and community quizzes.
Ráday Street’s tiny theaters and sweet treats
Ráday Street teems with intimate theater from MáSzínház, Stúdió K, and Ferencváros Cellar Theatre (Ferencvárosi Pince Színház) — plus sweet tuning from MyChoccy and Bonbonier. Co-owner Edina Makrai of MyChoccy is on a mission to rally fellow businesses up and down the street.
Tompa–Ferenc Square feasts and Sicilian flair
Tompa Street–Ferenc Square lines up fisherman’s soup cooked in cauldrons, a classical-music nativity, a free-from bake sale, and a Sicilian Advent. The promise: flavors to fill your Christmas table with the taste of home, said representative Dániel Bezerics.
Víziváros for families
Víziváros offers craft sessions, concerts, a dance house, and a stack of family programs thanks to the House of Traditions (Hagyományok Háza) and Monastery Boutique Hotel.
Slower, kinder, and more memorable
The mission stays the same: offer an antidote to packed malls and bring back the essence of Advent — personal connections, attention to each other, and support for local communities. Last year saw over 1,000 programs, and this year’s palette looks just as colorful: art showcases, charity drives, city walks, concerts, theater, foodie experiences, and family workshops, said Gabriella Király, manager of BUM shopping streets.
SlowXmas is a city marketing win, a community builder, and a cultural network — proof that the holidays can be slower, more human, and more memorable. Right here in Budapest. Merry Christmas to all — come along and slow down with us this Advent, and stack up the special moments.
2025.11.25. – 2025.12.24., Budapest
