Tihany is packing the calendar with color, culture, and lakefront magic from late December into January. Exhibitions, concerts, theater, the beloved Lavender Festival, foodie adventures, and a generous mix of guaranteed and optional leisure programs keep the Tihany Peninsula buzzing all year. Beyond the events, the village and its surroundings are tailor-made for hikes and excursions, on and off the peninsula. Follow the experiences and get to know the natural and cultural riches of this unique corner of Lake Balaton through its celebrations.
Glow Across the Water: Light Ferry
The photogenic star of winter is back: the illuminated ferry gliding between Tihany and Szántód. Sailings run December 22–28, again December 29–31, January 1–4, and January 5–31, turning the crossing into a festive spectacle. It’s a simple but irresistible idea—board at dusk, watch the light show bounce off the water, and arrive warmed by the holiday mood. A perfect add-on to any evening plan in the village.
Tihany Light Magic
From December 20 to January 4, Tihany Light Magic (Tihanyi fényvarázs) fills streets and squares with enchanting installations. Think glowing trails, cozy photo spots, and winter charm wrapped around historical backdrops. The lights pair brilliantly with hot drinks and a slow stroll up to the Abbey, where the views stretch over the lake and Belső-tó (Inner Lake).
Outdoor Game Tour: Hidden Treasures
The open-air, puzzle-packed hunt Outdoor Game Tour: In Search of Tihany’s Hidden Treasures (Szabadtéri játékos túra: Tihany rejtett kincsei nyomában) runs December 22–28 and again December 29–January 4. It’s a brand-new, one-of-a-kind game that doubles as a discovery tour, nudging teams through streets, squares, and storied buildings. Not just for kids—adults get hooked too. Grab your crew, hunt for clues, and soak up the teamwork and the thrill of finding Tihany’s secret corners.
Music, Mass, and Retro Vibes
December 27 leans into rhythm. Retro Xmas Disco with DJ Schneider spins the classics in Tihany—expect glitter, nostalgia, and a dance floor warmed by timeless bangers. The same day, a guitar-accompanied Mass at the Tihany Benedictine Abbey Church (Tihanyi Bencés Apátsági Templom) adds a gentler note, with modern hymn arrangements ringing through the historic nave on the eve of the Feast of the Holy Family.
Holiday Highlights and Church Calendar
December 25 brings Christmas Day, followed by the Feast of Saint Stephen the First Martyr on December 26. December 27 marks the vigil of the Feast of the Holy Family with the guitar Mass noted above, and December 28 celebrates the Holy Family. Weekday Masses continue December 29–30. On December 31, congregants gather for a special thanksgiving at the end of the civil year. New Year’s Day, January 1, honors Mary, Mother of God, with further services January 2–3 (Rosary and Mass), January 4 (Second Sunday after Christmas), January 5 (Mass), and January 6 for Epiphany. Mark January 17 as well for additional parish observances.
New Year on the Lake
Ring out the year December 31 with New Year’s Eve Above Lake Balaton (Szilveszter a Balaton felett). Expect a festive atmosphere, the lake as a shimmering stage, and that crisp winter air that makes midnight feel electric. Pair it with a Light Ferry run for maximum glow.
Where to Stay: From Abbey Views to Lakeside Peace
Tihany’s lodging options cover cozy attics, rustic cottages, and lakeside guesthouses. Many accept all three SZÉP cards. Find two-room apartments in homey rooftops, plus standalone rooms—ideal for couples or small families. Larger guesthouses can host bigger groups, with balconies overlooking the Inner Lake, Lake Balaton, and the Abbey. Typical listings mention capacity up to 10 guests, with satellite TV lounges and well-equipped kitchens. Several places sit near the Inner Lake—prime fishing territory—and the Family Leisure Park with outdoor wooden games, mini golf, and bowling. The Lavender House (Levendula Ház) visitor center of the national park is right there too, open year-round.
A standout hotel—named for Aquilo, the Roman god of the north wind—claims a unique northern shore vantage: sweeping views toward Balatonfüred and the gentle, vineyard-lined hills. Beyond swimming, its active tourism center sets you up with memory-making adventures, including a sailboat and rentable small boats ready to cast off.
Down in the historic old village, romantic, thatched cottage-style guesthouses near the Abbey deliver rustic charm, enclosed courtyards with parking, and bicycle rentals for family rides around the peninsula’s unreal scenery. Independent-entry apartments with central gas heating, cable TV, and full comfort keep winters cozy and summers easy.
Eat, Sip, Savor: Tihany on a Plate
Start with the Tihany Benedictine Abbey’s (Tihanyi Bencés Apátság) own lineup: house products, signature local sweets, Father Gellért’s herbal teas, herb-and-lavender liqueurs named for King Andrew and Queen Anastasia, plus TICHON abbey beers. For classic Hungarian fare, several family-run spots stick to home-style cooking and warm service—think oven-baked dishes, big flavors, and a cozy dining room centered on a wood-fired oven.
The hill of the Tihany Echo is a double win: a stunning 240-degree panorama over Lake Balaton’s eastern basin and the Abbey, and a gastronomy perch that earned the title Viewpoint of the Year back in 2013. A 100-seat terrace sets the scene for family lunches, sunset dates, or big moments like proposals and weddings, with flexible layouts and tailored menus.
Seek out Fogas Csárda on the village’s north side, just 300 meters from the Abbey, open year-round with tasty plates, Balaton wines, and a terrace looking toward the Inner Lake. Elsewhere, find friendly bistros pouring regional wines, serving grilled favorites, hot dishes, cold platters, and the forever-comforting zsíros kenyér. At Echo Residence Luxury Hotel (Echo Residence Luxushotel), an elegant, 50-seat restaurant and a matching terrace roll with the seasons, mixing traditional flavors with creative twists and that hard-to-beat lake panorama.
Craving something casual? A laid-back café serves breakfast, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and both soft and spirited refreshments, all in a kid- and dog-friendly setting. For a sweet pilgrimage, head to the local “shrine” of gelato—24 artisanal flavors made from premium, natural ingredients. There are gluten-free, lactose-free, sugar-free, and vegan options too.
Wine Heritage and Tihany Cabernet
Tihany’s wine knighthood champions the peninsula’s winemaking traditions and the culture of thoughtful wine enjoyment, turning wine gastronomy into a draw in its own right. The flagship is Tihany Cabernet: unmatched depth and elegance, a captivating bouquet, and the promise of a memorable sip. Its color gleams like the jewels of the Tihany ridges—and yes, the name alone tastes like a story.
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
