Budapest And Miskolc Glow With Hanukkah 2025

Celebrate Hanukkah 2025 in Budapest, Miskolc, and Szentendre with candle lighting, skating, gifts, workshops, and the glowing Hanukaraván—family‑friendly joy, music, and doughnuts all week.

when: 2025.12.14., Sunday - 2025.12.21., Sunday, Szentendre

where: Hungary, -

web: zsidoprogramok.hu 🕎

Hanukkah earns its nickname, the Festival of Lights, every winter. This year’s lineup brings literal starlight to long nights: skating, music, doughnuts, a rolling menorah convoy, and candle lighting across Budapest, Miskolc, and Szentendre.

Hello Buda – Hello Hanukkah

2025.12.15. 18:00 — The Zsidóház Hegyvidék community opens the season at Hello Buda with ice skating, kosher hot chocolate, tea, mulled wine, filled doughnuts, and a glowing menorah. Address: 1025 Budapest, Törökvész út 93/A.

Hanukkah Party with the Party Robot

2025.12.16. 18:00 — Joy and a dash of sci‑fi at Móricz Zsigmond körtér: candle lighting, the holiday’s triumphant story, doughnuts, cocoa, tea, and big dances, plus a special drop‑in by the Party Robot, who apparently celebrates Hanukkah too. Address: Móricz Zsigmond körtér.

Hanukkah Gift Stand

2025.12.16.–12.21. — Find gifts at Nyugati Square (Nyugati tér) with extended hours. Open: 12.14 Sun 12:00–19:00; 12.15 Mon 12:00–19:00; 12.16 Tue 12:00–19:00; 12.17 Wed 12:00–19:00; 12.18 Thu 12:00–19:00; 12.19 Fri 10:00–14:00; 12.20 Sat 17:00–19:00; 12.21 Sun 12:00–19:00. Address: Nyugati Square (Nyugati tér).

Let’s Bake and Create Together!

2025.12.17. 16:00 — Kiddietime’s first Hanukkah party blends favorite kids’ activities with the favorite winter holiday: baking Moroccan doughnuts, sfenj, and crafting menorahs. Free, registration required: titkarsag@zsidogimnazium.hu. Venue: Maimonides Primary and High School (Maimonidész Általános Iskola és Gimnázium), 1036 Budapest, Tímár utca 16.

Hanukkah Caravan

2025.12.20. — Join the light‑up car convoy that has brightened Budapest’s winter streets for years. Arrive with your car at the parking lot: Óbuda, Galagonya utca 8, and transform your ride into a rolling hanukiah in minutes. The glowing Hanukaraván cruises through the city to the central hanukiah at Nyugati Square (Nyugati tér), where the first flame will be lit on arrival. Start: Óbuda, Galagonya utca 8 (parking). Finish: Nyugati Square (Nyugati tér). Organizer: EMIH office, Óbuda, Galagonya utca 8.

Candle‑Pouring Workshop, Miskolc

2025.12.21. — Make candles to brighten the holiday. Email registration required: zsidohaz.miskolc@zsido.com. Limited spots. Ticket: 2000 HUF (about 5.50 USD) per person. Venue: Zsidóház Miskolc, 3525 Miskolc, Kazinczy Ferenc utca 12.

Light Up Buda Castle

2025.12.21. 16:00 — Illuminate Buda Castle (Budavár) with candle lighting, doughnuts, dance, and hearts lifted by the hanukiah’s glow. Venue: Kapisztrán Square (Kapisztrán tér), Budapest, Buda Castle (Budavár).

Hanukkah on Ice

2025.12.21. 21:00 — Own the longest night at City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya): skating, free kosher doughnuts and hot tea, plus prizes for the boldest Hanukkah outfit. Free entry for kids up to age 6. Address: 1146 Budapest, Olof Palme sétány 5.

Hanukkah in Szentendre

2025.12.14.–12.21. — Gather nightly at Flowers and Wishes Square (Virágok és Kívánságok tér) to kindle the lights together with songs, doughnuts, and hora dancing. Times: 12.14 16:00; 12.15 17:30; 12.16 17:30; 12.17 17:30; 12.18 17:30; 12.20 17:30; 12.21 17:30. Venue: Zsidóház Szentendre, 2000 Szentendre, Patriarch Street (Pátriarka utca) 6.

Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs.

2025, adminboss

Pros

Family-friendly vibe across events: skating, crafts, kid-focused baking, free treats, and early-evening times that suit all ages

Internationally familiar theme: Hanukkah’s story and symbols are well-known in the U.S., so you’ll recognize the menorah lighting, doughnuts, and music

Multiple city highlights: Buda Castle, City Park Ice Rink, Nyugati Square—iconic Budapest spots most foreign visitors already have on their lists

Mostly English-friendly: Jewish community events in Budapest often include some English and are welcoming; you can manage with minimal Hungarian

Easy to reach: venues like Nyugati tér, Móricz Zsigmond körtér, City Park, and Buda Castle are on major transit lines; rideshares and taxis are abundant

Unique twist vs. U.S. events: a “Hanukkah Caravan” of illuminated cars cruising Budapest and late-night rink party add a local, photogenic spin

Budget-friendly: many activities are free or low-cost (e.g., Miskolc candle workshop about $5.50), with free entry for little kids on the ice night - Some activities beyond central Pest/Buda (e.g., Óbuda start point, Miskolc, Szentendre) may require more transit hops or a car, which can be tiring in winter

Cons

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Hungarian helps for exact schedules/registration; last-minute changes and email sign-ups may be posted mainly in Hungarian

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Not as globally famous as Christmas markets, so crowds are smaller but info and signage can be patchier for foreign tourists

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Compared with big U.S. city Hanukkah festivals, production values are more community-scale; amazing atmosphere, but fewer large concerts or headliners