A long, dark winter begs for brightness, so this year the Festival of Lights goes all in: music, cocoa, dancing, skating, and even a glowing car convoy rolling through Budapest. Here’s how the city is turning Hanukkah into a full-on season of joy, with events that bring the candles, the stories, and the doughnuts to life across town.
Dec 11, 6:00 PM — Leil Shishi: Pre-Hanukkah Party
Tune up for the holiday with kumzitz music, Hanukkah tales, generous wisdom, and your favorite rabbis. Good food is very much on the table to set the tone for the brightest nights of the year. Perks: receive about $21 for attending, plus another $21 if you bring a friend. Venue: Zsilip, 1137 Budapest, Újpesti rakpart 1 (13th District).
Dec 16, 6:00 PM — Hanukkah Party with the Party Robot
AI is everywhere, but a human-like guest is coming only to this party. Expect the classic Hanukkah vibes: lighting candles, retelling the victory story, doughnuts, cocoa, tea, and serious dancing. A surprise visitor joins from what feels like the future: PartyRobot is celebrating too — and won’t miss the best bash in town. Location: Móricz Zsigmond körtér.
Dec 20 — Hanukkah Caravan
Start your engines: the illuminated convoy returns to flood Budapest’s winter streets with cheer. Bring your car to the parking lot at 8 Galagonya Street in Óbuda, where it’ll transform into a rolling hanukkiah in minutes. The glowing caravan cruises across the city and lands at Nyugati Square (Nyugati tér), where the central hanukkiah awaits for the ceremonial lighting of the first flame. Spread hope and Hanukkah light — at home, en route, and in the square. Start: Óbuda, Galagonya u. 8 (parking). Finish: Nyugati Square (Nyugati tér). Organizer: EMIH office, Óbuda, Galagonya u. 8.
Dec 21, 4:00 PM — Light Up Buda Castle
Time again to make the Buda Castle District shine. Join for candle lighting, doughnuts, and dancing; let hearts and spirits lift in the hanukkiah’s glow. Venue: Kapisztrán Square (Kapisztrán tér), Buda Castle District, Budapest.
Dec 21, 9:00 PM — Hanukkah on Ice
We’re maxing out the longest night at the City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya). The slickest Hanukkah evening lands on the winter solstice: the rink is ours, the doughnuts are ours, and hot tea is the gift. Dress to stand out — the best Hanukkah outfit wins bragging rights and applause. Free entry for kids up to age 6. Bonus: kosher doughnuts and hot tea! Venue: City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya), 1146 Budapest, Olof Palme sétány 5.
More Dates to Save
– Dec 10: KiddieTime
– Dec 13: Slomó Köves teaches at Óbuda Synagogue (Óbudai Zsinagóga)
– Dec 15: MEMORYLAB — Memory Training, 1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 163 (also listed twice)
– Dec 17: KiddieTime
– 2026 Jan 11, 7:00 PM: Pianist Dániel Villányi in concert; fifth appearance at Óbuda Synagogue (Óbudai Zsinagóga) — second solo evening
– 2026 Jan 14: Mourning Customs — The Universal Formula, Újpesti rakpart 1, 13th District
– 2026 Jan 18: Family Tree Research Workshop, 1036 Budapest, Lajos utca 163 (listed twice)
– 2026 Jan 28: January Book Club
– 2026 Feb 25: February Book Club
– 2026 Mar 25: March Book Club
– 2026 May 20, 7:30 PM: Havruta with Rebbetzin Sarah Nógrádi, Újpesti rakpart 1
– 2026 May 27, 5:30 PM: Havruta with Rabbi Baruch Oberlander, Újpesti rakpart 1
Organizers reserve the right to change times and programs.
