Budapest’s Music & Wine Gala Returns With Fireworks

Celebrate Budapest’s 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra gala: operetta hits, Romani virtuosity, wine-paired dinner, fireworks, and anniversary flair at Jagelló St. 1–3 on December 30, 2025. Book updates via email.

Budapest’s year-end tradition is back: on December 30, 2025, the world-famous 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra (100 Tagú Cigányzenekar) closes the season with a festive, two-part gala concert and a celebratory dinner at 1124 Budapest, Jagelló St. 1–3. The orchestra, led by concertmaster József Lendvai Csócsi (főprímás), once again leans into the timeless charm of Franz Lehár (Ferenc Lehár) and Emmerich Kálmán (Imre Kálmán), with star soloists from the Budapest Operetta Theatre (Operettszínház) delivering crowd favorites. Expect the signature finale: The Lark (Pacsirta) and the Radetzky March, topped off with fireworks.

Take note: the listing currently has no active date on the portal; details may be out of date. Updated information can be requested or submitted via email. Contact options and listing activation are available on request.

Music That Fills the Room

The orchestra’s program blends virtuoso Romani music with beloved classical staples and folk pieces arranged in a way only the 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra can pull off—lush, distinctive, and unmistakably theirs. This year continues the streak of Lehár and Kálmán highlights, amplified by popular soloists from the Budapest Operetta Theatre, and capped by fireworks under Lendvai Csócsi’s baton.

Schedule and Welcome

Guests are greeted with a welcome drink at 6:30 p.m. The first half of the concert and dinner begin at 7:00 p.m., with a break at 8:00 p.m., then the second half and dinner continue at 8:20 p.m. Those seeking more than music can opt for a festive wine dinner or a cold dinner platter, while celebrating the orchestra’s 40th anniversary—an unmatched spectacle in sound and sight.

Four-Course Dinner Menu

For VIP, I, and II categories: foie gras torchon with candied orange chutney, mangalica ham, brioche; rich guinea fowl consommé; bacon-wrapped mangalica tenderloin with gratin potatoes, grilled vegetables, porcini sauce; pumpkin seed choux with raspberries; bakery selection with salted butter; white, red, and rosé wine, mineral water, coffee. Vegetarian menu available on request.

Cold Dinner Platter

For III category: foie gras torchon with buttery brioche; one slice of mangalica ham with orange chutney; one slice of salmon gravlax with frisée and wasabi foam; goat cheese tart with confit tomato and microgreens; eggplant tartare; salad; bakery selection with salted butter; white, red, and rosé wine, mineral water, coffee. Vegetarian option available on request. Executive Chef: Ákos Kosztán, Novotel Budapest City & Budapest Congress Center.

Wines Poured

Bock Ermitage Villány Classicus Red; Koch Winery Premium Cabernet Sauvignon; Varsányi Winery Egri Csillag Superior White; Nyakas Winery Nyakas Rosé.

Tickets and Seating

VIP: dinner and wines at an 8-person VIP table, $236. I: dinner and wines at an 8-person table, $200. II: dinner and wines at 8- and 6-person tables, $181. III: cold platter and wines at a 6-person table, $128. IV: balcony rows 1–3, $80. V: balcony rows 4–7, $63. VI: balcony rows 8–9, $52. Organizers may expand 8-person tables to 9 if needed, except when sold as a full table. Organizers reserve the right to change the time and program.

2025, adminboss

Pros
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Family-friendly vibe: orchestral hits, operetta favorites, fireworks, and flexible dinner options keep kids, teens, and adults engaged
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Internationally recognizable music: Lehár, Kálmán, and the Radetzky March are crowd-pleasers even if you don’t follow Hungarian culture
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Location is easy for visitors: Budapest Congress Center/Jagelló St. is in Buda near major hotels and sights, familiar to many foreign tourists
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No Hungarian needed: the music is the main event; staff at a big venue typically handle English fine
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Straightforward access: frequent trams/buses and affordable taxis/Bolt; driving/ride-hail is simple with on-site venue signage
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Strong value versus similar gala dinners in Vienna/Prague: comparable music plus a four-course menu and generous wine pour at lower prices
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Food and wine showcase local flavors (mangalica, foie gras, Villány/Eger wines) for a “two-in-one” concert-and-cuisine night - Event date/listing may be outdated, so you’ll need to email/confirm details and availability before planning
Cons
Not a “bucket-list” name abroad: the 100-Member Gypsy Orchestra is beloved locally/regionally but less famous than Vienna Philharmonic
Formal, seated format runs 6:30–after 9 p.m.; younger kids might get restless despite the break
Traffic can be busy on Buda’s main arteries during holiday season; parking may be tight if you drive without arriving early

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