This autumn and winter, Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) in Keszthely transforms into a vibrant hub of creative family afternoons, spine-tingling Halloween adventures, unique performances, and playful detective games—promising an extraordinary day out for every visitor.
DIY Designs: Family Creative Afternoon
On October 25 from 2:30PM to 5:30PM, families with kids ages 5–10 can unleash their imaginations during an artsy session at the Historic Playhouse inside the palace. Parents and children will design their own patterns, which professionals will then print onto their brought-from-home T-shirts. You’re free to draw inspiration from the range of available templates or sketch something entirely original—the main goal is for everyone to leave with a special, one-of-a-kind T-shirt. There’s even an indoor slide, bouncy castle, and countless games, all under the watchful guidance of graphic designer and art teacher Zsolt Bankó.
Sleep Theater: Bedtime Stories with a Twist
If you’re looking for something truly different, “Sleep Theater” (Alvószínház) with actress Angéla Eke awaits you on the same day, October 25. Forget stiff theater seats—audience members literally lie down in an artful bed installation, get tucked in by the performer herself, and unwind while she spins a magical tale. The aim is to help you switch off, relax, and become absorbed in the enchantment of the story. Soft blankets, plush pillows painted by Anna Amélie, and the dreamy ambiance of the palace’s north wing set the scene. Showtimes are 4:30PM and 8:30PM, with registration required prior to each performance.
Halloween Nights: Dare to Roam the Haunted Castle?
From October 28–30, as darkness falls, Festetics Palace reveals its eerie side for three consecutive Halloween Nights. Brave visitors (ages 14+) can join groups of up to 25 people at 6PM or 7:30PM to follow creaking floors, mysterious shadows, and echoes of secrets from centuries past. Every twist of the corridor dares you to face the castle’s darker legends. Tickets are available both at the palace box office and online.
Autumn Break Extravaganza
Between October 24 and November 2 (except November 1), the palace and its Historic Playhouse offer a marathon of hands-on autumn fun for the school holiday crowd. Each day offers something different—fairy tale screenings with old-school projectors on Mondays, board game tournaments on Tuesdays, face painting and temporary glitter tattoos on Wednesdays, trivia quizzes every Thursday, epic scavenger hunts on Fridays, UNO parties on Saturdays, and green crafting Sundays focusing on creative recycling like rock painting or decoupage. Kids are encouraged to step away from screens and join a vibrant, laughter-filled group of new friends for real-life play.
Special guided tours also await in the palace: discover how carriages, coaches, and early automobiles shaped aristocratic life, learn why hunting is tied to nature conservation, and marvel at glowing night scenes in the model train exhibition. On October 26, budding modelers can try their hand at building miniature dioramas alongside professional model railroaders. On October 30, there’s a “tracking in nature” day, helping guests identify animal tracks and clues from field to forest to marsh.
All Aboard: Investigate, Play, and Train-Ride Saturdays
If sleuthing appeals to you, mark November 15 and December 20 on your calendar. On these Saturdays, the Model Train Exhibition and the Historic Playhouse team up for the “Detect, Play, Ride the Mini-Train” challenge. Aspiring detectives comb intricate model landscapes, hunting for hidden scenes and details using their wits and their phones. Every successful young Sherlock receives a small prize, then it’s all aboard the mini-train, concluding with creative projects and board games inside the Playhouse.
Halasi Lace Exhibit and Santa’s Whimsical Arrival
From November 30 to December 31, the palace’s north wing hosts a shimmering Halas lace (Halasi csipke) exhibition, offering a glimpse into one of Hungary’s most cherished and elaborate textile traditions.
On December 6, the Big-Bearded Man himself—Santa (Mikulás)—makes his annual appearance to spread smiles. Kids and families bake reindeer treats and buttery cookies, ride on the Santa Express (free with admission), craft and mail their wish lists, and gather at 4PM to sing carols so Santa can find his way. It’s a full day of festive crafts, stories, and sweet surprises.
Murder Mystery: Interactive Castle Crime Evenings
To cap the year with suspense, December 27 and 28 become the stage for “Castle Crime”—an interactive whodunit adventure. Up to 50 amateur detectives compete to solve a mysterious murder in an enchanting, time-travel atmosphere. Examine clues, piece together evidence, and see if your cunning can outsmart the competition. Open to ages 14+, either solo or in a team, for a fee of USD 51 per person. Entry includes a welcome drink plus a delectable spread of sweet and savory snacks, and there’s even a surprise for the winning team.
Whether you’re in it for the chills, creative thrills, historical intrigue, or good old-fashioned fun, Festetics Palace promises memories you won’t soon forget this season.
