Pécs, the lively heart of Baranya County at the foot of the Mecsek Mountains, blends Roman roots with a multiethnic spirit. Founded as Sopianae in the early 2nd century, the city has long been shaped by Swabian, Croatian, and Hungarian heritage. Today it pulses as a regional hub for culture and education, home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, striking Ottoman-era architecture, and a buzzing university scene. Winter 2026 is stacked with events across theaters, concert halls, and the magical Zsolnay Cultural Quarter—here’s what to catch from mid-January through February.
Weekly highlights across the city
Every week brings a fresh sweep of family and kids’ activities, popular science and educational programs, art happenings, and foodie events. The “Pécs Weekly Event Guide” (Pécsi heti programajánló) runs continuously, serving up something for every age group in every corner of the city. In parallel, the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter publishes its own weekly lineup of one-off events, recurring programs, guided tours, temporary exhibitions, and permanent attractions—with open invitations week after week from January through late February.
Fairy lights and winter wonder
Zsolnay’s debut light park, Enchanted Forest of Lights (Fények Elvarázsolt Erdeje), transforms the Quarter into a glittering winter dream. The Winter Light Grove (Téli Fényliget) promises fun, adventure, and memory-making for families, couples, and friends alike—perfect for a day out, a romantic stroll, or a casual meetup. The experience runs January 16–22 and returns January 23–29, drawing both locals and visitors with an illuminated fairytale vibe made for the season.
Theater you won’t want to miss
Comedy and drama keep the stages warm all winter. On January 17, the Dezső Lauber City Sports Hall (Lauber Dezső Városi Sportcsarnok) hosts Naked Truth (Meztelen igazság), a musical comedy with tickets from about $22 to $36. At Pécs Third Theatre (Pécsi Harmadik Színház), Márványlikőr / Terrio brings humor and romance in two acts on January 19 and again on February 22, both at a flat $20. Good Luck (Jószerencsét) lands on January 23 for $19. The rapid-fire farce The Wall Gives the Other One – or Notary Upstairs (A fal adja a másikat – avagy Közjegyző az emeleten) plays January 24 and February 6, each for $20. Valentine’s Day gets a theatrical twist with Unread Message (Olvasatlan üzenet) from the Oberon Company (Oberon Társulat) on February 14 at $17.
The Pécs National Theatre (Pécsi Nemzeti Színház) seasons its calendar with multiple runs: February 1–8, February 13–15, February 17–22, and February 24–28, with tickets from $10 to $26. Expect a mix of classic repertoire, contemporary pieces, and richly staged productions that place the National Theatre at the center of Pécs’s cultural map.
Music by candlelight and beyond
Candlelit concerts set the tone for winter nights. Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (A négy évszak) glows at the PKK Apáczai Cultural House on January 29. Harry Potter Music by Candlelight (Harry Potter zenéje gyertyafényben) follows on February 11 with tickets from $36 to $42, and Bridgerton Music by Candlelight (Bridgertoni zene gyertyafénynél) brings the Regency romance soundtrack to life on February 25 at the same price range. Pop nostalgia hits Kultik Cinema (Kultik Mozi) on February 21 with ABBA – The Happy New Year Concert Show, tickets $14.
Stand-up, solo shows and wit
Expect sharp tongues and big laughs. On January 29, EGO sees Dániel Mogács (Mogács Dániel) take the mic at the Comedy Theatre (Dumaszínház), Zsolnay Quarter E78, with Viktor Feiszt (Feiszt Viktor) on mic check; tickets run $20 to $22. Nóra Rainer-Micsinyei’s (Rainer-Micsinyei Nóra) solo evening, Marika for Prezident specziell, arrives February 18 at the same venue, priced $21 to $23. Harsányi 50 blends stand-up and music on February 13 at Pécs Third Theatre for $16. And if you prefer your comedy musical and cheeky, Menopause (Menopauza) turns up at the Dezső Lauber City Sports Hall on January 31, tickets from $40 to $57.
Inside the country’s oldest working brewery
Every Saturday is a good day for beer in Pécs. The city’s historic Pécs Brewery (Pécsi Sörfőzde) opens its doors for a guided factory tour and tasting—see how beer is made, then sample special brews on-site. The tasting tour (sörkóstolós sörtúra) runs January 17, 24, and 31, plus February 7, 14, 21, and 28. It’s a chance to step into Hungary’s oldest continuously operating brewery and sip history by the glass.
Keep the calendar rolling
Beyond the marquee moments, the Zsolnay Quarter’s weekly program guide continues uninterrupted from January 12–18 through February 23–March 1, with recurring tours, pop-up events, temporary exhibitions, and permanent attractions. The citywide weekly guide mirrors that cadence—January 12–18, January 19–25, January 26–February 1, February 2–8, February 9–15, February 16–22, and February 23–March 1—so your schedule can stay full without trying.
Pécs in winter is a glow-up—lights in Zsolnay’s enchanted forest, orchestras by candlelight, National Theatre heavyweights, quick-witted stand-up, and the comforting clink of pint glasses at the brewery. Whether you’re chasing fairytale ambience, a laugh that warms the room, or a cultural deep dive, the city’s got the vibe, the venues, and the variety to make January and February feel like the best months of the year.
