On Sunday, December 21, 2025, the beloved small-animal market will once again take over the Covered Riding Arena of Újfehértó (Újfehértói Fedeles Lovarda) at 4244 Újfehértó, Kossuth St. 121. It pops up every third Sunday of the month, and the covered arena gives the whole fair a laid-back, scenic vibe. Expect a wide mix of animals, from familiar favorites to real curiosities and hard-to-find breeds. Families make a day of it here—there’s food on site, sweet treats, and plenty to browse whether you’re buying or just wandering.
If you want your contact details activated for listings, the site offers options under Contact, Date, Accommodation, Food & Drink. The organizers reserve the right to change the time and program, so it’s worth checking before you head out.
Where to Stay Nearby
There’s no shortage of places to stay within easy reach. The Aranyalma restaurant, a family business since the 1990s in Napkor, doubles as an event venue and offers a 14-bed guesthouse for rent—handy for out-of-towners, whether for an intimate family wedding or a full-scale reception, thanks to its flexible hall layout.
In Debrecen’s leafy Great Forest, right on the Debrecen Clinic grounds, the Auguszta Apartment Hotel and Student Hostel serves long-term international medical students but also operates as a hotel year-round when it has free capacity. It’s a practical base with a university vibe and green surroundings.
Nyíregyháza’s pride and green lung, Sóstó Spa (Sóstó-gyógyfürdő), hides the city’s most extravagant hotel in a large park next to the beach complex: Hotel Barbizon, a property that channels a Barbizon mood and stands out for character as much as location.
Also in Nyíregyháza, a modern hotel inside the University of Nyíregyháza campus welcomes guests with solid infrastructure and a calm setting. Opened in 2006, it offers 2- and 3-bed rooms, accessible rooms, family options, and double rooms. It’s set up to host conferences, trainings, meetings, and business events, with high-standard technical gear available for rent.
For something more intimate, a family-run pension sits on the edge of the oak forest that borders the city, just 50 meters (164 feet) from the lake in Sóstó. It’s right on the lakeshore and next door to one of Europe’s most visited zoos, the Nyíregyháza Zoo (Nyíregyházi Állatpark).
Debrecen’s garden district has another cozy, family-run pension that opened on August 16, 2002. With seven rooms, it’s about a 20-minute walk from both the center and the Great Forest, or roughly five minutes by car, and is easy to reach by public transport.
If you’re after wellness and quiet, the Borostyán Med-Hotel**** sits just outside Debrecen. It blends unusual architecture with EU-unique services and a dedicated stress-relief wellness center designed to pull you out of the everyday rush, without taking you too far from the city.
In the center of Nyíregyháza, the Central Hotel and Restaurant (Centrál Hotel és Étterem) pairs calm surroundings with the perks of downtown infrastructure. With 33 rooms and 69 beds—single, double, and French-bed options, plus junior suites and suites—it keeps the style elegant and simple. Expect a bath or shower, hairdryer, AC, minibar, LED TV, phone, laptop safe, welcome tray, and Wi‑Fi.
Debrecen’s Centrum Hotel Debrecen *** Superior puts you right in the historic heart, 50 meters (164 feet) from the Reformed Great Church and the main square where cultural events unfold. You’re close to the city’s must-see sites and key institutions.
Also in Debrecen’s downtown, the three-star Centrum Pension (Centrum Panzió) offers a quiet, family-friendly, park-like setting with an outdoor play area, 400 meters (1,312 feet) from the Great Church. A hearty buffet breakfast is available on request.
Where to Eat and Drink
Food fans won’t be bored. In Sóstófürdő, a welcoming restaurant sits right by the zoo, in a pleasant, atmospheric spot at the heart of the resort area.
Debrecen’s DE AGTC Böszörményi Road campus hosts the revamped Agrár Étterem, with a 600-portion kitchen and a 250-seat dining room spread over 6,997 square feet. It’s wrapped in glass for natural light and has its own terrace.
Craving some medieval flavor? Nyíregyháza has an atmospheric, period-accurate knights’ restaurant. Meanwhile, the Aranyalma in Napkor continues to serve guests as a family operation adaptable to weddings big and small, with that rentable 14-bed guesthouse for those coming from farther away.
Debrecen’s first dedicated e-sports bar brings gamer culture front and center—you’ll find everything geek here. The Belga remains a social hub in the city; in summer, the inner garden with a show kitchen and playground, plus the live-music section spilling onto the Piac Street promenade, draws the crowds.
Nyíregyháza’s Bistro de Lux (Bisztró de Lux) serves a fine-bistro vibe and a modern feel, with a terrace for summer dining. The international menu favors variety and healthier options, while traditional Hungarian dishes get a fresh, reimagined twist. À la carte is available.
At BlackWood, signature cocktails and specialty beers aim to turn an ordinary day or night into something memorable. If you’re tired of the usual, this bar leans into its own style and flavor.
Prefer homestyle cooking? One family-friendly spot welcomes guests with warm service, classic flavors, and a private room for family, friends, or company events.
For wine lovers, a cellar-level private room in a downtown Debrecen wine-terrace restaurant promises one of Eastern Hungary’s widest wine lists, paired with a strong culinary offering. It’s a good bet for wine dinners, birthdays, family occasions, and corporate events—with custom menus for weddings and business bookings.
Before You Go
The pet market in Újfehértó is a monthly staple and a fun family day out. Bring your curiosity, your appetite, and maybe a carrier if you’re planning to go home with a new little companion. And keep an eye on updates—the organizers reserve the right to change the timing and program.
