As the crisp autumn air settles in, Székesfehérvár transforms into a whirlwind of eerie fun, culture, and family adventures. The city turns not just orange with pumpkins, but positively electric with festivals, haunted walks, mysterious exhibitions, and unforgettable parties.
Pumpkin Fever and Crafty Fun
Kicking off the spooky season, the 6th Fehérvár Pumpkin Lantern Festival (Fehérvári Töklámpás Fesztivál) invites families to show off their pumpkin-carving prowess, followed closely by the 13th Paál István Festival, a celebration brimming with local arts. For those seeking pure creative chaos, the Family Pumpkin Carving Afternoon (Családi tökfaragó délután) in Kisfalud welcomes young and old for a joyful day of sculpting the funniest or most terrifying pumpkins. Once the masterpieces are ready, everyone parades their lanterns through Kisfalud’s charming streets. Entry is free, but you’ll need to sign up beforehand.
Chills and Thrills: Halloween in a Haunted Mansion
Things get downright spine-tingling in the Hiemer House (Hiemer-ház), one of the city’s most atmospheric historic mansions. Its legendary Halloween ghost walks are not for the faint of heart. As the heavy door creaks open and mist slithers inside, visitors enter a world where ancient inhabitants are said to return for the year’s most chilling night. This year, new rumors swirl, and those daring to enter won’t just watch—they’ll be part of the eerie show, led by otherworldly guides who share secrets about the mansion’s ghoulish past and the city’s darkest mysteries.
Meanwhile, for families, Kids’ Halloween (Kölyök Halloween) promises sweets, laughs, magical quests, and a detective hunt through the Hiemer House’s enchanted corridors. Young adventurers can make their own candy bags, embark on mysterious missions, and discover just who—or what—lurks within the old walls.
Culture, Mystique, and Ghostly Elixirs
If your tastes run to the truly bizarre, don’t miss the guided spooky tour at the Black Eagle Pharmacy Museum (Fekete Sas Patikamúzeum). On October 31, the legendary plague doctor, beak mask and all, invites you into a forgotten world of mummia powder and dragon’s blood. Discover the odd potions once used in the Kings’ City, from powdered mummies and unicorn horns to viper-infused remedies and poppy concoctions linked to the Black Death. Find out what beetles, sugar crystals, and even leeches had to do with healing, and brave a whiff of some sinister substances—though beware: not all gilded cures are pleasing to the nose! Tours begin at the Tourinform office; don’t miss this walk if you like your history on the weirder side.
Shiver-Worthy Parties and Family Events
October 31 sees Székesfehérvár turn into party central. The Diófa Restaurant transforms into a Halloween & Cocktail Party paradise, with live music from Zoli Kató, wild cocktails, and a themed menu. Costumes aren’t mandatory, but they make the night extra special—spaces fill up fast, so pre-booking is a good idea.
At the Szárcsa Hotel, adults-only mischief awaits at a Halloween bash with gourmet dining and dance floor excitement, perfect for a get-together or a spooky date night (limited spots, so grab your tickets early). In the Csala district, Csalloween (a play on “trick or treat” and the area’s name) brings families together for crafts, games, and a traditional trick-or-treat walk—playful, free, and guaranteed to bring giggles.
Nature, Ice, and History: The City’s Other Side
For something more tranquil but just as unique, the Sóstó nature reserve hosts The Sound of the Night Eco Tour, where you’ll spot nocturnal wildlife, hear legendary myths, and debunk old superstitions. The tour is limited to 25 people, so advance booking is essential.
Skating fans can glide into autumn at MET Aréna’s public ice skating sessions—fun for kids, families, and friends looking for a cool escape from the Halloween bustle. Tickets are required, and the vibe is unbeatable for an autumn break.
Craving stories? The “A Museum’s Perspective – The First 150 Years of the King Stephen Museum” (“Egy múzeum tekintete – A Szent István Király Múzeum első 150 éve”) brings the city’s history alive through captivating tales, rare artifacts, and personalities you won’t find anywhere else, set in the Csók István Gallery (István Csók Galéria).
Trains, Theater, and More Treats
The city’s sightseeing mini train runs every day during the autumn school holidays, taking families past Székesfehérvár’s most stunning sites with onboard stories about its fascinating past (tickets required). If you want to fill your autumn with more arts, the Vörösmarty Theatre (Vörösmarty Színház) offers performances from just $2.70 up to $68.
And the Festivities Go On…
The celebration continues with music, stand-up comedy, and special autumn programs, from the All Saints’ Day concert at the Basilica to the quirky “Everyone to the Museum – Fall Museums Festival” (“Mindenki múzeumba – Őszi múzeumi fesztivál”) and much more throughout November. However you like your autumn—spooky, cultural, creative, or simply filled with laughter—Székesfehérvár offers an unforgettable, vibrant season for everyone.
