The Nutcracker keeps casting its seasonal spell, drawing kids and grown-ups into a world where faith moves mountains and even a shabby wooden figurine can be more than it seems. A little girl sees the beating heart inside a painted toy, fights to break a curse, and reminds adults to feel, not just look. Across Hungary, 2025/26 brings a flood of performances, screenings, and concerts to keep the magic alive.
Budapest lights up for the holidays
On December 19, Ékszer Ballet Company stages The Nutcracker at 4 József Attila Square in District 13, while 8 Liszt Ferenc Square in Terézváros hosts Nutcracker and the Melodies of the Holidays – Christmas Concert. December 20 ramps up: a reimagined classic tale-dance show plays at 18 Csörsz Street in Hegyvidék from $21.50, and the grand The Nutcracker (A diótörő) returns to 22 Andrássy Avenue in Terézváros, priced $117–$327. Also on the 20th, Advent in the Buda Castle District screens The Royal Ballet’s production at 2–6 Miklós Ybl Square for $9.60.
Beyond the capital
Kecskemét hosts The Nutcracker (Diótörő) on December 20–21 at 1 Ferenc Deák Square, while Győr brings The Nutcracker to 16 Aradi Vértanúk Road on December 21. Szeged Contemporary Ballet’s Nutcracker runs December 20–22 at 16–20 Kis Rókus Street in Budapest for $23.10. Also on the 21st, a one-act fairy‑tale ballet invites audiences to Bring the Fairy Tale to Life! at 27 Haller Street in Ferencváros. 17 Nagymező Street in Terézváros hosts multiple dates: December 18–21 and 22–23, then December 25–28, priced $11.60–$12.40.
Holiday week highlights
Budaörs dips into a Chocolate Bar // Nutcracker event on December 22 at 26 Szabadság Road for $5.50–$6.80. On December 23, a Christmas ballet plays at 1–3 Jagelló Road. The marquee 22 Andrássy Avenue run continues December 23–28, December 30, January 2–4, 6–8, and 10–11 with tickets at $117–$327. On December 25, a recorded broadcast of The Royal Ballet’s Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker screens at 21 Rákóczi Road for $13.20. District 13’s 23–25 Kárpát Street hosts The Nutcracker (Diótörő) December 27–30 for $21.50–$26.90.
January tour across Hungary
Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker lands in Szeged on January 3 ($32.80–$62.90), Szombathely on January 8 ($28.10–$45.60), Kaposvár on January 10 ($26.20–$42.80), Eger on January 13, Miskolc’s Generali Arena on January 14 ($28.10–$43.40), Veszprém on January 15 ($30.10–$56.20), Győr on January 17 ($28.10–$46.90), and Budapest’s 1 Dózsa György Road on January 18 ($34.90–$64.50).
Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs.
