December brings a freshly polished Veszprém Castle Quarter back into the spotlight with guided walks, exhibitions, and seasonal concerts — and yes, there’s a holiday schedule to navigate. Over the festive stretch, doors stay shut December 22–26. They reopen December 27–30, 10:00–18:00, and on December 31, 10:00–15:00. Outside the holidays, regular hours apply: Monday closed; Tuesday–Friday 17:00–19:00; Saturday–Sunday 10:00–18:00.
Guided Castle Walks
November 29 sets the pace with guided Castle Walks at 11:30, 14:00, and 16:00. Themed tours headline all season: “The Walk of Light and Devotion” covers the Archbishop’s Palace and Gizella Chapel on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 and 16:00, while “A Thousand Years’ Path” threads through the Cathedral, its crypt, and Saint George’s Chapel at 14:00 on weekends. The same rhythm returns on November 30 with Castle Walks at 14:00 and 16:00, plus both themed routes.
Baroque Jewel Hub: Biró–Giczey House
From December 6, the Biró–Giczey House — the baroque jewel box of the Castle Quarter — is the starting point for most tours, complete with garden, gift shop, and exhibitions. On December 6, walks set out at 11:30, 14:00, and 16:00; the two themed tours run at the usual weekend times, departing from the Biró–Giczey House.
December 7 offers Castle Walks at 11:30 and 14:00. “The Walk of Light and Devotion” runs at 11:30 and 14:00, again departing from the Biró–Giczey House. Tickets and info are at the Gift Shop; group size max 25 people, and exhibitions remain free to visit.
Mid-December Weekends
December 13–14 and December 20–21 repeat the full trio of Castle Walk slots at 11:30, 14:00, and 16:00. Both weekends feature the two themed tours on schedule: Light and Devotion at 11:30 and 16:00, Thousand Years’ Path at 14:00, all departing from the Biró–Giczey House.
Between the Holidays
December 27 brings “Festive Harmonies” — Ádám Tabajdi, István Horváth, and the Harmónia Chamber Ensemble in concert at St. Michael’s Cathedral (Szent Mihály-székesegyház). December 27–28 also stack up Castle Walks at 11:30, 14:00, and 16:00, alongside the themed tours from the Biró–Giczey House.
More Around Town: November
The city’s calendar is busy beyond the castle. Through November 29, “Images of Veszprém at the Turn of the 19th–20th Centuries” shows in the Eötvös Károly Library’s Small Gallery. “Fragrant Advent in Veszprém” scents the city from November 28 to December 23. November 29 adds author Sándor Vass back in Veszprém for a book talk and signing, plus an Advent-themed craft afternoon with Éva Nemes.
December Highlights
Expect live storytelling by Cecília Stenszky (December 2); a mini-city of “Advent LEGO” (December 2–22); the “Lights and Shadows” exhibition opening by Sára Sipőczné Hatházi at the Eötvös Károly Library (December 2, 17:00); Andrea Weaver’s book launch for The Manor House – The Book of Truth (December 3); an all-ages card club (December 3); festive readings (December 4); an offbeat Silent Book Club (December 5); meet the library’s Santa (December 5) and another Santa visit at the Óvóhely (December 6). Also: the “Who Am I?” program (December 9); Conversation Club at the American Corner (December 11); a dog-therapy session at the Library’s Children’s Department (December 11); Acoustic Christmas (December 12); Péter Kováts on Árpád Brusznyai’s living legacy in the music history series (December 12); Craft Corner (December 12); “Stories and Advent Lights in the Monasteries and Gardens” walking tour (December 12); Advent at the Mill, 8200 Veszprém, Fenyves St. 65 (December 14); French Conversation Club (December 16); “Who Am I? – Christmas in Every Flavor” (December 17); “Advent Lights in Veszprém” city walk (December 20); and a New Year’s Eve ramble with a toast (December 31).
Looking Ahead: 2026
Menopause Tour on January 17, tickets USD 27.6–69.0. Lord of the Dance 30th Anniversary Tour on March 27, tickets USD 27.3–60.5. 4th Veszprém Triathlon Festival on May 24. VeszprémFest 2026 runs July 15–18 with Juanes (July 15, USD 52.1–76.8), Beth Hart (July 16, USD 68.7–90.7), Kraftwerk (July 17, USD 52.1–76.8), and Pink Martini (July 18, USD 52.1–76.8); festival passes from USD 5.5–112.5. The Veszprém Street Music Festival runs July 23–25, and the Auer Festival returns August 3–9.
