The Archdiocese of Veszprém rolls out a packed winter-to-spring lineup across multiple venues and towns, blending sacred music, guided castle walks, family-friendly programs, and a practical engagement course for couples. Expect exhibitions, concerts, kids’ activities, guided tours, thematic walks, lectures, red-letter-day celebrations, and church events—free and ticketed—clustered around Advent and stretching into March.
Advent Music at the Cathedral
On Saturday, December 20, at 7:00 PM, the cathedral hosts Advent Musical Devotion, a centerpiece of the season. The evening features the Szent Mihály Choir led by conductor Pál Vikman, alongside organist Tamás Kosóczki. The musical journey opens in the soundscape of waiting—Advent’s calm expectancy—with Zoltán Kodály’s Adventi ének and Heinrich Schütz’s Rorate caeli. As Christmas approaches, preparation takes a festive turn: choral and organ works ring out just four days before the feast. A standout is Tibor Pikéthy’s Christmas Fantasy, primarily an organ piece that weaves in the carol Ó, gyönyörűszép, titokzatos éj, sung by the choir as part of the composition. The program offers quiet spiritual preparation, the serenity of celebration, and the joy of the Redeemer’s coming. Entry to St. Michael’s Cathedral is free.
Guided Castle Walks: Light, Devotion, and a Millennium
On December 20–21, December 27–28, December 29, and December 30, guided castle walks depart at 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM, launching from the Biró–Giczey House, the Baroque jewel box of the Veszprém Castle District, complete with garden, gift shop, and exhibitions. Two themed routes rotate across the days:
– Walk of Light and Devotion: Archbishop’s Palace (Érseki Palota) + Gizella Chapel at 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and on December 29–30 at the same times.
– A Thousand Years’ Journey: Cathedral + Crypt + St. George’s Chapel at 2:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and on December 29–30 at 2:00 PM.
Tickets and info are available at the gift shop. These strolls stitch together sacred spaces and stone-etched history, offering a luminous Advent lens and a deep dive into a thousand years of worship and art.
Post-Christmas Concert Sparkle
December 27 brings Festive Harmonies, a concert by Ádám Tabajdi, István Horváth, and the Harmónia Chamber Ensemble. Expect holiday sheen with virtuosic warmth, a musical bridge between Christmas glow and year’s-end reflection. Check local listings for exact time and venue details within the archdiocesan program.
Engagement Course in Veszprém
Moving into 2026, couples can join the Engagement Course in Veszprém at the Padányi school, 6 Szeghlety J. Street (Szeghlety J. utca 6). Sessions run on Fridays: February 6, February 13, February 20, February 27, March 6, and March 13. The course helps couples prepare for marriage and family life through six core themes:
– The spirituality of marriage
– The family we come from
– Communication in relationships, conflict resolution
– Intimacy in marriage
– Differences between men and women, pitfalls of marriage
– Child-rearing and family life
It’s a guided, practical itinerary for building durable bonds, honest dialogue, and a resilient home life—six evenings that move from inner foundations to day-to-day skills.
Plan, But Stay Flexible
The Archdiocese reserves the right to change times and programs, so keep an eye on updates. Whether it’s the hush of an Advent chorale, the cool stone of the crypt underfoot, or a Friday-night talk that finally unlocks a tricky conversation, Veszprém’s winter calendar keeps the season vibrant, reflective, and very much alive.
