As the autumn chill descends, the historic Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély) in Keszthely becomes the ultimate destination for anyone seeking spine-tingling adventures and creative fun through the end of 2025. With everything from ghostly walks down ancient corridors and dramatic “castle-crime” mysteries to family-friendly craft parties and the magic of the holiday season, this grand estate is offering more than just a slice of history—it’s going all in for chills, thrills, and unforgettable family memories.
Haunted Halloween Nights: The Palace Gets Spooky
When dusk falls on October 28, 29, and 30, only the bravest dare to join the ‘Halloween Nights’ at Festetics Palace. These special evenings begin at 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with small groups of up to 25 participants, promising an eerie adventure for everyone over 14. Expect strange noises echoing in ancient halls, shadows flitting across moonlit corridors, and long-buried secrets coming to life. Tickets are available at both the palace box office and online—so don’t leave securing your spot to chance.
Autumn Break: History, Play, and Discovery
From October 24 to November 2, the palace welcomes families for a packed Autumn Break program. (Note: the palace is closed November 1.) Explore the permanent exhibitions with unique guided tours: at 11:00 a.m., take a deep dive into the world of the aristocracy’s carriages and automobiles; at 1:00 p.m., see how hunting ties in with nature conservation; and at 2:30 p.m., enjoy “The Night Lights” at the Historical Model Railway Exhibition. For the first time this season, the palace’s majestic northern wing—including the grand ballroom, lavish suites, and Venetian Mirror Room—opens its doors for exploration.
On October 26, kids and parents can try their hand at Autumn Model Making within the model railway exhibition, mentored by an expert builder. On October 30, experience a “Nature Tracking” session at the Hunting Exhibition, where participants learn to identify animal tracks and wilderness clues hidden in forests, meadows, and reed beds.
Unforgettable Sleep Theater and Themed Funhouse
October 25 brings a completely new experience: the Sleep Theater with Angéla Eke. Audience members lounge on dreamy installations instead of traditional seats, sinking into storytime like never before. Two sessions, at 4:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., promise fairy-tale magic in the northern wing—securing your ticket for this event will make your autumn break unforgettable.
From October 23 through November 2, the Historical Funhouse presents a different theme daily to keep screen time away and creativity at its peak. Mondays offer classic slide shows for cozy storytime. Game lovers can compete in board game championships on Tuesdays. On Wednesdays, children choose their favorite fairy-tale heroes and receive glitter tattoos or face painting from animators. Thursdays are for quiz challenges with playful, animal, and fairy-tale questions. Friday’s scavenger hunt brings surprises and endless laughter. Saturdays transform into a mega UNO Party, while Sundays focus on green living—with arts and crafts centered on recycling, such as decoupage and rock painting. Every day offers kids the opportunity to make new friends and gather lasting memories.
A Palace Full of December Magic
December at Festetics Palace is a swirl of joy. On December 6, families and children join the “Santa Claus Experience.” Children can bake butter cookies for Santa, craft reindeer treats for his helpers, hop onto the special “Santa train” (included with your ticket), and write letters to drop in Santa’s mailbox. At 4:00 p.m., everyone gathers to sing holiday songs, making sure the jolly visitor finds his way. The palace becomes the perfect place for heartfelt, magical moments for the whole family.
The famed Halas Lace Exhibition runs from November 30 to December 31, showcasing Hungary’s intricate craft traditions in the palace’s grand northern wing.
Train Hunts and Castle Crime: For Sleuths of Every Age
Aspiring detectives won’t want to miss the ‘Investigate, Play, Ride the Train!’ event at the model railway exhibition and the funhouse, offered on November 15 and December 20. From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., participants search for hidden scenes, hunt for details using their phones, and win prizes for every discovery. The day ends with rides on the miniature railway and fun craft sessions.
On December 27 and 28, the stakes rise with ‘Castle Crime’—an immersive, interactive mystery event for just 50 of the country’s sharpest private detective teams. With a $53 (18,900 HUF) ticket that includes a welcome drink and both savory and sweet treats, participants (age 14+) work in teams or individually to solve a sudden murder, sifting through clues and evidence amid the palace’s luxurious, mysterious setting. The fastest team claims a secret prize—but tickets are limited, so the curious and clever shouldn’t wait!
