As a Catholic country, Hungary celebrates Halottak Napja which is a local version of All Saints' and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2. It's a serious and somber holiday that is mostly marked by honoring the Saints and visiting cemeteries. However, Halloween as a more playful and carnival-like celebration is becoming more and more popular in Budapest. The Hungarian capital hosts plenty of parties, festivals, ghost tours, and all kinds of Halloween-themed events. Most restaurants and bars in the city center offer special menus and Halloween-themed cocktails.
Budapest Töklámpás Fesztivál (October 28, 2023)
Budapest Töklámpás Fesztivál or Pumpkin Lantern Charity Festival takes place on a Saturday in late October at Heroes Square. The main idea of the event is to create a beautiful light installation made of Jack-O-Lanterns. Participants bring their own carved Halloween pumpkins and light up candles from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Also, people bring food to donate to a local charity.
Halloween Danube Cruises (unconfirmed in 2023)
Halloween in Budapest will be incomplete without a Booze Cruise on the Danube river. A fun and spooky two-hour boat party is an excellent opportunity to wear a costume and behave silly in the company of witches and wizards while enjoying DJ sets and the views of Budapest's illuminated skyline. Most cruises start at 10 p.m. and end at midnight. After the cruise, you can continue partying at Budapest's coolest bars and clubs. Budapest Halloween Cruise guests can skip the line entry to some seriously popular venues at the afterparty. Another option is to take a Booze Cruise Budapest by Day to fully admire the waterfront architecture of Buda and Pest sides.
Nightmare in Budapest Haunted House (October 20- November 5, 2023)
Halloween Nightmare in Budapest is a scary attraction for thrill-seekers available in late October and early November at the underground Horror Labyrinth on Rákóczi út 30. (district VII, entrance from Nagy Diófa Street). The tour lasts 30 minutes and is filled with real frights and action-packed scenes. The Labyrinth occupies 400 square metres (4300 sq ft) and is filled with special sound and light effects. Prepare yourself to see different kinds of monsters and dark creatures along the way.
Halloween Parties and Bar Crawls
Clubs and bars across the city throw freaking good parties for Halloween. The most popular city clubs like Instant or Dürer Kert are calling to wild Halloween costume parties. Make sure to warm-up for the party on one of the special ruin pub crawls on October 31. The Halloween-themed bar crawls price usually includes free drinks, free makeup, and lots of fun.
Dracula Tours
One of the most impressive Halloween tours invites you to visit Dracula in the Labyrinth. The Labyrinth in Buda Castle Hill hides lots of old stories and legends since the Middle Ages. According to some legends, Dracula, the legendary Vlad Tepes, was kept in prison here in the 15th century. Despite the skepticism, lots of travelers add this place to their Halloween activities list. The caverns are very atmospheric and have a long history. In the Middle Ages, caves were connected by a labyrinthine system. It served as a bunker in World War II, and there are many secrets and stories to be told about this place. Another Dracula Tour is offered at Vajdahunyad Castle in City Park. It's dedicated to the Hungarian vampire stories that sound especially vivid in the mysterious halls of the Gothic castle.
For the tickets and latest updates, please check with the official websites (see External Resources below.) Also, take a look at the map suggesting the best accommodations nearby.
