Magical locations where the Advent spirit permeates

In connection with the festive season, we probably all think of delicious dishes and extra calories – but running is also possible in winter, and it is worth it! At the Tokaj Advent Light Run, you can not only start for the joy of movement, you can also compete for the title of the Most Creative Costume and the Largest Team. At the event, held before Christmas, you can complete the 2, 3 or 6 kilometre distance individually or in a team. Those who reach the finish line receive a medal, and hot tea and gingerbread help you warm up quickly after jogging. The starting number is also a raffle ticket – so you can end the last big run of the year with a valuable prize.

Palkonya is worth visiting all year round, but this small settlement in Baranya is especially charming during the Advent period. During the Advent Magic, which takes place at the beginning of December, the streets of the village are bathed in light, you can sip mulled wine in the courtyards and buy products from local craftsmen. The bistros, restaurants and wineries in Palkonya offer special festive dishes, but it is also worth paying attention to the restaurants' own programmes, as there will also be wine tastings and musical evenings during the Advent weekend.

One of the most atmospheric ice rinks on Lake Balaton, which is also one of the longest in the country, will open its doors again in Balatonfüred this year. Instead of a classic circular track, you can wind through the trees on the illuminated Tagore promenade, which, when topped off with the view of Lake Balaton, is an absolutely amazing experience. In addition to skating, face painting, demonstrations and musical programmes add to the variety of activities. You can even make a full-day or weekend trip to Füred – in which case it is worth staying at the nearby Anna Grand Hotel. You can also visit the Anna Grand restaurant for lunch or dinner, and if you want to warm up after the icy experiences, you can also splash around and use the sauna in the hotel's wellness area as part of the day spa service.

Like most big cities, Debrecen also dresses up in festive attire during the Advent period – and the civic town sets the bar high as usual. In the Advent fair held in the heart of the city centre, in addition to traditional gifts, products and the unmissable Christmas delicacies, the organizers enrich the programme with children's activities and concerts, and they also set up an ice rink. It is worth coming with a purpose, as there are plenty of programmes, from the Ice Flower Carnival to classical music concerts to the Run in Ugly Sweater. If you just come to look around, feel free to immerse yourself in the whirlwind of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts!

Although snowfall is not guaranteed, the festive atmosphere in Eger is still there. The sight of Dobó Square and the towering Eger Castle behind it worthy of a postcard itself, especially when the centre of the town is bathed in Christmas lights. During the bustling fair, visitors are welcomed with festive delicacies and varied programmes; it is worth immersing yourself in the spicy, clove-scented fairy tale world of Eger Advent. An interesting feature is that children and their parents can take part in special activities in the Magic Ice Palace set up in the glass hall of the Town Hall, where games, handicraft activities and a fairy tale corner add to the variety of offerings.

The sweetest odd one out on our Advent top list is the Honey Festival in Gyula, which is one of the most prominent (festive) events of the year for all beekeepers and honey lovers. During the two days of the festival, you can learn about the process of honey production and learn a lot of useful information on the professional day. However, at the event, you can gain not only knowledge, but also (taste) experiences, since the focus is of course on honey and the delicacies made from it. There will also be St. Lucy’s Day programmes. The participants of the Honey of the Year competition, as well as the honey knight orders of Hungary and neighbouring countries, are also represented at the event.

At the end of November, the city centre of Pécs turns into a jewel box. Passing through the sparkling Advent gate, visitors to the Advent Handicrafts and Fairy-Tale Fair are captivated by special tastes and smells. The fair will be opened by Gabi Szűcs' Swing Christmas concert, followed by numerous other performances, musical programmes and the events of the Fairy-Tale Snug. One of the most spectacular elements of the programme series will be the unusual festive light painting: the works of the Advent Light Painting Competition for Children will decorate the Mosque with magical lights on weekends, creating a special atmosphere for having mulled wine.

The Five Churches Advent is a festival for five congregations and five communities – for everyone, regardless of religious affiliation. During the Advent period, the churches of Győr's New Town await visitors with cultural, religious and musical programmes, allowing them to experience both traditional and modern Advent experiences at the same time. From the congregations’ Advent and Hanukkah programmes to candle lightings and musical devotions, you can find something to your liking in the amazingly colourful and varied programme offering.

One of the largest Advent fairs in the region – and indeed in the country – the Szeged Christmas Weeks is able to renew itself almost every year.

In addition to the products of the craftsmen, you can also take home the cute red mugs decorated with the silhouette of the Dóm from the mulled wine stands.

The main square of Kecskemét will be transformed into a real winter wonderland during the Advent period again. In the Winter Wonderland, you can sip mulled wine and have some chimney cake at the foot of the Ferris wheel. The organizers of the illuminated, festive square await children with interactive games and musical programmes throughout the Advent period, and between the two holidays, you can also skate on the ice rink. The wonderland of Kecskemét will not stop after Christmas either: on New Year's Eve, you can say goodbye to the year with concerts and a DJ party.