Christmas in Hungary

Classic vintage hungarian chrismast-tree

Christmas in Hungary is a significant holiday celebrated with various traditions, customs, and culinary delights that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the country. The festive season is marked by a blend of Christian religious practices and local Hungarian folklore, making it a unique and vibrant time of the year.

Preparations and Traditions

The Christmas season in Hungary begins with the start of Advent, the four-week period leading up to Christmas Eve, known as Szenteste in Hungarian. During Advent, Hungarians prepare for the holiday by decorating their homes, baking traditional sweets, and visiting Christmas markets.

Advent Wreaths

One of the most common traditions is the lighting of the Advent wreath. The wreath has four candles, each representing one week of Advent. Families light one candle each Sunday leading up to Christmas, symbolizing the coming of Christ.

Mikulás Day

On December 6th, children celebrate Mikulás (St. Nicholas Day), where the Hungarian version of Santa Claus, Mikulás, visits and leaves sweets and small gifts in shoes that children place on windowsills the night before.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is the most important day of the Christmas season in Hungary. Families gather to enjoy a festive meal, decorate the Christmas tree, and exchange gifts. The Christmas tree is traditionally decorated with ornaments, lights, and often with szaloncukor, a type of Hungarian Christmas candy wrapped in shiny foil.

Traditional Foods

The Christmas Eve dinner is a significant part of the celebration, featuring dishes such as fish soup, stuffed cabbage, and beigli, a traditional Hungarian pastry filled with poppy seeds or walnut. Another popular dish is halászlé, a spicy fish soup that varies by region.

Midnight Mass

Many Hungarians attend the Midnight Mass (Éjféli mise) on Christmas Eve, a solemn Christian service that celebrates the birth of Jesus. It is a time of reflection and community, integral to the spiritual aspect of the holiday.

Christmas Day and Boxing Day

On Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25th and 26th), families continue to celebrate with gatherings, feasting, and visiting relatives. These days are public holidays in Hungary, allowing for extended celebrations and relaxation.

Folk Customs

In addition to the Christian traditions, various folk customs are still alive in some parts of Hungary. These include caroling and folk dances, as well as unique practices like betlehemezés, where groups of people, often children, recreate the Nativity scene and visit houses to perform and spread holiday cheer.

Conclusion

Christmas in Hungary is a time of warmth, joy, and togetherness, deeply rooted in the country's traditions and religious practices. It offers a glimpse into the Hungarian way of life, where family, faith, and heritage play central roles in the celebration of this cherished holiday.