Spend a magical night on the Budapest Christmas Day Dinner Danube River Cruise on Dec 25 with Live Music and Entertainment with a 2 hour Unlimited Drink Pack. The festive paddle boat, Count Szechenyi, is the perfect picture postcard charming ship for Christmas festivities! The event features live music, a delightful 2-hour programme with 1.5 hour cruising on the scenic Danube. While the evening of December 25th is mostly serene in Budapest, as many locals in Hungary keep celebrating Christmas at home with family member, you can have a lovely festive time with international travellers who visit the city just to experience the fascinating winter sights and Budapest Christmas Markets.
Christmas Day Dinner Cruise Budapest 2024
Budapest River Cruise Dec 24 – Photo by Dana Sarsenbekova
Christmas Day Dinner Cruise Highlights
Celebrate Christmas Day on Dec 25th with a scenic cruise on the river Danube. The evening includes a buffet-style Christmas Day Dinner, Unlimited Drink package, Live Music by award-winning Hungarian musicians, and a lively Folk Dance performance in traditional attire. As you sail, enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage sights of Budapest illuminated at night.
- 2-Hour Festive Cruise with a 1.5-hour sailing time
- Buffet-style Christmas Day Dinner with diverse options for all preferences
- Unlimited Drink Package for 2h (wines, beers, soft drinks, and hot beverages)
- Live Music by Hungarian Gypsy musicians
- Folk Dance Performance
- Old world Charm historical Paddle Boat
- Spacious ship with about 300 passengers
- Ship Bar for further Drinks (pay as you order)
- E-Ticket via email (no printing required)
- Highly popular event – advance booking recommended!
Prices – Christmas Day Dinner Cruise Dec 25
- Adults: €159 (includes dinner and unlimited drinks)
- Children (3-10 years): €79.50
- Children (0 – 2): Free
- No window seat upgrades
- No group discounts available as it will sell out at full price
Cancellation Policy Dec 25 Dinner Cruise
Bookings are non-refundable. In case of cancellations due to Covid at least one week before the date, we may issue a one-year open voucher. The voucher is transferable with prior email approval.
Buffet Dinner Cruise Live Folk Dance & Music
Schedule for Christmas Day Cruise
- 6.30 pm – Boarding at Academy Dock by Chain Bridge (City Centre, Pest side of BudaPest)
- 7.00 pm – Departure / Xmas cruise begins
- 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm – Cruise along the Danube
- 9.00 pm – Disembarkation / Xmas cruise ends
Christmas Buffet Dinner Menu
Enjoy a Christmas menu filled with Hungarian and festive favourites:
Soups
- Goulash Soup (LF) (GF)
- Vegetable Soup (Vegan) (LF) (GF)
Main Courses
- Traditional Beef Stew “Pörkölt” with home made Dumplings (GF, LF) – confusingly, this is referred to as ‘goulash’ in English but Hungarians use the word ‘Porkolt’
- Roast Chicken Thigh with Parsley Potato
- Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage (GF, LF) Minced meat in Cabbage leaves with Sauerkraut – hearty winter food with plenty of healthy fermented veggies
- Vegetable Casserole with Rice and Peas (GF, V)
- Vegetable Couscous (LF, Vn)
Side Dishes
Buffet Dinner Cruise Live Folk Dance & Music
- Rice (GF) (LF) (Vegan)
- Homemade Dumplings “Nokedli” (LF) (V)
- Roast Potatoes with Parsley (GF) (LF) (Vegan)
Salads
- Mixed Salad with Pesto Sauce (L, G, Vn)
- Cucumber Salad (L, G, Vn)
- Pasta Salad with Yoghurt Dressing (L, G, V)
Desserts
- Strudel Selection (LF) (V)
- “Somloi” Trifle (V)
- Beigli with Walnut or Poppy Seed – Traditional Christmas Yule roll style festive cake
- Fruit Bowl (only upon request min 72 h before date)
- GF: Gluten-free
LF: Lactose-free
V: Vegetarian
Vegan: Vegan
Unlimited Drink Package
The unlimited drink package is part of the cruise ticket in 2023 (under 18 guests will be served non-alcoholic drinks only. Kindly bring an ID if there could be any doubt about proving your adult age). The drink package includes a selection of house wines, beer, soft drinks etc. and Festive Winter Drinks.
- Wines: Red, Wine, Rose
- Beers: Draught Beer from the Tap
- Mineral Water
- Juices
- Soft Drinks
- Tea
- Coffee
Budapest River Cruise on Christmas Day
Unlimited Drinks
Includes house wines, draught beer, juices, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Alcoholic drinks are served only to guests over 18 with ID.
Sights & Lights
Admire the iconic Budapest skyline from the heated cabin or the open deck. Enjoy views of Buda Castle, Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and more.