Update! – BKV Light Fleet Returns to Budapest for the 2025 Holiday Season

Budapest transforms into a winter wonderland each November when the city’s iconic BKV Light Fleet begins its seasonal journey through the streets. This beloved tradition brings magical illuminated trams, a funicular, and a boat to the Hungarian capital, creating one of the most unique holiday experiences in Central Europe.

Starting November 28, 2025 at sunset, the festive fleet departs from the Hungária depot on Brüll Alfréd Street and embarks on its enchanting route through the city. This year brings an extra special moment: for the first time ever, all light trams will appear simultaneously on the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút), creating a breathtaking spectacle of synchronized holiday lights along one of Budapest’s most famous thoroughfares.

Event Details

• Launch Date: November 28, 2025 at sunset
• Season Duration: November 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
• Launch Location: Hungária Depot, Brüll Alfréd utca 1, Budapest
• Operating Hours: Evening hours during sunset
• Admission: Regular BKV public transport tickets and passes are valid
• Fleet: 7 illuminated trams, 1 cogwheel railway, 1 boat
• Special Feature: All light trams appear simultaneously on the Grand Boulevard for the first time

The Fleet of Illuminated Vehicles

The 2025 Light Fleet features seven spectacular trams, each decorated with thousands of twinkling lights and festive decorations. The carefully decorated vehicles cruise through Budapest’s main streets and boulevards during evening hours, offering passengers and spectators alike a chance to experience the city’s holiday spirit from a unique perspective.

• UV Light Tram: The legendary vintage model that started the tradition
• Combino: Modern tram wrapped in contemporary light displays
• TW6000: The green light favorite with distinctive illumination
• ICS: The iconic yellow tram dressed in its holiday finest
• KCSV-7: Adorned with light garlands and festive cheer
• T5C5K2: One of downtown’s most beautifully decorated light trams

Beyond the Trams

The Light Fleet extends beyond street-level transportation. Adventure seekers can climb into the Buda Hills aboard the illuminated cogwheel railway (fogaskerekű), which offers stunning panoramic views of the lit-up city below as it ascends the hillside. The gentle ascent provides a romantic escape from the bustling streets while maintaining the magical atmosphere of twinkling lights.

For those who prefer waterfront views, the Light Boat glides along the Danube River, its festive decorations reflecting off the water’s surface. This floating member of the fleet provides a completely different vantage point of Budapest’s illuminated bridges and riverside landmarks, combining the city’s natural beauty with holiday enchantment.

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Planning Your Light Fleet Experience

The official launch takes place on November 28 at sunset, with all vehicles departing from the Hungária depot. The synchronized appearance on the Grand Boulevard happens shortly after departure, making this opening evening particularly special for photography enthusiasts and holiday lovers.

The Light Fleet operates throughout the winter season until January 4, running during evening hours when the lights create the most dramatic effect against the darkening sky. Regular tram tickets and public transport passes are valid on the light trams, making this festive experience accessible to all visitors exploring Budapest.

The Grand Boulevard route offers numerous viewing spots, with major intersections and stops providing excellent opportunities to photograph the illuminated vehicles. Popular locations include Oktogon, Blaha Lujza Square, and the Western Railway Station area, where the trams pass frequently and the surrounding architecture enhances the festive atmosphere.

Update – The Schedule Has Been Finally Published!

The schedule for Budapest’s festive light vehicles for the 2025-2026 winter season has been published. Visitors can find detailed route maps and timetables on the official Budapest public transport company’s (BKK) website or the Budapest Go app, where the festive services are marked with a snowflake icon for easy identification.

Fényvillamos (Light Tram)

Runs daily from November 28, 2025, to January 6, 2026, from 4 p.m. until late evening, except on December 24 and 31. The Light Tram operates on several different routes across the city, decorated with thousands of warm LED lights, offering a magical festive atmosphere to travelers.

Mikulástroli (Santa Trolley)

The Santa Trolley will run during the same period as the Light Tram, but detailed route and schedule information will be announced soon. It is another beloved festive vehicle bringing holiday cheer.

Fény-Combino

Operating daily from November 28, 2025, to January 6, 2026, between 4 p.m. and late evening. The Combino tram runs between Szél Kálmán Square and Újbuda Központ/Móricz Zsigmond Square, decorated festively with lights.

Fény-Hannoveri

Runs on various routes daily within the same dates and hours as the other light trams. The Hannoveri tram shines brightly with Christmas lights, enhancing the city’s winter evenings.

Fény-ICS

This tram runs between Deák Ferenc Square and Városház Square/Kelenföld Train Station every day during the festive period from 4 p.m. onward, adorned spectacularly with holiday lights.

Fény-KCSV–7

Operating daily between Jászai Mari Square and Keleti Train Station/Közvágóhíd from late November to early January. It adds sparkling warmth to its route with countless festive lights.

Fény-Tatra

The Tatra tram runs on several different routes during the festive period, shining with enchanting light decorations every afternoon and evening from November 28 to January 6.

Fényfogas (Cogwheel Railway)

The festive cogwheel railway operates on the same schedule, running on its traditional route up Széchenyi Hill. Its lights create a unique and cozy holiday atmosphere on the scenic ride.

Mikulásbusz (Santa Bus)

From November 29 to December 23, the Santa Bus runs on inner city routes on weekdays between 12 p.m. and 8 p.m., and on weekends with slightly different, broader city area routes between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

All festive vehicles can be accessed with regular Budapest public transport tickets or passes with no additional ticket required. This magical light fleet transforms Budapest’s winter evenings into an unforgettable holiday experience for visitors and locals alike.