Celebrate the Chinese New Year in Budapest This February
Budapest shines with colors, lights, and flavors every February as it joins the celebration of the Chinese New Year. The city welcomes visitors with concerts, festivals, light shows, and cultural exhibitions that honor the traditions of the Far East while connecting them with Hungarian artistry. Whether you prefer music, history, food, or nighttime strolls, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the Hungarian capital.
Hungarian and Chinese Four Seasons – Zeneakadémia, February 2, 2026
At the start of February, the Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music hosts an extraordinary concert titled The Hungarian and Chinese Four Seasons, a musical dialogue between pianist Gergely Kovács and violinist Lu Siqing. The evening unites Eastern and Western traditions with the world premiere of new works by composers Péter Stefán and Wen Ziyang, presented in the Academy’s Great Hall, famous for its acoustics and elegant atmosphere.
Chinese New Year Festival – Chinatown Budapest, February 7–8, 2026
A weekend full of energy, flavors, and tradition awaits at the Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown Budapest. The celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse fills the streets with dragon dances, live music, and street food prepared by award-winning chefs from Chengdu. Visitors can explore authentic Sichuan flavors, watch kung-fu tea performances, and take part in creative workshops on calligraphy and traditional crafts. You can also make your own red envelope decorated with lucky horse motifs—a timeless symbol of blessing and prosperity in Chinese culture—and hang your wishes on the glowing wish trees in the courtyard. Bring your own pen for quicker access to writing wishes and enjoy the vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere of Budapest’s little China.
Lantern Festival of the World’s Animals – Budapest Zoo, until February 22, 2026
The Budapest Zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland during the Lantern Festival of the World’s Animals, where artists from Zigong bring life-sized lantern sculptures of endangered animals from every continent. Each illuminated artwork reflects the diversity of world cultures through intricate Chinese craftsmanship, inviting viewers to take a nighttime journey around the world.
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Adding an extra sensory twist, the Weekend of Diversity immerses guests even deeper in this luminous experience. Between January 30 and February 1, from 17:00 to 21:00, the zoo hosts a culinary celebration among the glowing lanterns. In eight Chinese gastronomic tents, visitors can savor freshly made dumplings, grilled bites, candied fruit skewers, Chinese pancakes, authentic desserts, and even Chinese-style mulled wine. The event can be visited with a regular Lantern Festival ticket, which covers access to both the exhibition and the culinary evenings. It’s the perfect way to taste, smell, and feel the richness of Chinese culture while walking through an illuminated nightscape filled with color and light.
Grand Chinese New Year Concert – Müpa Budapest, February 27, 2026
Budapest’s grandest music venue, Müpa, hosts the Grand Chinese New Year Concert, where the Year of the Horse is celebrated through rhythm and harmony. Folk melodies, operatic excerpts, dramatic percussion, and world music influences come together in this culturally rich performance. The evening showcases traditional Chinese instruments such as the erhu, pipa, guzheng, and dizi, offering a deeply emotional experience that bridges the East and West through sound.
The Guardians of Eternity – Terracotta Army Exhibition, Museum of Fine Arts, November 28, 2025 – May 25, 2026
For history enthusiasts, the Guardians of Eternity – The Terracotta Army of China’s First Emperor exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts brings the past to life with artifacts spanning over a thousand years. More than 150 ancient objects, including ten original terracotta warriors, tell the story of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, whose monumental army was buried to guard his tomb for eternity. The exhibition also presents ritual relics and coins from the Qin and Han dynasties, offering a detailed insight into the life, beliefs, and artistry of ancient China.
Summary and Traditions
Budapest celebrates the Chinese New Year with heart and imagination, blending Chinese traditions with the city’s cultural spirit. Visitors can enjoy concerts, festivals, and glowing light displays that symbolize renewal and prosperity. According to Chinese custom, red envelopes filled with money bring good fortune, while wish trees offer a chance to share personal hopes for the year ahead.
Join the festivities, make your own red envelope, taste the delicacies of Sichuan cuisine, or stroll through the lantern-lit paths of the zoo. As the Year of the Horse begins, Budapest invites you to celebrate renewal, happiness, and good luck in a truly global spirit.
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