Christmas Market

This year's Christmas Market is the place to be to snap up that unique Hungarian special something. Stalls will be selling typical Hungarian crafted goods included leather goods, glass, ceramics, wooden toys, furs, rugs, fabrics, hand-blown glass figures, wrought-iron goods, candles and bags. At the grill stalls you can munch your way through Töki pompos, a Hungarian bread dough baked in a clay oven and Kürtőskalács”, a traditional hollow, cylinder-shaped pastry. Adding to the magical feel, everyday between 1 and 24 December the Gerbeaud Confectionary will become the festival's very own giant Advent Calender. At 5pm on each day a modern work of art will be unveiled from one its windows, until all 24 are displayed. Entertainment's on hand from Hungarian folk bands, puppet shows, gingerbread cookery demonstrations and, of course, old St.Nicholas himself will be dropping by. Magic.

when - Until 29 December
where - Vörösmarty Square, Budapest
more info - click here

Quarter6 Quarter 7 Festival

For a taste of Jewish culture check out this year's Quarter 6 Quarter 7 Festival, named after the Jewish districts of the city.

The eight-day jamboree takes place at more than 30 venues in the two districts - including bars, museums and three of the most ornate synagogues in Eastern Europe. Events will include theatre productions, art, concerts, lectures, including some in English, fire-juggling and you can even try your hand at some Jewish cooking.

when - 11 to 19 December
where - Various locations in and around districts VI and VII
more info - click here

The Alchemy of Beauty - Parmigianino - Drawings and Prints

He was a contemporary of Leonardo and while his name might not trigger the recognition factor of Da Vinci, he was just as prolific and his elegant sketches and drawings rival those of his more famed compatriot. Parmigianino has been acclaimed as having the 'pefection of style' when it comes to the human form and this new exhibition allows you to marvel at 80 of his most beautiful works, many never displayed before, as well as dozens of prints that will reveal the history and development of Renaissance Italian printmaking.

when - Until 15th March
where - Museum of Fine Arts, Heroes' Square, Budapest
more info - click here

Ordinary Stories

This exhibition is a great example of the genre of 'living history' whereby people who witnessed events record their thoughts and experiences to share for posterity. Ordinary stories turns the spotlight on the Lapuans, the now elderly generation of Fins who lived in Lapua during WWII, and came into contact with the young Hungarian soldiers based there as part of the Winter War of 1940. Among their memories are the children's laughter at the Huns poor skiing ability as they did splits in the snow. This is a refreshing exhibition that makes a welcome change from perusing dusty old tomes.

when - Until 21st March
where - Museum of Ethnography, Kossuth Lajos ter 12, Budapest
more info - click here