Christmas in Hungary facts for kids
Christmas in Hungary is a special time filled with unique traditions and customs. It shares some similarities with how Christmas is celebrated in other Central European countries, but also has its own Hungarian flair!
The festive season actually kicks off quite early here. A Santa-like figure, known as Mikulás (or Saint Nicholas), visits Hungarian children on the night of December 5th. This is the evening before Saint Nicholas Feast Day, which is on December 6th.
On the night before Saint Nicholas Day, children traditionally place a clean boot on their windowsill. They wait for Mikulás to come by and fill it with yummy treats! While Mikulás brings gifts early, the main gift-giving on Christmas Day itself is usually done by the Christ Child.
Mikulás often has a helper. Sometimes, it's a playful character called Krampusz, who reminds children to be good. In some nearby countries like the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Slovenia, Mikulás might also have a good Angel helper who gives presents to well-behaved children.
Mikulás usually appears dressed like a bishop, wearing a long red coat and a red cap. He carries a shepherd's crook and a big sack full of gifts. He visits in the middle of the night when children are fast asleep. If you try to stay up too late, he might not leave any presents, only a small birch stick as a gentle reminder to be good!
Before December 24th, families get busy decorating their homes and preparing delicious food. On Christmas Eve, which is the day before Christmas Day, families gather together. They decorate the Christmas tree with ornaments and place wrapped presents underneath it. Young children eagerly await the arrival of the Christ Child and, of course, the presents! Gift-giving usually happens after a special meal, and families often sing Christmas carols around the tree.
On Holy Night, Hungarians enjoy listening to classic holiday songs like "Silent Night." Many families also sing carols together or attend a Christmas church service. Another tradition is burning candles on an Advent wreath during the four weeks leading up to Christmas.
Delicious Hungarian Christmas Food
Christmas in Hungary is a feast! Families enjoy many traditional dishes together.
- Fish soup: A warm and tasty soup often made with fish.
- Stuffed cabbage: Cabbage leaves filled with meat and rice, cooked in a flavorful sauce.
- Fried fish and rice: A popular main course for the Christmas meal.
- Meats: Dishes often include chicken or pork, and sometimes turkey.
- Christmas Cake: A sweet treat to finish the meal.
- Bejgli: A traditional rolled pastry filled with walnuts or poppy seeds.
- Honeybread cookies: Sweet, decorated cookies, often shaped for the holidays.
Hungarians also have a special sweet called szaloncukor. These are small, individually wrapped candies that are often used to decorate the Christmas tree. They are a unique and delicious Hungarian tradition!
Festive Drinks
To go along with the delicious food, Hungarian families enjoy various drinks during Christmas celebrations.
- Alcoholic drinks: Adults might enjoy beer, wine, or liqueur.
- Pálinka: A traditional Hungarian fruit brandy.
- Soft drinks: Juices and sodas are also popular for everyone.
