“Queen Elisabeth’s Christmas”
Experience the Christmas of the Peaceful Era in Gödöllő!
The scent of pine, soft music, crackling fire, a hint of cinnamon—
all within the walls of a royal palace.
Have you ever wondered what Christmas was like in a palace?
What Queen Elisabeth’s holiday might have felt like?
On December 28, the Gödöllő Royal Palace brings the atmosphere of the Belle Époque back to life. Visitors are invited on a journey through time, immersing themselves in the spirit of a 19th-century Christmas.
You don’t have to travel far—just 30 kilometers from Budapest, the palace hosts its annual family day, “Queen Elisabeth’s Christmas,” on December 28, where you can experience it all firsthand!
If you’d like to try the dances of the era, test whether you would have met the expectations of the royal court, or discover how Queen Elisabeth and her household celebrated the holidays, this is the perfect place for you. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., guests can join a station-based activity trail, completing various challenges—from answering questions to crafting or playing movement-based games at the Kezes-Lábas Playhouse. Collect all the stamps and you can enter a prize draw—where the gifts will be presented personally by Queen Elisabeth herself!
The enchanting atmosphere of the bygone era is brought to life by the Mare Temporis historical reenactors, dressed in authentic costumes and sharing traditional games and dances.
This exciting day of festivities concludes with a fairy-tale performance at 3 p.m. by the Guliba Troupe. Whether you arrive with children or on your own, you’re sure to have a wonderful time.
Between two slices of bejgli, isn’t it worth a little trip to Gödöllő?
28 December 2025
10:00–16:00
Adventure-filled experiences for the whole family
To celebrate Christmas—one of Queen Elisabeth’s favourite holidays, as she loved giving gifts—we invite families to spend a magical day with us. Visitors can, with the help of the Mare Temporis historical reenactment group, put themselves to the test to see whether they would meet the customs and expectations of the royal court, learn some of the popular dances of court balls, and take part in a reception hosted by Queen Elisabeth herself. Throughout the day, the past comes to life through live historical interpretation, historical costume reconstructions, and costumed performers. In addition to the bustle of the court, we welcome children and adults alike with craft activities and the creative skill-building games of the Kezes-Lábas Playhouse. The festive day concludes with the Guliba Ensemble’s tale-play “Shepherds, Let Us Awake!”
Ticket prices:
0–3 years: ................................................ free
3–6 years: ................................................ 2,200 HUF / person
6–18 years / with discount: ...................... 4,000 HUF / person
Adult ticket: ............................................ 6,400 HUF / person
Family ticket (2 adults, max. 3 children): .. 18,500 HUF
Entry tickets for the program also grant access to the permanent exhibition, the Riding Hall (Lovarda).
The exhibition “A. E. Köchert – Jeweller to Emperors and Kings” requires a separate ticket.
Ticket for the tale-play only: 2,000 HUF / person
Registration and information:
muzeumpedagogia@kiralyikastely.hu
+36 70 669 3320, +36 70 709 6169, +36 70 669 509
