St Stephen's Basilica Light Projection
Fényfestés a Bazilikán47°30′ N 19°03′ EBudapestfrom Nov 13Seasonal
The light projection on the façade of St Stephen's Basilica in Budapest plays every evening from 17:30, repeating every half hour, for the whole run of the Advent Bazilika market from 13 November 2026 to 1 January 2027. It is free and suits anyone at the market after dark, though the square in front gets packed.
Photo Elekes Andor · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0 and others, credited in the gallery
St Stephen's Basilica Light Projection runs November 13, 2026 to January 1, 2027 · confirmed by the organizer (source)
Advent SundaysGaudete, 13 DecemberChristmas Eve
The front of the Basilica becomes a screen for a three-dimensional play of light and shadow, which the organizer calls the market's best-loved feature. In 2025 it switched to brighter projectors and added a new film about the church's history for its 120th birthday, alongside older favourites. On some evenings a concert plays in front of the projection. One visitor in a past season used it to propose, with a message projected on the church front.
Worth knowing
- If you miss the start, wait for the next showing; they come round every half hour from 17:30.
- Pair it with dinner at the market's stalls, which stay open until 22:00, or 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Quick answers about St Stephen's Basilica Light Projection
What time is the light show at the Budapest Basilica?
The light projection on St Stephen's Basilica starts at 17:30 every evening during the Advent Bazilika market and repeats every half hour. In 2026 the market runs from 13 November to 1 January 2027.
Do you need a ticket for the Basilica light show?
No. The projection on St Stephen's Basilica is free to watch from Szent István tér, and the Advent Bazilika market on the square is free to enter.
When is St Stephen's Basilica Light Projection in 2026?
St Stephen's Basilica Light Projection runs from November 13, 2026 to January 1, 2027. Those dates are confirmed by the organizer.
Do you need a ticket for St Stephen's Basilica Light Projection?
No. St Stephen's Basilica Light Projection is free to walk.