The popular all-inclusive gala unites good-hearted guests from the international community who enjoy great live music, a fine selection of international dishes, free-flowing drinks, various prize games and auctions, and a DJ dance party.
“We’ve chosen ‘Mikulás Nap’ because it’s a day in Hungary all about kindness, surprises, and joy for children,” says Stephen Linfitt, the publisher of Xpatloop.com and organizer of the party.
“As you may know, kids here hope that Mikulás, the Hungarian Santa Claus, will leave them treats on this special occasion. While this day is filled with joy for many, there are children in Hungary who sadly don’t have the same experience. That’s why we’re bringing the expat community together; to share in the local spirit of giving to help brighten the lives of children in need,” he adds.
As well as the new date, there is also a new venue this year: the Corinthia Hotel Budapest’s stunning Grand Ballroom. What hasn’t changed is that, once again, the jubilee party will be supporting UNICEF Hungary and other local charities.
And although the date has shifted from November to December, guests will still get to witness the traditional virtual bonfire and fireworks display, courtesy of Special Effects, and live music from the globetrotting Just Show Band.
The Master of Ceremonies will once again be Hans Peterson, who will guide proceedings all evening, together with another returnee, TV star Zsuzsa Demcsák. The duo will also host the live auction, announce the winners of the silent auction, and perform the raffle prize draw with the team from UNICEF Hungary.
In addition to the Hungarian branch of the United Nations children’s agency, three other local charities will be featured.
The Magyar Vöröskereszt (Hungarian Red Cross) runs programs and activities that help protect life and health, alleviate human suffering and poverty, and uphold human dignity, including disaster management, blood donor recruitment, first aid education, refugee programs, and more.
Rászoruló Fiatalok (Young People in Need Non-Profit) focuses on providing solutions to the emotional abuse of Hungarian children up to the age of 18, and also supports other local charities helping children in need.
Last but not least, HeartfeltEnglish is an international volunteering initiative that offers free English language lessons online to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative aims to prepare students for the C1 Advanced English Language Exam.
There are three ticket types, starting with a limited supply of early-bird gala table spots at HUF 28,000 per person (the price includes a Simple Pay booking fee and all related taxes).
On-the-spot gala table tickets will cost HUF 38,000 per person, as long as places are available, and must be paid for on arrival.
Finally, for those who want to give a little more to charity, there are VIP Philanthropist Tickets at HUF 48,000 per person, which also guarantee a place at a VIP gala table by the stage for the best view in the Grand Ballroom.
Early-bird and VIP tickets can be reserved online at xpatloop.com, where you will also find videos of previous Bonfire fundraising parties and more details about the Dec. 6 gala.
“Go for good vibes, incredible prizes, and exclusive socialising while ‘giving back,’” Linfit adds.
Dress Code: Smart casual or cocktail (but feel free to bring a Santa hat for festive photos!)
Age: Over 18 years old.
When: 5.30-11 p.m., Dec. 6
Where: Grand Ballroom, Corinthia Hotel Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49, District VIII.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of October 31, 2025.
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