The Best Christmas Markets in Budapest (2025)
LOOKING FOR THE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN BUDAPEST?
I’ve got you covered! I am originally from Budapest and there is nothing better than sipping mulled wine at one of the Budapest Christmas Markets in winter.
The Christmas Markets in Budapest have over 100 of stalls, wide variety of handicrafts items, traditional Christmas food and drinks, activities for children, live music, ice-skating rinks, lights shows and more!
Most of the Christmas markets in Budapest are located on the Pest side of the city, within walking distance of each other. The two most famous Christmas markets in Budapest are the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market and the St. Stephens Basilica Advent Market.
The Budapest Christmas markets usually run from 15 November to 31 December/1 January each year and are also open on 25-26 December.
So, here is everything you need to know about where and when the Budapest Christmas Markets are!
Budapest in December
The winter in Budapest is from December to February. The weather in December is cold and the average temperature is between -1 to 3.4 °C (30-38 °F).
20-30 years ago, it used to snow in Budapest a lot in December, but in recent years there is less chance of snow. If there is some snow in Budapest in December, it usually melts away quickly.
To withstand the cold outside, it is good to wear winter clothes that will keep you warm, such as layers, winter coat, boots, hat, scarf, gloves, thick socks.
Christmas in Budapest
Christmas is the most important holiday in Hungary. Budapest comes alive during the Christmas holidays with festive lights, Christmas markets, ice-skating rinks and delicious Christmas food and drinks.
If you are lucky, you might even see the city in snow!
The main dates for Christmas in Budapest are:
- 24 December: Christmas Eve
- 25 December: Christmas Day
- 26 December: Boxing Day
- 31 December: New Years’ Eve
- 1 January: New Years’ Day
The main Christmas traditions in Hungary are celebrating with family, having big family feasts, decorating the Christmas tree, go to Christmas markets, ice-skating, and meeting up with friends.
As for Hungarian Christmas food, the most traditional Christmas dishes are stuffed cabbage, fish soup, bejgli, mákos guba, hókifli, and szaloncukor.
The stuffed cabbage and fish soup are main dishes for Hungarian Christmas lunch and dinner. While bejgli, mákos guba, hókifli and szaloncukor are traditional Christmas desserts.
Budapest Christmas Market Dates
The Christmas markets in Budapest usually start around 15 November and runs until 31 December or 1 January each year.
- Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market Date: 15 November – 31 December 2024
- St. Stephens Basilica Advent Market Date: 15 November 2024 – 1 January 2025
- Gozsdu Court Christmas Fair Date: 6-24 December 2024
- Óbuda Advent Fair Date: 29 November – 22 December 2024
Hotels in Budapest Near Christmas Markets
📍 Budget Hotel: Maverick City Lodge
📍 Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Zenit Budapest
📍 High-End Hotel: Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel
The Best Christmas Markets in Budapest
There are many Christmas Markets in Hungary, especially in Budapest. Visiting the Christmas markets will definitely get you into the holiday spirit!
The Budapest Christmas Markets have everything from mulled wine, traditional Hungarian food and drinks, and handicrafts products.
The best thing is, it is free entry for all – although you will be tempted to eat and drink, and buy gifts!
1. VÖRÖSMARTY SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
- Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market Location: Vörösmarty Square (Pest)
- Dates: 15 November – 31 December 2024
- Payment: only card payments are accepted
The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market is the biggest and oldest Christmas Market in Budapest. It is right in the city center, near the Danube River on the Pest side.
The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market has over 100 stalls, Christmas tree, and they also hold concerts in the evenings. The stalls at the market sell handicrafts items, and lots of traditional Hungarian Christmas food and drinks.
Some of the best Hungarian Christmas food you can try here is goulash soup, stuffed cabbage, and sausages. For salty snacks, you can try lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese).
For Hungarian Christmas desserts, they have bejgli (hungarian christmas dessert made of pastry and poppy seeds), as well as chimney cake.
For Christmas drinks, there is plenty of mulled wine, punch, tea, hot chocolate, and Hungarian drinks (pálinka, Hungarian wine).
There are also many activities for kids at the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market. There is a miniature railway, playhouse, puppet show, and arts and crafts workshops. On 6 December, there is also a Santa Claus at the market.
If you like live music, they also have concerts in the evenings, such as jazz, folk and blues.
🎄 The Deák Ferenc Street is a famous shopping street located right next to the Vörösmarty Square. During Christmas, Deák Ferenc Street is turned into Christmas market, where you can find Christmas food and drinks, Christmas tree, and handicrafts!
2. ST. STEPHEN’S BASILICA ADVENT MARKET
- St. Stephens Basilica Advent Market Location: Szent István Square (Pest)
- Dates: 15 November 2024 – 1 January 2025
- Payment: Both cash and card payment accepted
The St. Stephens Basilica Advent Market is the second biggest and most popular Christmas market in Budapest.
The St. Stephens Basilica Advent Market was selected as the best Christmas Market in Europe 4 times before in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024!
It is smaller in size than the one at Vörösmarty Square but it has many amenities. They have a Christmas tree, concerts and a light show in the evenings every 30 minutes.
There are many stalls and vendors selling handicrafts items that are great for Christmas gifts.
They also have traditional Christmas food and drink stalls, selling Hungarian food (goulash, lángos, stuffed cabbage, bejgli) and christmas drinks, such as mulled wine. You can also find famous Hungarian drinks at the market, including Hungarian pálinka and wine.
There is also an ice-skating rink at the St. Stephens Basilica Advent Market that children can use for free up to the age 14. For kids, they also have an event with Santa Claus on 6 December.
3. ERZSÉBET SQUARE CHRISTMAS MARKET
- Location: Erzsébet Square (Pest)
The Erzsébet Square Christmas Market is located right in the city centre, next to Deák Ferenc Square and Vörösmarty Square. If you are exploring the city center on foot, you will not miss this place.
There is a ferris wheel at Erzsébet Square all year around, and during Christmas, they set up Christmas stalls selling food and drinks.
They have traditional Hungarian Christmas food and drinks, such as chimney cake and mulled wine.
4. GOZSDU COURT CHRISTMAS FAIR
- Location: Gozsdu Court (Pest)
Gozsdu Court (Gozsdu Udvar in Hungarian) is located in the city center of Budapest and is mostly known for its restaurants and bars. It is a great place for nightlife all year around and during Christmas they have a special Christmas fair.
The Christmas fair at Gozsdu Udvar is held from 6-24 December where you can buy some handicraft items, and enjoy food and drinks in the restaurants there.
All year round on the weekends, there is also a vintage flea market at Gozsdu that runs from Friday to Monday (10 am-5 pm). Perfect place to buy some unique gifts.
5. BÁLNA CHRISTMAS MARKET
- Location: Fővám Square (Pest)
Bálna (means “whale” in English) is a venue along the River Danube that has both an inside and outdoor area.
Inside the Bálna, they hold a design and craft fair during December, which is a great place to buy gifts for friends and family for Christmas.
While, in the outdoor area of Bálna, they have some mini Christmas market stalls selling Christmas food and drinks. It might be cold outside, but the food and drinks will warm you up. You also get a nice view of the River Danube as it is located right next to it!
6. ÓBUDA ADVENT FAIR
- Location: Szentlélek Square (Buda)
- Date: 29 November – 22 December 2024.
The Óbuda Advent Fair is located on the Buda side of the city and it is the most notable Christmas fairs in Buda. It runs from 29 November to 22 December, 2024.
They have many stalls with handicrafts, and traditional Hungarian Christmas food and drinks. You can try here traditional Hungarian food, such as goulash, stuffed cabbage and lángos, as well as Christmas drinks like mulled wine.
They also have concerts in the evenings, kids activities and a free ice-skating rink.
Other Smaller Christmas Markets in Budapest
- City Hall Christmas Fair (Városháza): 15 November 2024 – 5 January 2025
- Madách Square Christmas Fair: 1-22 December 2024
- Corvin Sétány Christmas Fair: 20 November-24 December 2024. They have handicrafts, Christmas food and drinks.
Budapest Christmas Market Location
The Budapest Christmas Markets are located across the city, mostly in the city center of Budapest on the Pest side.
However, you can also find some Christmas Markets on the Buda side at famous tourist attractions (Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion)
If you book an accommodation in the city centre of Budapest (Pest side), most of the Christmas markets will be in walking distance.
Budapest is a walkable city, and even though it might be cold in December, you’ll be able to easily explore the markets on foot on the Pest side as they are located close to each other!
Tips for Visiting Budapest at Christmas
Public Transport in Budapest at Christmas
The public transport in Budapest offers limited services during the Christmas holidays.
While there is public transport available during the Christmas holidays, on some days, it has a limited, less frequent schedule.
Budapest Public Transport Schedule at Christmas:
- 24 December: Frequent, usual schedule until around 4 pm. After 4 pm, only limited service available. On all public transport routes, there will be service but with a less frequent schedule.
- 25-26 December: Limited, less frequent schedule of public transport. Schedule is according to the ‘holiday schedule’ of each route.
- 1 January: Public transport is available on a limited schedule – according to the holiday schedule.
All in all, do not worry, as there is public transport during Christmas, it just goes on a less frequent schedule.
Taxis in Budapest at Christmas
If you don’t want to wait around for the public transport, you can also get a taxi in Budapest.
If you hail a regular taxi, it might be more expensive during Christmas.
Taxis in Budapest are supposed to go on a meter with a fixed price, but during the Christmas holidays you might find that taxi drivers try to take advantage of tourists and quote a more expensive price.
If you want to order a taxi with a fixed price, it is best if you book a taxi using Uber or Bolt.
What to Pack for Budapest in December
If you visit Budapest in December, make sure to pack winter clothes. Clothes you should pack to stay warm during winter in Budapest are winter coat, boots, layers, hat, gloves and scarf.
FAQs: The Best Christmas Markets in Budapest
What date are Budapest Christmas markets open?
The Budapest Christmas Markets are usually open between 15 November to 31 December/1 January each year.
Is Budapest good for Christmas markets?
Yes, Budapest is a great place for Christmas Markets! Budapest has many Christmas Markets across the city, with some bigger and some smaller ones.
At the Budapest Christmas Markets, they have everything from mulled wine, traditional Hungarian food, handicrafts, Christmas gifts and decorations. Visiting the Budapest Christmas Markets will definitely get you into the Christmas spirit!
Do you need cash for Budapest Christmas markets?
You need both cash and card for the Budapest Christmas Markets.
In most markets they accept both cash and card, however, they only accept card payments at the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market.
Is Budapest worth visiting in December?
Yes, Budapest is definitely worth visiting in December! The city is decorated with Christmas lights and there are many Christmas activities you can do to get your mood into the festive season.
The best things to do in Budapest in December is to visit the Christmas markets, go ice-skating, try Hungarian Christmas food, go on a river cruise on the Danube, or relax in the thermal baths.
What is the biggest Christmas market in Budapest?
The biggest Christmas Market in Budapest is the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market. It has over 100 stalls, selling handicrafts, food and drinks.
There are also many activities for kids at the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market. There is a miniature railway, playhouse, puppet show, and arts and crafts workshops. On 6 December, there is also a Santa Claus at the market.
What currency do they use in Budapest Christmas markets?
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF), which is the currency used in Budapest and all across Hungary.
When visiting the Budapest Christmas Markets, they use the Hungarian Forint as payment, however, they also accept bank cards. If you pay by bank card, the currency will automatically convert, so you don’t have to worry about carrying a lot of cash if you don’t want to.
The exchange rate approximately is 1 USD = 380 HUF.
What food is sold at Christmas markets in Budapest?
The Budapest Christmas Markets have some delicious Hungarian Christmas food! You can have goulash soup, stuffed cabbage, and sausages. For salty snacks, you can try lángos (fried dough with sour cream and cheese).
For Hungarian Christmas desserts, they have bejgli (hungarian christmas dessert made of pastry and poppy seeds), as well as chimney cake.
For Christmas drinks, there is plenty of mulled wine, punch, tea, hot chocolate, and Hungarian drinks (pálinka, Hungarian wine).
What is the number one Christmas market in Europe?
The number one Christmas Market in Europe is the St. Stephens Basilica Advent Market in Budapest.
It was selected as the best Christmas Market in Europe 4 times for 2019,2021, 2023 and 2024!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Christmas Markets in Budapest have over 100 of stalls, wide variety of handicrafts items, traditional Christmas food and drinks, activities for children, live music, ice-skating rinks, lights shows and more!
Most of the Christmas markets in Budapest are located on the Pest side of the city, within walking distance of each other. The two most famous Christmas markets in Budapest are the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market and the St. Stephens Basilica Advent Market.
The Budapest Christmas markets usually run from 15 November to 31 December/1 January each year and are also open on 25-26 December.
Hungary Quick Guide
How to get from the Budapest Airport to City Center?
The 3 easiest way to get from the Budapest Airport to the city center is by taking the airport shuttle bus, taxi, or pre-booking a private transfer.
For more information, check out how to get from the Budapest Airport to city center here.
Should I get a Hungarian SIM card?
If you don’t get free roaming in Budapest, then the best thing to do is to get an Airalo eSIM for Hungary.
They have packages for 7, 15 or 30 days and the prices are affordable.
Are there any useful mobile apps I can use in Hungary?
Yes! There are a couple of mobile apps that come handy when travelling in Hungary, including apps for booking taxis, using public transport, ordering food, or translating.
Check out my list of the most useful apps in Budapest for travellers.
What is the currency in Budapest? Can I pay by cash or card?
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
You can use both cash and cards in Budapest. Card payments are widely accepted all over Budapest and it is only the small shops or street vendors that take only cash payments.
Is the public transport good in Budapest?
Yes! The public transport in Budapest is well-connected and affordable.
The main modes of transport in Budapest are the metro, buses, HÉV trains, trolley buses and there are even public boats!
If you want to save some time or comfort, taking a taxi is a good option. When booking a taxi in Budapest, you can either hail a regular taxi or book one through a taxi app (Uber or Bolt).
Can I drink tap water in Budapest?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Budapest (and all across Hungary).
The tap water goes through a strict water treatment process in Hungary which makes it safe to drink for everyone.
Do they speak English in Budapest?
Yes, people speak good English in Budapest, especially the younger generation.
The older population may not speak English that well, so if you have to ask for information, the best is to approach someone who is younger.
In most tourist places, hotels, restaurants and bars, the staff has a good level of English, so you will get by easily.
Hungary Trip Planning
✈️ Book Flights to Hungary:
Find the best flight deals on Skyscanner or Kiwi.com!
🏠 Book Hotels for Hungary:
Booking.com: best budget, mid-range and luxury hotels.
Hostelworld.com: best for cheapest hostels!
(P.S: The best areas in Budapest are District 5 and 6, right in the city center)
🥘 Book Activities for Hungary:
Book the best activities, tours and day trips on GetYourGuide and Viator. There is everything from river cruises, thermal baths and walking tours to food tours and pub crawls!
🎒 Get Travel Insurance for Hungary: Be on the safe side and get a SafetyWing Travel Insurance – one of the most affordable international travel insurances!
💳 Get Your Travel Cards: Wise and Revolut have travel cards that you can top up with multiple currencies. They have great exchange rates and you can easily use them for payments in shops and restaurants worldwide.
✅ Check out my complete list of travel resources to plan your trip!
