Christmas in Budapest: Traditions and Things to Do (2026)

Do They Celebrate Christmas in Hungary?

Are you wondering “Do they celebrate Christmas in Hungary?” Yes, they do celebrate Christmas in Hungary! 

Christmas is the most important holiday in Hungary and it is a special time that you spend with your family and friends.

Many people who live abroad or have moved away come back home to spend Christmas with their families.

Christmas holiday in Hungary is usually spent with family, having big family lunches and dinners and meeting up with friends.

Christmas in Budapest, Hungary

Winter in Budapest can be cold and gloomy, but the Christmas festival vibes make the city come alive.

Budapest is decorated with Christmas lights, there are many Christmas markets across the city, ice-skating rinks are set up, everyone is drinking mulled wine, and if you are lucky, you might even get some snow. It is cold but also magical!

Christmas in Budapest Dates

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

Christmas Traditions in Hungary

Budapest in December is mainly centred around the Christmas festivities.

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.

Christmas Eve (24 December)

In Hungarian tradition, Christmas Eve is the most important day during Christmas. You spend Christmas Eve with your close family and you have a big Christmas dinner. This is the time when you exchange gifts.

There is also a Midnight Christmas Mass in churches on the evening of 24 December. Even if you don’t follow the Christian religion, it can be an interesting see what Christmas mass is like in Hungary.

Christmas Day (25 December)

Christmas Day is the second most important day during Christmas in Hungary. On this day, you meet with other family members (cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles) and you have a big family feast and celebrate together.

Boxing Day (26 December)

Boxing Day in Hungary is not that big. Usually, on this day, you meet with your friends to celebrate Christmas.

There are many Christmas parties on 26 December in Budapest and you go out on this night to celebrate with your friends.

New Year’s Eve (31 December)

New Years’ Eve is big in Hungary just like in many other countries. There are many celebrations and parties happening everywhere, especially in Budapest.

There is also a firework in the city centre on 31 December that you can watch from the bank of the River Danube.

New Year’s Day (1 January)

1 January is a national holiday, and usually people are just at home relaxing or recovering from the night before.

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Having a Christmas tree and decorating it for Christmas is one of the most popular traditions. You will find a Christmas tree in every home during Christmas in Hungary, even if just a small tree.

The Christmas trees are decorated by lights and szaloncukor. ‘Szaloncukor’ is a type of sweet, Hungarian praline that is specific for Christmas and it is small in shape, so it can be hanged on the Christmas tree.

Decorating the Christmas tree is a fun activity for the family, especially if there are children in the family. 

Hungarian Santa Claus

In most English-speaking countries, it is Santa Claus who brings the gifts on 25 December. However, in Hungary there is a different tradition.

While Santa Claus is also represented in the Hungarian tradition, it is slightly different. Santa Claus is called “Mikulás” in Hungarian and he brings chocolate and sweets to “good kids” on 5 December. 

During Christmas, it is Baby Jesus who “brings” the gifts to children, and not Santa Claus. In addition, in the Hungarian Christmas traditions, it is in the evening on 24 December when gifts are exchanged.

Does it Snow in Budapest at Christmas?

There is a chance that it snows in Budapest at Christmas, however, the chance is less and less each year.

20-30 years ago, there used to be a lot of snow in Budapest during Christmas, but as the weather patterns are changing, there have been less snow. 

Generally, in recent years, it is more likely to snow in January and February in Budapest, sometimes even in March.

Christmas Food in Hungary

The most traditional Hungarian Christmas food 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.

Many families start baking the Christmas desserts and pastry 1-2 weeks before Christmas, and then you just snack on the desserts all throughout the holiday season.

The Best Things to Do in Budapest at Christmas

1. VISIT THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Visiting the Budapest Christmas Markets is one of the best things to do during Christmas. Nothing gets you more into the Christmas vibe than the Christmas food, mulled wine and atmosphere at the Christmas markets!

Two of the best Christmas markets in Budapest are the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market and the St. Stephen’s Basilica Advent Market. They have mulled wine, traditional Hungarian food and also some Christmas decorations on sale.

The Christmas markets in Budapest usually run from 15 November to the beginning of January each year.

2. GO ON A CHRISTMAS DINNER CRUISE

A river cruise is a great activity all year round but it is the best experience if you are visiting during Christmas in Budapest!

A cruise on the River Danube is one of the best ways to see Budapest decorated with Christmas lights. In addition, some of the Danube River Cruises include dinner, drinks and live music.

Usually, when you sign up for a cruise, you can decide which type of cruise you’d like to go on. You have the option for a cruise with dinner, drinks, and live Hungarian Folk music.

What is special about going on a cruise during Christmas is that you can see the city with Christmas lights or even with snow (if you are lucky!).

Once you are on the cruise, it is too cold to stay on the outer decks for too long, but inside the boat it is cozy and warm.

➡️ Book a Budapest River Cruise: the best way to see Budapest! (Rated 4.6/5 ⭐ on 44,622 Reviews)

3. GO ICE-SKATING

There are many ice-skating rinks set up in Budapest during the winter and the best one is at the City Park.

The City Park is located just behind the Heroes’ Square in central Budapest. There is a small lake in the City Park where you can go boating in the summer time.

In the winter, they turn the lake into an ice-skating rink and it is one of the biggest ice skating rinks in Budapest.

It is pretty fun and even if you are a beginner or haven’t gone ice skating for a long time, you can just skate slowly on the outer side of the rink.

4. CHILL IN THE THERMAL BATHS

Budapest is famous for its thermal baths and if you are tired of Christmas shopping and the busy streets, the baths are the best place to relax and rewind. 

The Budapest thermal baths are open all year around, however, one of the best times to visit them is in the winter.

The thermal baths not only have cold baths, but also warm water baths that are the best place to be while it is cold outside.

Two of the most popular thermal baths are the Gellért Thermal Bath and Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

➡️ Book an Entry Ticket for the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the biggest thermal bath in Budapest! (Rated 4.3/5 ⭐ on 24,452 Reviews)

If you are looking for some less touristy baths, check out Veli Bej Bath, Lukács Bath or Rudas Bath.

5. WATCH A CHRISTMAS PLAY AT THE THEATRE/OPERA

Christmas is the perfect time to watch a classic Christmas play at the Hungarian State Opera or at one of the theatres in Budapest. The Hungarian State Opera is the best place for plays, but smaller theatres are also a good alternative.

During Christmas, they usually have The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Aida. Last Christmas we went to see the Nutcracker at the Budapest Congress Center and it took me back to my childhood years.

You should book the tickets well in advance as the tickets sell out pretty fast. The ticket to The Nutcracker costs around HUF 17,000-45,000 (USD 45-115), depending on the type of seat you book. The smaller theatres have better prices.

6. RIDE THE CHRISTMAS TRAMS

Many of the trams in Budapest are decorated with Christmas lights in the weeks run up to Christmas and so even something as mundane as taking the tram gets you into the Christmas vibes.

The best Christmas tram is the Tram Line 2 which goes along the River Danube in Budapest. It passes by the Parliament and iconic bridges on the Pest side.

It goes along the river and you also get to see over to the attractions on the Buda side of the city, such as the Buda Castle, Citadella and the Fisherman’s Bastion.

7. SEE THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW IN LUMINA PARK

There is a light show in Lumina Park which is really magical in the winter. Lumina Park is located on Margaret Island in central Budapest, and it can be accessed by public transport.

The park is usually open from the end of October until the beginning of March each year. During Christmas, they have special Christmas show that is also a great activity if you are travelling with kids.

It has over 200 installations not only for light, but also sound and videos. It is a great place to visit with friends and family and you can easily spend around here 1.5-2 hours

8. TRY HUNGARIAN CHRISTMAS FOOD

Hungarian Christmas food and desserts are so tasty. Families start to bake Christmas desserts in the 1-2 weeks before Christmas which starts to make your home feel like Christmas.

I have to say, I got hungry and much into the Christmas vibe just by writing about Hungarian Christmas food.

The most traditional Hungarian food for Christmas are stuffed cabbage, fish soup, bejgli, mákos guba, hókifli, and szaloncukor.

• Stuffed Cabbage Soup: One of the main Christmas dishes in Hungary made out of minced meat (pork) and cabbage. It is traditionally eaten with sour cream.
• Bejgli: Christmas dessert made of pastry and poppy seeds. Usually home-made.
• Mákos Guba: Christmas dessert made of bread pudding with poppy seeds.
• Hókifli (Snow Crescents): Dessert made of pastry, filled with plum jam.
• Szaloncukor: Sweet dessert which is also used to decorate the Christmas trees. After you decorate the Christmas trees with lights and szaloncukor, you get to eat the szaloncukor off the tree during the holidays.
• Chimney Cake: Dessert, mainly available at the Christmas markets and various street vendors. It comes in various flavours, such as cinnamon, vanilla and more!

🥘 Join a Budapest Food Tour or Hungarian Wine Tasting here!

For traditional Hungarian food, check out these restaurants in Budapest:

• Gettó Gulyás
• Rosenstein Restaurant
• Paprika Restaurant
• Pozsonyi Kisvendéglő

9. WATCH THE NEW YEARS’ EVE FIREWORKS

There is a New Years’ Eve fireworks in Budapest on 31 December every year.

It takes places in the city centre of Budapest and you can watch from near the Vörösmarty Square or along the River Danube from the Pest or Buda side.

The New Years’ Eve celebrations are a big thing in the city centre in Budapest and you will find lots of people out and about. 

If you don’t enjoy big crowds, you can also just book an accommodation in the city centre that overlooks the River Danube, so you can see the fireworks from your window or balcony.

10. GO TO MIDNIGHT MASS

There is also a Midnight Christmas Mass in churches on the evening of 24 December.

Even if you don’t follow the Christian religion, it can be an interesting thing to do to see what Christmas mass is like in Hungary.

Tips for Visiting Budapest at Christmas

Public Transport in Budapest at Christmas

The public transport in Budapest is well-connected and offers an affordable way to get around the city. The public transport in Budapest includes metro lines, buses, trams, HÉV trains, and trolley buses.

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 all day. 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. 

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, so for more affordable prices, you can book Uber or Bolt.

What to Pack for Winter in Budapest

Winter in Hungary runs from December to February in Hungary and they are the coldest months during the year. The average temperature during winter in Budapest is between -3 to 4.7 °C (27-40 °F).

If you visit Budapest during winter time, you should pack warm winter clothes. Clothes you should wear to stay warm during winter in Budapest are winter coat, boots, layers, hat, gloves and scarf.

FAQs: Christmas in Budapest, Hungary

Is Christmas celebrated in Budapest?

Yes, Christmas is celebrated in Budapest and all over Hungary. Christmas is the biggest and most important holiday in Hungary and families get together during this time to celebrate.

Budapest is famous for its Christmas Markets and Christmas activities during the holidays. There are also ice rinks set up across the city, if you want to go ice-skating – with the biggest one being at City Park.

Going on a Christmas River Cruise on the Danube is also a great activity. Some of the cruises have dinner, drinks and live music included. It is best to go for an evening cruise, so you can see Budapest decorated with Christmas lights.

Is Budapest worth visiting at Christmas?

Yes, Budapest is worth visiting at Christmas! 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 at Christmas is to visit the Christmas markets, go on a Christmas dinner cruise on the Danube, go ice skating, try Hungarian Christmas food, and relax in the warm thermal baths.

Are Budapest Christmas Markets worth it?

Yes, the Budapest Christmas Markets are definitely worth it! There are many Christmas markets in Budapest in December but the two most popular ones are the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market and the St. Stephen’s Basilica Advent Market.

The Christmas Markets in Budapest have everything from mulled wine, traditional Hungarian food to Christmas trees to get you into the festive mood.

How to spend Christmas in Budapest with Kids?

Visiting Budapest with kids during Christmas is a fun plan. The best things to do in Budapest with kids at Christmas is to visit the Christmas markets, see the light show at Lumina Park, watch a Christmas play at the Opera, go ice-skating or on a River Danube cruise.

Is everything closed in Budapest on Christmas Day?

Most of the shops and businesses are closed in Budapest during the main Christmas dates.

Generally, the shops in Budapest are open on 24 December until around 12 or 1 pm. So, if you have to do some last minute Christmas shopping, you still have time in the morning on 24 December.

Then, on 25-26 December most shops and businesses are closed for the Christmas holidays.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Christmas in Budapest is such a magical time. Budapest has everything from Christmas markets, thermal baths and light shows to Christmas dinner cruises on the Danube River.

Christmas is the most important holiday in Hungary and it is a special time that you spend with your family and friends. Christmas holiday in Hungary is usually spent with family, having big family lunches and dinners and meeting up with friends.

If you are visiting Budapest at Christmas, some of the best things to do is to visit the Christmas markets, go on a Christmas dinner cruise on the Danube, go ice skating, try Hungarian Christmas food, and relax in the warm thermal baths.