Budapest Christmas - FAQ

travel tips
November 21, 2023

As winter’s chill descends on Budapest, the festive spirit comes alive, transforming the city into a wonderland of twinkling lights and yuletide cheer. In this guide, we’ll delve into the heart of Hungary’s capital during the most magical time of the year, and we’ll answer your most pressing questions, ensuring your holiday experience in Budapest is as merry and bright as the city’s lights.

Is Budapest good for Christmas?

Budapest at Christmas is a festive delight. Traditional Hungarian markets and St. Stephen’s Basilica’s light shows create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy ice skating, relax in thermal baths, and experience music and opera festivals with a Christmas twist, culminating in New Year’s Eve fireworks.

What is there to do in Budapest at Christmas time?

In Budapest, Vörösmarty Square and Basilika Tér host the city’s most prominent Christmas markets, and are probably the best places to celebrate Christmas in Budapest. But beyond that, there’s a lot more you can do in the city during the holiday season. Here’s a complete list:

Christmas Markets: Explore the festive stalls and culinary delights, starting in Vörösmarty Square and Basilika Tér.
Light Shows at St. Stephen’s Basilica: Witness the captivating illuminations.
Fireworks on New Year’s Eve: Marvel at the spectacular display.
Christmas Music and Opera Festivals: Experience performances like “The Nutcracker” at Budapest Opera House.
Thermal Baths: Soak in the warm, healing waters for relaxation.
Danube Cruise: Enjoy scenic views along the iconic river.
Organ Concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica: Indulge in the melodious Christmas tunes.
Christmas Trams: Ride the festively decorated trams around the city.
Ice rinks: try some ice skating in beautiful scenarios, like in the city park’s ice skating rink next to Vjadahunyad Castle, or the one in Bálna (by the Danube). Surely an experience you’ll want to enjoy, or at least see.
Chimney cake: Take a roll of the sweet Chimney Cake while in the Budapest Christmas Market

What Christmas concerts are there in Budapest?

Determining the best Christmas concerts in Budapest is subjective, but usually there are several venues offering special Christmas performances:

Classical Music Hall Concerts: The Palace of Arts Budapest (MUPA) hosts a variety of Christmas events.
Classical Music Church Concerts: St Stephen’s Basilica offers organ concerts and choir performances during the Christmas period. Additionally, various church concerts occur in the Advent period, including on Christmas Eve.
Folk and World Music Concerts: Throughout the Christmas season, especially on weekends, major Christmas markets in Budapest host these concerts. The largest and oldest Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square features almost daily concerts with live bands, adding to the festive atmosphere of the traditional Christmas Fair.

Is everything closed in Budapest on Christmas Day?

Christmas opening hours in Budapest are different: on Christmas Day (Dec 25), Boxing Day (Dec 26), and New Year’s Day (Jan 1), most shops, restaurants, museums, and attractions are closed. On Dec 24, businesses close by 14:00. On Dec 31, stores generally shut around 16:00, despite being allowed to open until 18:00.

Is anything open in Budapest on Christmas?

On Christmas Day, Dec 25, the majority of places remain closed, though there are some exceptions. By Dec 26, numerous spots, particularly restaurants, resume operations, adhering to Sunday hours, while museums usually stay closed.

Weather: is Budapest snowy at Christmas?

In December, Budapest experiences chilly weather, often with frost during night and early mornings. Despite the cold, there’s ample sunshine throughout the month. Snowfall is light and more common towards the month’s end, creating a potential atmosphere for a white Christmas.

What to pack for Christmas in Budapest?

When packing for Christmas in Budapest, prioritize warmth and elegance. Your suitcase should include:

Head and Handwear: Bring a warm hat and scarf for the chilly promenades and a pair of gloves—cashmere or leather lined with sheepskin work well. Consider an additional pair of fingerless gloves for enjoying kürtőskalács, the local sugary treat.

Outerwear: Opt for a thick, insulated jacket like a goose down or a heavy wool coat, and have several sweaters for layering. You’ll need them as you venture between the crisp outdoor air and the cozy indoors.

Footwear: Waterproof boots with sturdy soles are essential for snowy days, but for city walks, boots with a good grip and warm lining will suffice. Pack warm socks to go with them.

Swimwear: Experience the city’s famous thermal baths; even in winter, they’re an unmissable treat. For those less inclined to outdoor swimming, the Corinthia Hotel offers an indoor alternative with its art deco pool.

Evening Attire: Nights in Budapest call for elegant outfits. For visits to the opera or theater, include a chic dress or a sharp suit to blend in with the stylish crowd.

Budapest Christmas food

Much of what’s eaten in Budapest for Christmas can be found at the local Christmas Markets. Here’s a list of dishes to enjoy in Budapest for Christmas:

Salted Dishes:

Lángos: A pancake-shaped donut fried in oil, typically topped with garlic, cream or sour cream, cheese, ham, or sausage. It’s served hot, boasting a soft inside and crispy exterior. Sweet versions are topped with jam or chocolate.
Goulash Soup (Gulyasleves): A rich soup with beef, vegetables (like peppers and tomatoes), potatoes, onions, and paprika, often served with bread or in a loaf of bread.
Halászlé: A soup with various freshwater fish, onions, and paprika, known for its generous use of paprika.
Töltött Káposzta: Stuffed cabbage filled with pork and paprika, usually served with fresh cream, vegetables, and bread.
Grilled Dishes: Includes roasted goose leg, cooked pork, sausages, grilled meats, roasted pork shank, and grilled fish like pike-perch and trout.
Kakashere Pörkölt (Cock Testicles): Pan-fried with onions, tomatoes, peppers, and paprika, known for their creamy texture.
Székely Gulyás: A hearty stew with pork, sauerkraut, sour cream, and paprika.
Hortobágyi Palacsinta: Savory pancakes filled with meat (usually veal or chicken), served in a creamy paprika sauce.
Kolbász: Traditional Hungarian sausages, often smoked and spiced with paprika.
Rakott Krumpli: A layered potato casserole with sausage, eggs, and sour cream.

Sweets and desserts:

Kürtőskalács: Cylindrical caramelized brioche cooked on a spit over the fire, usually flavored with cinnamon and topped with nuts or almonds.
Rétes (Hungarian Strudel): Pastry filled with apples, cherries, poppies, or cottage cheese, often with dried fruits.
Bejgli: A roll cake prepared with walnuts or poppy seeds, traditionally served in thin slices.
Szaloncukor: Traditional Christmas sweets, chocolate-covered candies with fillings like marzipan, coconut, rum, caramel, and strawberry, often used as Christmas tree decorations.
Mákos Guba: A sweet bread pudding made with poppy seeds and honey.
Somlói Galuska: A layered sponge cake with chocolate, walnuts, rum, and whipped cream.
Túró Rudi: A chocolate-covered dessert with sweetened cottage cheese filling.

Drinks:

Hot Wine & Grog: Hot wine (‘forralt bor’) prepared with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus. Grog is made with rum, hot milk or water, cinnamon, honey, and sugar syrup.
Pálinka: Pálinka is a Hungarian brandy with 35-70% alcohol content, made from fruits like apples, pears, plums, apricots, raspberries, grapes, and cherries.
Mead: A traditional drink made from fermented honey, often spiced and served warm.

What do Hungarians eat on Christmas eve?

In Hungary, the Christmas Eve feast, a time for hearty family meals, starts with singing carols around the Christmas tree.

The dinner often includes halászlé (fish soup), a nod to the Advent fasting tradition. The main course varies: popular options are karácsonyi pulykasült (Christmas turkey), turkey with chestnut stuffing, or töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage). If a pig was butchered, the meal might feature sausages and roast pork with vegetables, typically preceded by a meat soup.

Desserts include poppy seed-based treats like poppy seed roll or pudding, symbolizing fertility. The festive table is adorned with green fir twigs, confectionery, and fruits, representing health and love. Noble wines can accompany these culinary delights.

Where to eat on Christmas Day in Budapest?

Not all restaurants will be open, considering that it’s the Christmas season. But there’s a number of places, especially in hotels, that should be working on the 24th, 25th and 26th. Just make sure to book a table in advance. Here’s a list:

What do Hungarians do on Christmas Day?

The day is bustling with festive activities: families spend their time adorning Christmas trees, singing carols, cooking holiday meals, and making seasonal beverages. Typically, in the evening, they exchange Christmas gifts with one another.

Who brings Christmas presents in Budapest?

In Budapest, the tradition of gift-giving during Christmas differs from the Santa Claus narrative. Here, it’s Jézuska (baby Jesus) and his angelic helpers who deliver presents on the evening of December 24th. Their role extends beyond just leaving gifts for well-behaved children; Jézuska is also believed to bring and decorate the Christmas tree, though parents often lend a helping hand in this festive task.

What can I buy as a Christmas gift in Budapest?

During your Christmas visit or winter holiday in Budapest, you’ll find a plethora of unique gifts and souvenirs to take home. The Christmas markets in Budapest are perfect for picking up items such as handcrafted bags, jewelry, festive mugs, and handmade Christmas tree decorations.

Traditional Hungarian chocolates, particularly the Christmas fondant candy known as szaloncukor, are a popular choice. Another delightful option is a roll of Beigli, a sweet cake roll filled with walnut, poppy seed, or chestnut, available from the finest Budapest confectioneries.

For a broader selection, the Budapest Central Market is a great destination, though it’s closed during the Christmas holidays and on Sundays. For additional shopping ideas and locations, the Budapest Shopping Map can be a helpful guide.