Budapest Christmas Markets: a full 2024 guide
- things to do
- Published on:November 7, 2023
- Updated on:November 16, 2024
Unwrap the enchantment of Budapest’s Christmas markets in 2024/2025. with this comprehensive guide to all four of the city’s magical markets. From the twinkling lights to delectable treats, we’ll reveal the dates, dishes, and distinctive features that make each fair special. Happy readings!
QUICK LINKS
• Best Budapest Christmas Markets in 2024:
1. Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
2. St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas fair
3. Deák Ferenc/Fashion Street Christmas fair
4. Erzsébet Square Christmas fair
5. Castle Garden Bazaar (Várkert Bazár) market
6. Advent In Óbuda Main Square
7. Bálna Christmas Festival & Ice Rink
8. Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park Advent
9. Christmas Advent in Gozsdu Court
10. Ujbuda Christmas market
11. Etele Square Advent
• Which Christmas market should I visit?
• Tips for Visiting the Christmas Markets in Budapest
• Budapest Christmas Markets food: what to eat and drink
• What dates are the Christmas market in Budapest?
• Budapest Christmas markets – Frequent Questions
Best Budapest Christmas Markets in 2024
1. Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
The 2024 Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair in Budapest assures around 100 stalls encircling the beautifully adorned Christmas tree, as well as activities like concerts, a children’s craft and playhouse, and a special visit from Santa Claus on December 6th.
It’s also important to note the culinary choices – dishes like stuffed cabbage, goulash, grilled meats, and sweets like strudels and beigli are always there, asking to be complemented with winter classic drinks like mulled wine. Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market features a diverse musical lineup, offering some folk, jazz, world music, blues performances (and more). While weekdays bring entertainment from 17:00 to 20:00, weekends have it from 16:00 to 20:00.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market:
Dates: November 15, 2024 – December 31, 2024
Opening hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm
• Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
• Sunday: 11am – 9pm
• 24. December: 10am – 2pm
• 25 – 26. December: 12pm – 6pm
• 31. December: 11am – 3am
Location: Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 3, 1051 Hungary
2. St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas fair
Nestled in the spacious Szent István Tér (in front of the magnificent St. Stephen’s Basilica), the Advent Festival and Christmas Market provides a festive downtown Budapest experience. Spanning four and a half weeks, it offers artisan gifts and family-friendly entertainment. A 200 sqm ice skating rink delights children, while stalls showcase local treasures, including chocolate bonbons, handmade leather accessories, designer jewelry, strawberry wine, Pálinka, and much, much more. As day transitions into night, the market aglow in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica creates a magical Budapest atmosphere – and a light painting on the Basilica’s facade can be seen in the evenings.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Christmas fair at St. Stephen’s Basilica
Dates: November 15, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Opening hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm
• Friday – Saturday: 11am – 11pm
• Sunday: 11am – 9pm
• 24. December: 11am – 3pm
• 25 – 26. December: 11am – 8pm
• 31. December: 11am – 10 pm (until 3am for food and drink stands)
• 1. January 2024: 11am – 6pm
Location: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
3. Christmas fair at Deák Ferenc/Fashion Street
This market is, in fact, an overspill from the nearby Városháza Park Christmas Market. The Fashion Street and Deák Ferenc utca host a festive Christmas market featuring a commanding Christmas tree at its center. Here, you can enjoy the street – full of lights and lined with renowned designer shops – while savoring kürtös kalács, or a strudel. As you explore, you can wrap up your visit with a hot Gingerbread latte at the Starbucks cafe located at the street’s end. And there’s an ice rink, to get you even more in the mood.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Christmas fair at Városháza Park
Dates: November 15, 2024 – February 2, 2025
There’s also an ice rink with ice corridors, costing HUF 2,500 to get in, plus HUF 2,500 if you want to rent the skates.
4. Erzsébet Square Christmas Market
Embark on a festive journey at Erzsébet Square Christmas Market, an extension of Fashion Street’s market. You can stroll and enjoy the magical lights and decorations lining the square, while exploring the market and savor traditional flavours. But the great attraction is the 65 meters high “Ferris Wheel of Budapest” (or Budapest Eye), which gains some extra lights for the season. For the best view of an illuminated downtown Budapest, you can take a ride.
Tip: Vörösmarty Square, Erzsébet Square and Deák Ferenc Street markets are in close proximity, with the latter in the middle. This convenient layout makes it effortless to visit all three markets in one outing.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Erzsébet tér Christmas fair
Dates: From November 15, 2024
Opening hours: Every day from 12:00 to 20:00
You can also enjoy the Ferris Wheel of Budapest, also known as Budapest Eye, costing HUF 4300 per person (standard ticket).
Location: Budapest, Deák Ferenc tér, 1052 Hungary
5. Castle Garden Bazaar (Várkert Bazár) market
Celebrate Advent in Budapest’s Castle Garden Bazaar, nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, with breathtaking views of the Danube and Pest. Sundays in December feature a Folk Craft Fair, free children’s programs, concerts, and a small ice rink. All this besides the craft market’s offerings and the local delights. This is a must see destination anyway – and the Christmas season is definitely a great time to take the best out of it.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Várkert Bazár Christmas advent
Dates: The dates for 2024 Christmas Market have not yet been announced, but in 2023 it happened between 2 – 23. December
Location: Budapest, Szent György tér 2, 1014 Hungary
6. Advent In Óbuda Main Square
Nestled in Budapest’s historic Óbuda district, in the main square (Fo tér), the Óbuda Christmas Market offers a distinctive and local holiday experience. With free admission, this gem invites you to its charming Main Square, adorned with a towering Christmas tree as the centerpiece.
As you explore the market stalls, you’ll discover genuine handmade artifacts, indulge in fragrant Christmas drinks like mulled wine, and savor traditional Hungarian dishes. The market also features street food, including the iconic langós. The rich cultural tapestry unfolds with concerts, folk performances, and an array of activities for children, such as an ice rink and a Santa Adventure Park. Surely a great Christmas fair and winter festival in Budapest – just a more local one.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Advent In Óbuda Main Square
Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 15, 2025
Location: Budapest, 1033 Hungary
Opening hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 2pm – 9pm
• Friday – Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Program:
• Dec. 1: Mayor’s Greeting, Switching on Decorative Lighting, Opening of the Ice Rink with Ice Dancers, Cymbal Ensemble
• Dec. 2: Kaláka Children’s Concert, Péter Huzella, Széll Cultural Association, Chalga
• Dec. 3: Bergengóc-Zenegóc Ensemble, Santa Claus Choir, Advent Musical Gala, Eleven Light Dance Show, Advent Candle Lighting, Concert by Károly Summer and His Daughters
• Dec. 8: Romengo
• Dec. 9: Kolompos Orchestra, Majorca Theatre, FolkEmbassy and Szilvia Bognár
• Dec. 10: Oat Straw Ensemble, Nikolas Takács, Eleven Light Dance Show, Advent Candle Lighting, St. Ephrem Men’s Choir
• Dec. 15: Mistral
• Dec. 16: William Gryllus, Ester Chain, Musical
• Dec. 17: Pom-Pom Ensemble, Tamás Hevesi, Eleven Light Dance Show, Advent Candle Lighting, Kaláka: Is it allowed to come in here with a nativity scene?
• Dec. 22: Downtown Outlaws, Makám, György Ferenczi and the 1st Pesti Rackák
• Dec. 23: Tímea Kecskés and Dávid Sándor – Ice Cream Fun, Veca Janicsák, Veronaki and Fischer Annie Music School Choir, Andrea Szulák and His Orchestra
7. Bálna Christmas Festival & Ice Rink
The Bálna Christmas Market and Ice Rink, housed in Bálna building, provides an exceptional Budapest winter experience. Visitors can explore a diverse range of goods, indulge in delicious food, and discover unique gifts. The venue’s terrace offers breathtaking views of the Danube and the Buda side, allowing visitors to relish jazz and blues concerts (free) and enjoy a warm glass of mulled wine while exploring merchant stalls. And for the younger ones, Santa will be at Bálna building on December 3rd and 4th, and the festivities will commence at 3pm.
WAMP fair – on November 12 from 10 am to 6 pm, the WAMP fair – Sunday Design Market – takes place, providing an opportunity to peruse thousands of unique, handcrafted designs, from leather bags and homemade jams to charming dolls, crafted chocolates, and more.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Bálna market
Whale ice rink opening hours:
• December 28/29/30: 10:00am – 10:00pm
• December 31: 10:00am – 6:00pm
• January 1: CLOSED
• From January 2: 10:00am – 10:00pm
Location: Budapest, Fővám tér 11-12, 1093
8. Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park Advent
A little farther away from the Budapest city center you’ll find another beautiful Christmas market located in the City Park, next to Heroes’ Square. The popular leisure park, Városliget, also dresses up for the Holidays and welcomes everyone with crafts, foods and drinks, as well as some programs and an ice skating rink.
To get to the City Park from the city center you can either take the Milennium (line M1) to Hősök tere. Or you can take the bus lines 20E, 30, 30A, 105 or 230.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Vajdahunyad Castle and City Park Advent
Location: Budapest, Olof Palme stny. 5, 1146
Dates: December 8 – January 1
Opening hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 11am – 7pm
• Friday – Sunday: 10am – 7pm
• December 24 and Christmas Eve: 10am – 2pm
• December 25-26, 31: 10am – 7pm
• December 31: 10am – 7pm
• January 01/New Year’s Day: 10am – 7pm
There will be a craft market, food and drinks stalls, as well as programs for children and families.
You can also count on a Christmas wonderland, called Városliget/Magic Grove, which stays against the backdrop of Vajdahunyad Castle.
Attractions & Prices:
• Wheel: 1,500 HUF (up to 13 years old); 2,000 HUF (14+ years old)
• Railway: 1,500 HUF
• Carousel: 1,500 HUF
• Igloo Globe: Free
• Ice skating rink: 3000-4000 HUF per adult depending on the hours (+3000 HUF for the skate rental)
9. Christmas Advent in Gozsdu Court
A delightful hidden gem awaits within the Gozsdu Udvar, nestled in the heart of Budapest’s historic former Jewish ghetto. You can access this charming market through its primary entrance on Király Street, or alternatively, you can make your way there from Dob Utca. The two streets are seamlessly connected by the vibrant Gozsdu, a lively complex of streets and courtyards filled with bars, restaurants, and other stores, that gains a special colour during Christmas.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Christmas Advent in Gozsdu Court
Dates: 6-24 December
Opening Hours:
• Monday to Thursday: 12:00-19:00
• Friday to Sunday: 10:00-19:00
• December 24: 10:00-15:00
Program:
• 100 Member Gypsy
• Orchestra Holiday Concert
• Church Organ Concerts
• Veres 1 Theater Performances
• Gatsby New Year’s Eve
Location: Budapest, Gozsdu udvar, 1075
10. Ujbuda Christmas market
If you happen to be on the Buda side of Budapest, there are a couple of hidden gems you should explore during the holiday season. One is nestled near the Allee shopping mall, in Budapest 11th district, providing a quaint and festive atmosphere, with a charming little Christmas market located at Moricz Zsigmond Korter. Expect a smaller but local experience, where you can try local delicacies like chimney cake and mulled wine, or buy the products directly from local artisans.
ESSENTIAL INFO | Ujbuda Advent
Dates: December 6-24, 2024
Location: Kőrösy József Square (near Allee Plaza)
Products: Handcrafted gifts, traditional clothing items
Food & drinks: Transylvanian chimney cake, sausages, bread with crackling, grilled items, cheeses, mulled wine, fruit wine, pálinka
Read more:
• Budapest Christmas FAQ
• Best things to do in Budapest at Christmas
• Budapest in Winter (guide)
• Budapest in January (guide)
Which Christmas market should I visit?
For a Grand Experience: The Vörösmarty tér Market is the go-to choice. It’s the most famous, largest, and located in the heart of Budapest. You can also explore the beautiful surroundings by walking from Deák Ferenc utca to Erzsébet Square, with everything in the same Christmas charm. Another fantastic option is the Christmas market in front of the Basilica, not far from these spots. In fact, going from Vörösmarty tér to St. Stephen’s Basilica is a great Christmas route.
For a Cozy, Local Vibe: If you prefer a smaller, more local, and less crowded experience, consider the Gozsdu Udvar Market on the Pest side, or Újbuda and Óbuda on the Buda side. These markets offer a unique, intimate atmosphere and a higher chance to mingle with locals.
For Ice Skating Enthusiasts: Head to the Vajdahunyad Castle for a delightful ice skating experience. That’s the most popular one, and once you get there – and see the view to the rink in front of castle – you’ll understand why. Alternatively, Bálna’s Christmas Market is also a very picturesque and popular spot for skating.
Tips for Visiting the Christmas Markets in Budapest
In order to have the best experience when you visit Budapest Christmas markets, consider the following tips:
- Bundle up warmly, as Budapest experiences chilly winter nights, even when it doesn’t snow.
- Carry some Hungarian Forint (HUF) with you. While most places take card, some might not accept it.
- If you do pay with card, consider taking a multi-currency card like Wise, that lets you pay in the local currency with a small conversion fee.
- Otherwise, if you use your bank card, you’ll probably get hidden costs in the exchange rate besides the conversion fees. Oh, and always choose HUF in the ATM and terminals.
- Leave your valuables at the hotel; though Budapest is generally safe, watch out for pickpockets.
- If you’re taking public transport, trams and buses are pretty efficient and cheap. However, should you want to call a taxi, use Bolt to make sure you pay a fair price (there’s no Uber).
Budapest Christmas Markets food: what to eat and drink
There are plenty of local dishes to try in Hungary, so if you’re wondering about what to buy in Budapest Christmas markets, here’s a few ideas of what you can eat:
- Lángos: a Hungarian favorite, Lángos is a deep-fried dough adorned with toppings like garlic, sour cream, cheese, and ham or sausage. Don’t miss the sweet version with jam or chocolate
- Goulash Soup: a hearty Hungarian classic, perfect for cold weather, this soup features meat, vegetables, and paprika. You can even savor it in a bread bowl.
- Halászlé: the fisherman’s soup, Halászlé combines freshwater fish, onions, and paprika.
- Hungarian Sausage: there’s a big variety of Hungarian sausages, bursting with flavors and spices. A popular one in Christmas fairs.
- Töltött Káposzta: this stuffed cabbage, served with pork chop and paprika, accompanied by cream, veggies, and bread.
- Rooster-Testicle Stew: for the adventurous, there’s usually a rooster-testicle stew, a surprising dish with creamy textures and rich flavors.
- Kürtőskalács (chimney cake): don’t miss this a sweet spiral pastry cooked over an open flame, boasting a caramelized exterior and a soft, doughy interior.
- Rétes: strudel filled with apples, cherries, poppies, or cottage cheese, often garnished with dried fruits.
- Bejgli: traditional Christmas roll cake, available in walnut or poppy seed variations.
- Szalon Cukor (Parlor Candy): Adorn your tree with these traditional Hungarian candies, each hiding marzipan filled with various flavors like coconut, rum, and chocolate.
- Roasted Chestnut: nutty goodness of roasted chestnuts.
- Mulled Wine: sip on aromatic mulled wine, ‘forralt bor,’ a warming blend of red wine with fragrant spices, typically enhanced with a hint of citrus.
- Pálinka: try pálinka, Hungary’s strong fruit brandy with varieties like plum, apricot, and pear.
What dates are Budapest Christmas markets?
While some Budapest Christmas Markets have confirmed their dates for 2024, others are pending official announcements. Based on 2023 patterns, most markets are expected to open around mid-November 2024. For markets that haven’t yet announced their schedule, expect openings by the beginning of December at the latest. Updates will be posted as official dates are confirmed.
Budapest Christmas markets - Frequent Questions
Is Budapest Christmas market worth visiting?
Absolutely, the Budapest Christmas markets are worth visiting, especially the main market in Vörösmarty Square. Their enchanting atmospheres, diverse stalls, delectable local foods, and unique crafts make them must-see destinations during the holiday season.
How many Christmas Markets are there in Budapest?
Budapest boasts several enchanting Christmas markets, with at least four major ones, including the most famous, in Vörösmarty Square market. In addition to these, numerous smaller markets are scattered throughout the city, each offering its unique charm and festive delights. These markets are definitely worth visiting, making Budapest a true winter wonderland during the holiday season.
Where is the Christmas market in Budapest?
The biggest and most famous Christmas market in Budapest occurs at Vörösmarty Square, situated in the city center, just in front of the famous Gerbeaud Coffee House, and at the end of Vaci Street. The second biggest happens at St. Stephan’s Square, just in front of the Basilica.
Are Budapest Christmas markets free?
Yes, the Budapest Christmas markets are generally free to enter. Visitors can enjoy the festive ambiance, explore the stalls, and soak in the holiday spirit without an admission fee. However, expenses for food, drinks, and shopping are additional costs.
How big is Budapest Christmas market?
The Budapest Christmas Market, situated at Vörösmarty Square, is the larger of the two main markets in the city. With over 100 stalls offering Hungarian delicacies like sausages and goulash, it will be open from the 15th of November to the 31st of December, 2024.