The 15 Best Things to Do in Budapest at Christmas
A 2024 Christmas guide
- things to dotravel tips
- November 28, 2023
Budapest becomes a festive hub during Christmas, presenting a unique mix of tradition and celebration. This comprehensive guide explores 15 exceptional activities Budapest offers during the holiday season, from Christmas markets to distinctive cultural happenings.
QUICK NAVIGATION LINKS
• Christmas in Budapest: Key info
• 15 best things to do in Budapest at Christmas:
1. Budapest Christmas Markets
2. Christmas dinner cruise along the Danube
3. ‘The Nutcracker’ Ballet at Budapest’s Opera House
4. Organ Concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica
5. Christmas light trams
6. Light show at St Stephen’s Basilica
7. Typical Hungarian Christmas food
8. Fireworks on New Year’s Eve
9. Buda Castle
10. Ice Skating
11. Budapest’s Thermal Baths
12. Christmas Shopping
13. Budapest Eye
14. Sledding
15. Budapest’s nightlife in the Christmas season
• Tips for a great Christmas in Budapest
Christmas in Budapest: Essentials
Language: Hungarian
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Country code: +36
Time Zone: GMT+1
Weather: 38°F (4°C) to 28°F (-2°C), maybe some snow or rain
Power sockets: types C and F
Read more:
• Budapest Christmas Markets
• Budapest Christmas FAQ
• Budapest in Winter (guide)
• Budapest in January (guide)
Christmas in Budapest: 15 best things to do
Here’s the best things to do if you’re planning to spend Christmas in Budapest.
1. Visit the best Budapest Christmas Markets
Nestled amidst the city’s historic buildings, Budapest’s Christmas Markets buzz with life, featuring a wide array of stalls filled with handcrafted items and local culinary delights. The aroma of spiced mulled wine and Hungarian and chimney cake permeates the air, inviting visitors to indulge. And as night descends and it becomes colder, the market invites us to try the typical goulash soup. In the meantime, you’ll like probably see live music shows and traditional folk dancing.
The two main Christmas markets are just 10 minute apart by foot.
Budapest boasts two primary Christmas markets, one in Vörösmarty Square and the other in St. Stephen’s Basilica Square. These festive hubs are connected by Erzsébet Square, which itself becomes a shimmering corridor of lights during the holiday season, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Walking from one market to another, with a stroll through Erzsébet Square, is a delightful experience, taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market:
• Dates: 17. November 2023 – 1. January 2024
• Location: Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 3, 1051 Hungary
St. Stephen’s Basilica Advent Fair:
• Dates: 17. November 2023 – 1. January 2024
• Location: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary
2. Embark on a Christmas dinner cruise along the Danube River
In Budapest, the Christmas Dinner Cruise offers a festive and scenic way to celebrate the season. Guests can enjoy a variety of options, including an early evening dinner cruise starting at 4:45 pm, available from December 3 to January 8, or special cruises on Christmas and Boxing days, each providing a buffet-style dinner and picturesque views of the illuminated Budapest skyline. Landmarks like the Parliament, Buda Castle, and the city’s iconic bridges glow along the Danube, adding to the magic of the experience. And for New Year’s celebrations, cruises feature similar enchanting vistas, providing a memorable transition into the new year.
Dinner Cruise along the Danube
Cruises along the Danube are scheduled continuously from morning through to the late evening, operating daily without exception, including December 24th, 25th, and 26th. The pricing depends on the chosen cruise time and entertainment options, such as traditional folk music or vibrant gypsy concerts.
3. Experience 'The Nutcracker' Ballet at Budapest's Opera House
Attending “The Nutcracker” at the Hungarian State Opera in Budapest is a great experience, especially during the holiday season. A fairy-tale ballet in two acts, it has been a key part of the Opera’s Christmas tradition. The 2015 production, a collaboration between Wayne Eagling and Tamás Solymosi, offers a modern interpretation.
Visitors often rave about the breathtaking backdrops, the beauty of the costumes, and the phenomenal orchestra. The ballet, with its dream-like sequences and graceful movements, transports audiences to a world of wonder.
The Budapest Opera House
The Budapest Opera, a neo-Renaissance masterpiece by Miklós Ybl, financed by Emperor Franz Joseph I, is not only a marvel of architecture but also boasts one of the best acoustics in Europe. Even if you don’t like ballet, consider a tour to the Opera.
“The Nutcrakcer” – Info
• It runs throughout December: including on the 24th, 25th, and 26th
• Website to buy the tickets: here
• Plan ahead: tickets for popular shows like “The Nutcracker,” sell out quickly.
• Seating options vary: but first-floor boxes offering some of the best views. During the intermission, the Opera Bar is an ideal spot for a glass of wine or champagne.
• Budapest Opera House location: Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061 Hungary
4. Attend the Organ Concert at St. Stephen's Basilica
This special concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica, a prominent neo-classical church in Hungary, one of the nation’s tallest buildings and a key tourist attraction, features a combination of organ and string performances.
The concert is set to take place every Tuesday of December, starting at 8 pm. Each concert is designed to offer a rich musical experience, lasting around 70 minutes. The meeting point is at the entrance of the Basilica, at 7:30 PM.
One can expect the musical artistry of Hungarian musicians: Miklós Teleki, one of Hungary’s finest organists, Kolos Kováts, a distinguished concert singer and Kossuth Prize laureate, and Eleonóra Krusic, a renowned flutist with a history of playing alongside various international orchestras.
Organ concert at St. Stephen’s Basilica:
• In December, the concert series will take place on the 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th.
• Location here.
The Program:
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Fantasie in F minor K 506
• Alessandro Stradella: Pietà Signore
• Tomaso Albinoni: Adagio
• Liszt Ferenc (1811-1886) – Camille Saint-Saёns (1835-1921): Legend in A major (St. Francis of Assisi’s Sermon to the Birds)
• Giuseppe Verdi: Prayer of Fiesco from opera Simone Boccanegra
• Johann Sebastian Bach: Polonaise, Minuet and Badinerie from Suite in B minor BWV 1067
• Johann Sebastian Bach: Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565
5. Take a ride on Budapest's Christmas light trams
During the winter holidays, Budapest transforms into a festive wonderland, and one of its most enchanting features is the Christmas Trams.
Adorned with 40,000 twinkling LED lights, these trams run along their usual routes, adding a magical touch to the city’s streets. The most notable route is Tram no. 2, which offers a scenic journey along the Danube Promenade, ranked as one of the top trolley rides by National Geographic. Operating from early December to early January, starting after 4 pm, these trams can be boarded with a regular ticket. Other routes featuring Christmas Trams include Numbers 14 M, 59, and 49. Additionally, children can delight in Santa’s Trolleybus on route no. 70, lit up throughout December.
Standard fares apply, and it’s advisable to dress warmly as some trams and trolleybuses may not be well-heated.
Budapest Christmas light trams
• Tram lines with Christmas lights: 2, 14M, 59, 49.
• They’ll be on until the the 7th of January
• There’s also Santa’s Trolleybus (70)
6. Watch the light show at St Stephen's Basilica
The Christmas season in Budapest is marked by a spectacular visual feast at St. Stephen’s Basilica, hosting Central Europe’s largest 3D light painting show.
Each evening, the Basilica transforms into a canvas for vibrant 3D animations, accompanied by music, creating an immersive experience for onlookers.
From 5:30 to 10 pm, at half-hour intervals, the façade of the church comes alive with a dazzling display of festive holiday themes and religious scenes. This captivating light show can be enjoyed from any point around the square, offering visitors a unique and enchanting way to celebrate the holiday spirit in one of Budapest’s most iconic locations.
Basilica Visual 3D Painting:
It happens every day from 5:30 to 10 pm, with half-hour intervals.
7. Taste the typical Hungarian Christmas food in Budapest
In Budapest, Christmas culinary traditions offer a heartwarming exploration of Hungarian flavors. The season’s star is goulash, served in both meat and bean varieties, and other hearty dishes like meat stews and paprikás with chicken or veal. The Christmas markets, buzzing with festive energy, are ideal for trying these delicacies and unique snacks like lángos and kőrözött, a paprika-infused cottage cheese.
Desserts are a highlight too, with the walnut-rich zserbó and the multi-layered dobos torta standing out. The emblematic bejgli, a pastry filled with poppyseed or walnut, epitomizes Hungarian Christmas. Other flavors that enrich the holiday experience are the hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, the mikulás-nap treats, and szaloncukor-adorned Christmas trees.
Christmas Markets are a great place to savor the typical Hungarian food for the season.
8. Watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve
New Year’s Eve in Budapest offers a unique celebration compared to other major European capitals. The city welcomes the new year with several fireworks displays, primarily along the Danube River. These charming fireworks can be best viewed from strategic spots like the Buda Castle or Fisherman’s Bastion, providing a picturesque backdrop of the Budapest Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica.
While Budapest’s fireworks may not be as grand as its summer celebrations, they still add a touch of magic to the city’s festive atmosphere, making the transition into the new year a memorable experience.
The Buda Castle and the Fisherman’s Bastion, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and the surrounding areas along the Danube River, are particularly good places to observe the fireworks in the New Year’s eve in Budapest.
9. Visit Buda Castle during the Christmas season
During the Christmas season, a visit to the Buda Castle offers a delightful experience with its crisp winter ambience and stunning views over Budapest.
The castle, an architectural marvel perched above the Danube, houses several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. These museums often host seasonal exhibitions and art galleries alongside their main exhibits, providing a rich cultural exploration. While entry to the castle grounds is free, accessing these exhibitions requires a ticket.
The castle becomes even more festive as it hosts free celebrations leading up to New Year’s Day (from the 29th to the 31st of December), making it a perfect spot for immersing oneself in the historical and cultural heritage of Budapest during the holiday season.
10. Ice Skating in Budapest's scenic landscapes
Ice skating in Budapest during the Christmas season transforms the city into a winter wonderland, with many famous ice rinks in the offering. From those, in our opinion these are the most relevant:
• The City Park Ice Rink, as Europe’s largest open-air ice rink, is a Christmas highlight in Budapest. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Vajdahunyad Castle, this rink offers an idyllic setting for skating enthusiasts. This is the most famous one, and it’s paid (expect a ticket costing around HUF 2500-3500).
• Buda Ice Rink: Located at Széna Square, near the Mammut 2 shopping mall, the Buda Ice Rink offers a cozy indoor skating experience. This state-of-the-art facility provides not just a place to skate but also offers lessons in ice skating and hockey.
• Bálna Ice Skate Rink: Nestled along the Danube River, the Bálna Ice Skate Rink stands out as Budapest’s largest free rink. Located at the architecturally unique “Bálna” or “Budapest Whale” building, it offers stunning riverside views, adding a magical touch to your skating experience.
Ice rinks – location:
• City Park Ice Rink
• Buda Ice Rink
• Bálna Ice Skate Rink
11. Unwind at Budapest's famous thermal baths
Visiting Budapest’s thermal baths offers a unique blend of relaxation and historical exploration. Dating back to the Ottoman era, these baths are not only celebrated for their therapeutic properties but also serve as tranquil retreats. The charm of these baths in winter lies in their warm outdoor pools, allowing visitors to bask in heated waters amidst the cold, occasionally snowy surroundings. To truly embrace this quintessential Budapest experience, it’s beneficial to familiarize oneself with the city’s most popular thermal baths.
Our top 3 thermal baths are:
• Széchenyi thermal baths (location)
• Géllert (location)
• Rudás (location)
Related articles:
• Budapest Thermal Baths: All Prices and Hours
• Best thermal baths in Budapest
• Széchenyi thermal baths guide
12. Go Christmas shopping in Budapest
In Budapest, Váci Street is an important shopping hub, extending from Vörösmarty Square to the Central Market Hall. This pedestrian thoroughfare is lined with a variety of familiar stores, and it’s perhaps the most popular in the city. But there’s also Andrássy ut, a broader avenue with a wide road in the middle, offering high-end designer brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
In any case, even if you’re not looking for shopping, both streets get really beautifully for the season, adorned with Christmas lights. And both of them lead to greespecially Seasonal Christmas markets also provide an array of gift choices.
Both streets are key to the city’s Christmas routes.
Whilst Váci street leads to the main Christmas Market in Vörösmarty Square, Andrássy út connects the Heroes Square and the City Park Ice Rink with the Budapest Eye, the latter also known for the Christmas decorations that it gets during this season.
13. Ride the Budapest Eye for spectacular Christmas views
The Budapest Eye, a striking feature of Erzsébet Square, takes on a festive charm during Christmas. Standing at 65 meters, it is adorned with holiday decorations, enhancing its appeal in the winter landscape. Operating every day of the year, the Ferris Wheel of Budapest offers – for around 10 minutes – a unique opportunity to witness the illuminated beauty of Budapest during the Christmas season. Its 42 cabins provide a spectacular view of the city, aglow with festive lights, offering a great experience of the city’s holiday splendor.
The Budapest Eye
Prices:
• Standard (12+ years): HUF 4,300
• Priority: 5,300
• Child (2-12 years): HUF 2,300
• Infant (0-2 years): HUF 300
• Priority with Champagne (priority + glass of champagne): HUF 7,300
• 360° Map (ride not included): HUF 300
Opening hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 11 am – 11 pm
• Friday – Saturday: 11 am – 12 am
• Sunday: 11 am – 11 pm
*Open every day of the year, even on holidays (365 day/year)
Location: Budapest, Erzsébet tér, 1051 Hungary
14. Go Sledding in Budapest
Sledding in Budapest offers a delightful winter experience – iif you get good snow conditions, you’ll have a lot of fun in scenic locations.
Two of these locations are in Anna-rét and Normafa, just 30 minutes away from the city center by car. Known for their gentle slopes, you’ll find there a safe and enjoyable sledding experience, particularly for families. Their sledding areas are just a few minutes apart by foot. Transport is accessible via buses 21 or 21A from Széll Kálmán tér, the Children’s Railway from Hűvösvölgy, or the Cogwheel Railway from Városmajor.
Other popular spots, more central in Budapest, include the varied slopes of Királydomb, in Budapest City Park. Gellért Hill also offers diverse options, from family-friendly slopes near Búsuló Juhász restaurant, to more challenging runs for adventure-seekers.
Location:
• Normafa: Budapest, Eötvös út 59, 1121 Hungary
• Anna-rét: Budapest, 1121 Hungary
• Királydomb (in Városliget City Park): Budapest, 1146 Hungary
• Gellért Hill: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 58, 1118
*In case of accidents, first aid can be sought by calling +36 20 499 1111, and ambulance services are available at 112, with English-speaking operators.
15. Enjoy Budapest's nightlife in the Christmas season
During the Christmas season, Budapest’s nightlife offers a festive array of options, extending an inviting glow well into the New Year.
Post-Christmas Eve, venues like Akvárium Klub and Barba Negra pulse back to life with live music and DJ sets. Edith provides a haven for underground electronic beats, while the warm interiors of Fogas Ház x Instant welcome those looking to dance the night away, opening on the 24th of December.
The city’s famed ruin pubs, including the eclectic Gozsdu Udvar, buzz with holiday cheer, serving up a mix of drinks and music in their characteristically quirky spaces. And, for a more relaxed vibe, the Gin Corner Bar and Mazel Tov offer crafted cocktails and cozyer atmospheres (not to mention a great dining experience, in the latter).
Related articles:
• Best ruin bars in Budapest
• Szimpla kert in Budapest
• Mazel Tov Budapest
Tips for a great Christmas in Budapest
• Pack your winter clothes: take a warm attire, as the Christmas season can be quite chilly in Budapest.
• Check for more cultural events: for a taste of Hungarian holiday traditions, there are more Christmas concerts and events.
• Visit museums: take advantage of quieter tourist days to explore Budapest’s rich museums and galleries. Just be sure that they’re open before you go.
• Book things in advance: Whatever you’re planning to do, ensure a hassle-free visit by securing tickets early.
• Explore the Christmas Markets: walk from Vörösmarty Square to St. Stephen’s Basilica for a taste of holiday spirit, and you’ll have the two main advent fairs covered. They’re also great places to try local Christmas food.
• Use the Public Transport: utilize Budapest’s efficient public transport system to easily get around the city. And if you want more flexibility, install the MOL Bubi bikes app and cycle around the city.
• Convert your money wisely: use a multi-currency card like Wise to avoid high exchange fees when paying in restaurants and Christmas markets, benefiting from both physical and virtual card options.