We discovered Budapest, we explored it far and wide in my city guide, and we tasted its delights in the post dedicated to the food of the capital. Now let's find out about Christmas in the Hungarian capital and how to enjoy it during our trip, but let's start with a little curiosity! In Hungary, Christmas day corresponds to Saint Nicholas and it falls on December 6th. According to local tradition, Saint Nicholas brings small gifts to Hungarian children during the previous night, leaves a red bag full of candy, chocolate, nuts and fruit in the shoes that the children leave at the window. December 24th is the most important day, when the closest members of the family get together, decorate the Christmas tree, exchange gifts and eat as a family. For this reason, the 24th is the quietest day in Budapest, public transport switches to night mode in the afternoon, most of the shops and restaurants are closed and very few people in the evening. If you are in Budapest on December 24th, you should book a table early or grab something at the Christmas markets.
But now let's move on to the Budapest Christmas Markets!
Vörösmarty Tér Christmas Market
From Novembre 17th to December 31st 2023
The Vörösmarty Tér Christmas Market is held every year in the homonymous, in front of a splendid light show on the Gerbaud patisserie building, which I have already told you about here and where I recommend you take a tour). Among the many wooden stands you can buy Christmas decorations, local handicraft products, but above all you can let yourself be conquered by the vast culinary offer. Langos, Goulash, Chimney Cake and many other typical Hungarian dishes (see the post on the guide on what to eat in Budapest). Everything is made even more magical by the splendid tree in the center of the market and if you are lucky you will witness some shows: live nativity scenes, performances by folkloric groups and folk dances alternate for the duration of the Christmas period.
Opening hours: From Monday to Thursday: 10:00 - 21:00 From Friday to Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00 24 December: 10:00 - 15:00 25 and 26 December: 10:00 - 18:00 29 December: 10:00 - 19:00 31 December 10:00 - 1:00 Craft Chalets always close one hour before closing time.
Christmas market in the St. Stephen's Basilica
From November 17th 2021 to January 1st 2023 In front of the impressive St. Stephen's Basilica you will find the most beautiful Christmas market in Budapest. Here, in addition to shopping among the numerous stalls, it will be possible to skate for free on the ice in the small outdoor rink, on which it will give a splendid tree overlooking the Basilica. It's the perfect place if you're looking for some Christmas present, but also if you want to eat something or warm up with a little mulled wine. We liked this much more than the one in Vörösmarty Tér. To find out more about the Basilica take a look at the Budapest guide. Opening hours: From Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 11:00 - 20:00 Friday and Saturday: 11:00 - 22:00 24 December: 11:00 - 15:00 25 and 26 December: 11:00 - 20:00 31 December 11:00 - 20:00 1 January: 11:00 - 18:00
Winter Food Fest Budapest
From November 26, 2021 to January 3, 2022 The Budapest Winter Food Fest is a small food festival located in the center of Budapest, on Deák Ferenc square. Here you can a really nice Christmas feeling among the small Christmas stalls, but also taste some typical Hungarian or international specialties. in the various sponsored places: Mazel Tov, Tereza, or the 101 Bistro. It's cute, much smaller than the previous two Christmas Markets, but it's on the way to the Budapest Eye and Vörösmarty Tér, ideal for a quick Chimney Cake! Opening hours: From Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 to 22:00 Friday and Saturday: 12:00 to 00:00.
Gozsdu Udvar
Gozsdu Udvar, located in the Jewish quarter, and itis named after a lawyer famous for investing most of his wealth in real estate. The complex was built to a design by the architect GyÅ‘zÅ‘ Czigler in 1902 and consists of 7 buildings and the six courtyards that connect them, which at that time played a significant role in the life of the local Jewish community. SpÃler, the DiVino wine shop, the Vicky Barcelona tapas bar and the Blue Bird Café are the oldest places in the court, but also Mátka, the Jamie pizzeria or the Horizont Taproom in LéhűtÅ‘. There are a lot of nightclubs, restaurants and exhibition spaces, often with other programs, craft and vintage fairs, certainly ideal for an evening stroll. Both during the day and in the evening you will find many stalls along the courtyard, both of Christmas items and of local crafts. We got some very special Christmas gifts.
From mid-November to mid-February Another must-see while in Budapest in winter is the huge outdoor ice skating rink on Lake Városligeti in the City Park. Opening time: From Monday to Friday: 09: 00-13: 00, 17: 00-21: 00 Saturday: 10: 00-14: 00, 16: 00-21: 00 Sunday: 10: 00-14: 00, 16: 00-20: 00 24 December CLOSED 31 December CLOSED in the afternoon 1 January CLOSED in the morning Prices: Free up to 6 years 1500 HUF adults ( 2000 HUF from Friday afternoon to Sunday )
To better plan your weekend at the Budapest Christmas markets, I suggest you take a look at my guide on what to see in Budapest and the one dedicated to what to eat in the Hungarian capital by clicking here.
Merry Christmas and have a nice trip!