The best 11 Budapest Christmas markets in 2024
Which is the best Christmas market in Budapest in 2024? How are the prices? How’s the mood? What experiences can we enrich ourselves with? I will answer everything!
Budapest’s Christmas markets transport visitors into a real winter wonderland. The markets nestled in the heart of the city are not only favorite meeting spots for locals but also world-renowned tourist attractions. Let me introduce you to the 3 largest and, for me, the most beloved Christmas markets in detail.
- The Advent Basilica market at St. Stephen’s Square has won the title of “Best Christmas Market in Europe” four times, which alone is reason enough to visit.
- The Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square, which is literally the center of Budapest, features a Christmas mini-train circling around beautifully wrapped presents.
- Xmax fair at Vajdahunyad castle. Located literally next to a real castle, a mini Ferris wheel and a genuine old-fashioned carousel help create the Christmas atmosphere.
What all Christmas markets have in common is their vast selection of delicious food and drinks. Each market is designed so that everyone can find something to their taste from the fantastic flavors of Hungarian cuisine. Of course, besides lángos and chimney cake, you can find many Hungarian specialties. Large spaces have been created so that food and drinks can be enjoyed while seated in peaceful surroundings, in the light of the Christmas atmosphere. Among drinks, several international brands are represented. Naturally, local mulled wine and pálinka are the most popular alongside hot chocolate.
Let’s not forget about those who cannot enjoy this fantastic Christmas atmosphere in the heart of Budapest! Most markets offer donation opportunities.
Please note that all markets only accept card payments!
The most magical is the Basilica Christmas market at St. Stephen’s Square in Budapest. Here, an Alice in Wonderland atmosphere welcomes you, where the centerpiece is a 12-meter-tall Christmas tree bathed in light. Next to it is a fire-red armchair for selfies, surrounded by benches for enjoying food and drinks, and from here you can admire beautiful light projections on the church wall.
The lights, music, bustle, and aromas provide the most perfect experience during evening hours. No wonder this market has been chosen as Europe’s best Christmas market four times!
At Vörösmarty Square, a huge space welcomes us, where the Vörösmarty statue is magnificently encased in a transparent snow globe, with a giant Christmas tree standing beside it. On one side of the circle are local vendors, mostly selling handcrafted products. Opposite them, you can taste local specialties. In one corner of the square, a small train sets the mood as it chugs around huge Christmas presents.
My second favorite is the Christmas market at Vajdahunyad Castle. I especially recommend this market for families with children (from age 3) or those seeking active recreation. The unique carousel provides an unforgettable Christmas experience. For little ones, the mini train and small Ferris wheel offer entertainment. For older children and adults, the “Happy Wonderland” mini amusement park opening from the Christmas market can provide an adrenaline rush. The Ferris wheel offers a fantastic panorama not only of the market but also of the surrounding castle, the huge ice rink, and Heroes’ Square. There’s a roller coaster here, and the bravest can try the jumping, spinning, rotating ghost-themed rides.
Budapest’s smaller Christmas markets bring warmth to our hearts as we spot them while sightseeing. It’s worth browsing through the vendors’ goods and tasting local food and drink specialties. Many places feature mini ice rinks, such as the largest outdoor ice rink in front of City Hall near Deák Square.
1. Christmas market at St. Stephen’s Basilica
The Basilica market is located directly in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica. Its centerpiece is a 12-meter-tall Christmas tree. In the middle of the square, locals sell their goods in small wooden houses. Around the square, you can find pavilions selling food and drinks. The market is not only located in front of the church but also continues along one side of the church.
Arrival:
By car, it’s almost an impossible mission as street parking spots are all taken, and even the residents suffer headaches from parking as the market has closed off the parking lot next to the church for the vendors’ cars, making the already difficult parking situation even worse.
If we arrive by taxi, we should tell the driver to go to the St. Stephen’s Square Christmas market. Depending on our exact destination, we can check Sas street, which is in front of the market, or the two sides of the market at Hercegprímás street 6 and Hercegprímás street 10.
The simplest way to get to the market is by public transport or on foot, getting off at Deák Square on the metro or at Bajcsy-Zsilinszky road on the yellow (No. 1) metro line. Once we come to the surface, we just have to find the huge church, which provides a perfect orientation point.
Pro tip: Use the Budapest Card for public transportation.
The market’s highlight is the magnificent 12-meter-tall Christmas tree, in front of which stands a giant red armchair, offering the perfect spot for taking Christmas selfies. The tree serves as the centerpiece of the market, creating a magical backdrop for photos, while the special selfie spot with its fire-red chair has become one of the most popular photo locations.
I would like to highlight the most interesting programs:
Let’s take many pictures at the christmasmarket!
Let’s go to the selfie spot to take special pictures!
Try your luck at the small house where you can buy lottery tickets.
The best thing to see is the light show on the church wall, which you can watch every 30 minutes in the evening with nice music.
Nativity Scene: To make the Christmas feeling better
Let’s help poor children and give some money!
Foods and Drinks:
At the Christmas market, we can try the traditional Hungarian cuisine. Unfortunately, the prices are quite high, and mostly, the same foods are available in the vicinity for half the price.
Foods, and some prices:
Some price table:
Traditional dishes include lángos, with several varieties available to taste. I’ve attached the prices in the pictures.
One of my favorites is strudel, which fortunately comes in several flavors
| Strudels | |
|---|---|
| Apple | 1800 Huf |
| Poppy seeds | 1800 Huf |
| Sour cherry | 1800 Huf |
| Sour cherry – chocolate | 1800 Huf |
| Sour cherry – poppy seeds | 1800 Huf |
| Cottage cheese | 1800 Huf |
| Cottage cheese – sour cherry | 1800 Huf |
| Cottage cheese – chocolate | 1800 Huf |
| Cottage cheese – apricot | 1800 Huf |
| Hungarian sweets | |
| Flodni | 1900 Huf |
| Gerbeaud | 1800 Huf |
| Dobos slice | 1800 Huf |
| Lekváros bukta | 1400 Huf |
| Baklava | 1300 Huf |
| Linzer | 900 Huf |
For gourmets and those feeling cold, I highly recommend roasted chestnuts, which not only warm the stomach but also the hands:
Among the sweets, you can’t miss out on chimney cake, available in various sizes and flavors at several places.
If you’re in Hungary, you should definitely try one of the locals’ favorite and special desserts, the chimney cake. The chimney cake of Budapest is one of the most delicious treats which is available in many flavors -it is definitely a must try!
In winter, it’s a pleasure to stroll through the shopping streets, the atmosphere is captivating.
My childhood favorite, meringue, and macarons of various flavors can also be tasted.
Among the drinks, mulled wine is of course the most popular, warming not only the body but also the hands. Of course, beer and other alcoholic and soft drinks can also be purchased.
“My favorite is mulled red wine with fruit”
In the small wooden huts, you can buy Hungarian handicraft products. Perhaps the most ingenious vendor sold warm hats and gloves, as it was very cold when I was there, and a strong wind was blowing.
It’s a great help that there is a toilet at this Christmas market (for 400 HUF) next to the Basilica.
General opening hours:
• Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday-Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Special opening hours on the following days: Christmas:
Basilica Christmas market Holiday Opening Hours:
December 24: 11:00-15:00
December 25-26: 11:00-20:00
December 31: 11:00-03:00
January 1: 11:00-18:00
2. Chistmas Market at Vörösmarty Square
The location is in Budapest at Vörösmarty Square (in front of Gerbued confectionery) and continues on Deák Ferenc Street, also known as Fashion Street. Naturally, since this is also the heart of the city, a Christmas atmosphere prevails in the surrounding streets. Váci Street, Budapest’s most famous and spectacular pedestrian street, welcomes visitors in a Christmas mood and opens right from Vörösmarty Square.
Access:
The simplest way to reach the fair is by public transport, get off at the terminal station of the yellow metro (Vörösmarty Square), and for those coming by metro, emerge at Deák Square.
Parking by car is almost impossible in the area due to the space taken up by the fair’s cars and equipment. It is advisable to try parking in underground garages. I recommend the newly opened József Nádor Square underground garage, which has plenty of space due to its lesser-known status. If arriving by taxi, ask the driver to go to the Vörösmarty Square Christmas fair. Since there are many one-way streets in the area, Erzsébet Square (unmistakable due to the huge Budapest EYE) can also be a perfect
For Children: There is a miniature train that is entirely free to use. The Lion Fountain is decorated with huge gift packages around which the train circles.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting Budapest in the summer, don’t miss the Sziget festival! Otherwise, if you’re not sure, check out our Budapest info for all you need to know about the city.
The Vörösmarty Square christmas fair is similar in size to the basilica christmas fair, but it is not overcrowded. Stalls of artisans selling their crafts are scattered around.
At the fair, you can try traditional Hungarian chocolate bonbons. Those craving more sweets can satisfy their desires at the famous Zserbó Confectionery located alongside the Christmas fair. Chimney cake and other traditional sweets are available around the fair.
You certainly won’t go hungry at the fair; half of it is a huge restaurant offering Hungarian cuisine specialties and traditional dishes. Prices are quite high, but don’t forget the mandatory basic menu, consisting of sausage, mustard, and bread for 1500 Ft.
General Opening Hours at Vörösmarty Square:
- Monday-Thursday: 11:00 – 21:00
- Friday-Saturday: 11:00 – 22:00
- Sunday: 11:00 – 21:00
Miniature Train Opening Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 14:00 – 20:00
- Saturday-Sunday: 11:00 – 20:00
Special Opening Hours:
- December 24, 2024: 10:00 – 14:00
- December 24, 2024, Miniature Train: 12:00 – 18:00
- December 25-26, 2024: 12:00 – 18:00
- December 26, 2024, Miniature Train opens at 14:00
- December 29-30, 2024: 11:00 – 22:00
- New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2024): 11:00 – 03:00 (morning)
3. Christmas Market at Vajdahunyad Castle
The Christmas Market at Vajdahunyad Castle is a unique gem among Budapest’s holiday markets. Located in a green area between Heroes’ Square and Széchenyi Bath, next to the magnificent castle, this market offers special experiences that set it apart from others.
Location and Access
The market is easily accessible by M1 metro line, situated between Heroes’ Square and Széchenyi Bath stations, slightly closer to the Széchenyi Bath stop.
Special Attractions
Nostalgic Carousel
You can ride on horseback, in cups, on deer, or even in small cars. One ride costs 1500 forints or 4 EUR. The night lighting creates a perfect mood.
Children’s Mini Train
We need to pay 1500 forints for a 3-minute ride. The mini train moves in a circle around beautifully wrapped presents and neon-lit flowers.
Mini Ferris Wheel
A child ticket is 1500 forints, and an adult ticket is 2000 forints. We can rise up in small glowing cabins.
Food and Drinks:
We can get hot chocolate or warm drinks, even alcohol, from several places.
For food, besides the usual chimney cake, fried bread (lángos), and pancakes, we can also find Thai food.
Fresh fried bread (lángos) is being made in a huge oven.
In the middle of the market, there are huge benches and tables available for us to enjoy our food and drinks.
4. Christmas Fair In Gozsdu Court
This fair was not accessible at the time of writing, so no recent photos are available. It has a unique atmosphere, located in a narrow alley between buildings, mostly offering products from local vendors. However, no food or drinks are available for purchase here, as this fair is in the famous Gozsdu courtyard, known for its restaurants. Likely, the fair will be open from December 6 to 24, and it’s easily accessible on foot from Deák Square.
5. Allee shoping center
In December, Christmas fairs will be available in the Allee shopping center on the Buda side of Budapest, featuring local vendors and artisans.
6.WestEnd City Center
Budapest’s largest shopping center on the Pest side, even has an ice rink on its roof. It is easily accessible by the blue metro, with the stop at Nyugati Square.
The ice rink on the roof is open from November 17 to December 31
7. Corvin Plaza
Corvin Plaza also turns into a Christmas fair every year, easily accessible by the blue metro or the famous tram lines 4 and 6.
8. Várkert Bazaar in Buda side
Várkert Bazaar, directly in front of the castle, strengthens the Buda side’s Christmas fairs, an excellent program when combined with a castle visit. This fair is typically open only on Sundays.
9. Óbuda Christams market
Óbuda Christmas fair on the main square is perhaps one of the largest fairs on the Buda side, known for its fantastic decorations and Christmas atmosphere. Although it is quite far from the center of Budapest, it is not impossible to reach.
Obuda advent fair will be open: 2024.12.01-2024.12.23.
From Friday to Sunday, we can get into the holiday spirit with world music and light music concerts reminiscent of Christmas. Sports enthusiasts can once again ice skate for free at two locations in the district this year. It’s great fun to glide on the ice in the light-filled Main Square and the Békásmegyer Market Community Square! And speaking of ice: on December 3rd, the Ice Skating Santa will visit the Main Square again, and on December 7th and 9th, there will be a retro ice disco with DJ Bebé! For the first time this year, there will be a Christmas House on the Main Square. In the cheerful red house, next to the fireplace, children can meet Santa and also have the opportunity to make their own Christmas decorations. A romantic Christmas photo? No problem! Fantastic photos can be taken at the selfie point on the Main Square, in the glittering, shining sleigh pulled by reindeer. Last year, the Main Square Christmas market was judged one of the best in Budapest! This year will be no different!
Ice rinks at the main square and the békásmegyer market community square
When are they open?
During Advent and January, free ice rinks await ice skating enthusiasts in Óbuda at two locations. From Monday to Thursday at both locations: 08:00 – 20:00, from Friday to Sunday at the Main Square 08:00 – 22:00, and at the Békásmegyer Market Community Square 08:00 — 20:00 for those who wish to skate!
Where?
At the Main Square and the Békásmegyer Market Community Square
Is there an opportunity to change clothes?
Yes!
There will be a 4×15 meter dressing cabin on the Main Square, and a 6×3 meter dressing tent in Békásmegyer.
Can you rent skates?
Yes!
Skate rental will be available at both locations:
Sizes up to 35 for 1000 Ft/pair Sizes above 35 for 1500 Ft/pair Discounted rental for district schoolchildren and preschoolers (organized in groups of more than 3 during school hours (8:00-16:00 on weekdays)): 500 Ft/pair Skate sharpening: 1500 Ft/pair – only at the Main Square!
Is there an entrance fee?
No! The use of both the Main Square rink and the rink at the Békásmegyer market is free.
10. Klauzál Square Market (Green market)
Mostly, every district in Budapest hosts these occasional Christmas fairs, usually open on weekends. These are characterized by local residents selling their goods, with food and drink prices typically a fraction of those at the large Christmas markets. Klauzál Square Market.
The Green Market Christmas Fair is open for 4 weekends from November 25: here you can find everything you need to prepare for Christmas.
11. Bálna christmas Fair
A larger seasonal market is located in the Bálna building, usually with an ice rink. Fővám Square Market is directly next to the Great Market at Fővám Square, worth a visit if you are in the area.
WHALE ICE TERRACE OPENING:
December 28/29/30 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m
December 31 / from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
January 1. CLOSED
From 2 JANUARY 10 a.m. to 10 p.m
Budapest Christmas markets are fun for all ages. The lights, music, fragrances, handcrafted crafts, and traditional Hungarian meals and beverages create a unique atmosphere. Budapest’s Christmas markets are exciting for families, couples, and friends. Take in Budapest’s holiday-decorated streets and parks for a spectacular experience. Cities become bustling yet cozy during celebrations. Discover the Christmas enchantment in Budapest, Hungary’s capital, and experience the city’s unique Christmas atmosphere.
More interesting and useful tips
If you’re looking for a pleasant stroll around the famous Heroes Square, you should first read our article on the subject to truly appreciate this endlessly beautiful architectural masterpiece.
