Discover the charming Christmas Light Tram in Budapest (2025 updates)
Discover the charming Christmas Light Tram in Budapest (2025 updates)
The Christmas Light Tram is a beloved part of Budapest’s holiday traditions. The enchanting Christmas Light Tram in Budapest has become one of the city’s most popular holiday traditions. These are special trams that are decorated with thousands of sparkling LED lights. They run along picturesque routes, the most popular one is the Danube Promenade. During the winter holiday season both local people and tourists adore these festive trams that turn the whole capital city into a Christmas athmosphere.
What is Christmas Light Tram and Where Can it be found in Budapest?
The Christmas Light Tram is a special seasonal service operated by BKK, which is the public transport company of Budapest. These are normal trams that are transformed into winter wonders by energy-efficient LED strips that cover the entire exterior of the vehicles. There are several routes for these special Christmas Light Trams in Budapest around Christmas time.
The most famous Christmas Light Tram of all is the one that showcases the best festive LED lights in Budapest. Number 2 tram that runs between Jászai Mari square and Közvágóhíd along the River Danube. On its way along the Danube Promenade passengers are offered splendid views of the Parliament, the Buda Castle, the Chainbridge, all of them illuminated.
“Don’t miss to watch the illuminated wonders of Budapest!”
The History and Idea of Budapest’s Christmas Light Tram
The first festive streetcars started to run in the capital of Hungary at the beginning of the 2000s. At first it was just an ordinary Christmas decoration on trams, the idea taken from other European cities. The characteristic Christmas Light Trams are adorned with LED lights. Tatra trams with their classic design were specially chosen for the light display.
It has become a tradition in Budapest that BKK starts the holiday season decorating trams with lights. By now it has turned into a magical light show that is a special feature of the capital of Hungary. In 2025 the festive “light fleet” continued to grow, following more than a decade of tradition.
Routes and Locations of the Festive Tram in Budapest
In Budapest there are several routes The decorated Christmas Light Trams on both the Buda and the Pest side, including lines 4, 6, 19 and 49, are festive highlights of Budapest. The exact list of decorated tram routes changes each year, depending on BKK’s seasonal schedule. The most famous one of these is tram number 2 that illuminates the streets of Budapest and runs along the festive Christmas Light Tram route. Danube Promenade, between Jászai Mari square and Közvágóhíd.
Operating Schedule for 2025
The Christmas Light Trams operate from late November 2025 until January 6, 2026.. The last day when you can ride these trams is 6th January. On normal days the service runs beteen 4 PM and 9 PM, but special Christmas tram services may have different hours.
On Christmas Eve the trams operate until 4 PM, and on New Year’s Eve extended services run until midnight. Tram number 2 normally runs every 10-15 minutes.
You can always check on Budapest Go Application or the official website, where the Christmas Light Tram can be found.
How to Experience the Christmas Light Tram
It is very simple and cheap to ride the Christmas Light Tram. All types of public transport tickets and passes are also valid for these special services, and these special trams stop at every regular stop. A one-way ticket costs 450 HUF, but if you have Budapest Card, you can enjoy the Christmas Light Tram ride as many times as you want. You can get on the trams for example at Jászai Mari square, Kossuth square, Széchenyi square or Fővám square.
Family-Friendly Experience
The Christmas Light Tram is one of the favourite attractions of Budapest during the festive season for families in the winter holiday. It can be an adventure for all generations, from little kids to elderly people. Children love the sight of the illuminated trams, and they also enjoy riding them. It is almost as fantastic as riding Santa’s sleigh, but it is much warmer as the interior of the tram is heated and the seats are comfortable.
Photography Opportunities
You will have several opportunities to take photographs from these light trams. The tram goes on the bank of the River Danube, along the Danube Promenade. If you want the best shots, visit the tram right after sunset. This is the time when the sky can be a perfect background for the lights.
The best spots for taking pictures are the following:
- Parliament
- Chain Bridge
- Vigadó
- Liberty Bridge
- Great Market Hall
- National Theatre
Special Features and Design
Each of the trams are decorated with about 14.000 energy-efficient LED lights, altogether 40.000 lights are used for decoration purposes. These lights are adapted to the special characteristics of the trams, highlighting their architecture. The traditional colours are blue and white. The lenght of the white light strings is about 1000 metres, the blue strings are about 300 metres long. Approximately 11.000 white and 2.500 blue lights can be seen on the trams. What is more: 150 crochet Christmas decorations can be found on the trams. Each vehicle has special Christmas designs, but they change year by year.
See important information about the Christmas Light Tram on BKK website.
Additional Festive Transport Options
There are not only light trams but other decorated vehicles as well in Budapest in the winter holiday season. Festive decoration can be seen on the Millennium Underground, on several trolley buses and on some special buses too. A decorated cogwheel railway is also part of the holiday fleet in some years.
Impact on Tourism and Local Celebrations
The Christmas Light Trams are amazing festive tourist attractions in Budapest. A huge amount of tourists come to Budapest around holiday time just to see the Christmas decorations and festivals. By now Budapest has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe.
Besides the Christmas Light Tram and the illuminated buildings, streets, squares and bridges Christmas markets are popular places for tourists to visit. The most frequented markets are at St. Stephen’s Basilica, in Vörösmarty Square and in the Buda Castle in front of Matthias Church.
Tips for the Best Experience
If you ride the tram on weekdays, you may avoid crowd. Combine the tram ride with visits to Christmas markets. Get off the tram at the popular tourist attractions for example the Parliament, the Vigadó or the Great Market Hall.
After explorig tram number 2, try the other tram routes too, to discover both the Pest and the Buda side, just like the Palace or Arts or Gellért hill, enjoying Christmas decorations.
Cultural Significance
The Christmas Light Tram is not only public transport, it has become a symbol of the winter holiday season in Budapest. It shows visitors that it is worth combining old traditions with modern way of life. It brings local inhabitatns and tourists together into a united community. A visitor or a resident can also exprerience festive Budapest this way. Travelling on the Christmas Light Tram offers a special way and a unique perspective on the city’s historical architecture.
FAQ
What is the Christmas Light Tram in Budapest?
The Christmas Light Tram is a special holiday tram decorated with thousands of LED lights, running on selected routes in Budapest throughout the festive season.
When does the Christmas Light Tram operate?
The trams typically run from late November until early January, with daily service in the late afternoon and evening. Exact dates may vary each year based on BKK’s schedule.
Do I need a special ticket to ride the Christmas Light Tram?
No special ticket is required. Regular public transport tickets and passes are valid, including the Budapest Card.
Which tram route is the most popular?
Tram number 2 is the most famous light tram route, offering stunning views of the Parliament, Chain Bridge, and the Buda Castle along the Danube Promenade.
Can I take photos on or of the Christmas Light Tram?
Yes! The illuminated trams and their scenic route make for beautiful photos. The best time for photography is right after sunset along the Danube River.
