Xmas markets are really pleasant and memorable in every city of the world. The fabulous decorations, the buzzing life by the stands, the mouth-watering dishes and luring smell of mulled wine raises everybody’s attention. Tempting, isn’t it?!
Why to choose the Hungarian capital?
Especially at the time of Budapest Christmas? I guess you suspect the answer, because of the Budapest Christmas market. The Budapest Xmas market is held every year at the Vörösmarty Square right at the heart of the city. You can reach it by metro by M1, M2 or M3 or by tram 2 Vigadó tér stop or tram 47,49 Deák tér stop. Or you can book a hotel room close to the square and take a few minutes’ convenient walk in the evening. The square is, actually, dedicated to locals and tourists alike at this time without vehicle crossing. If you are lucky, you can park your car very close even in the next street; even though, it is so full most of the times that there are generally parking lots a few streets away. Another persuading factor is that the Budapest Christmas market has been listed on the Top 10 Christmas fairs in the world by the CNN. So there is no reason to resist any more…
About the fair
More than 120 handicrafts await their visitors with a wide range of products on the Budapest Advent and Budapest Christmas market; more than a half of them are members of the Hungarian Handicraft League. There are special Christmas-themed gifts like advent window, Christmas tree and door ornaments or a delicious cup of mulled wine or punch. Children can play and learn how to prepare greeting cards, toys from paper or yarn, beading, basketry, and baking gingerbread. At the weekends there are dance and music performances and puppet show. If you are interested, check the following website: https://www.budapestinfo.hu/hu/szinpadi-programok
Gastronomy
When you are in Hungary, you should definitely gain some culinary experience. Who has not heard about the world-famous Hungarian cuisine with the strong shot called ‘pálinka’. Budapest Christmas market is one of the best places to try it. But what dishes exactly can you taste at this fair? Well, first of all, the lángos. You can choose it with different toppings ranging from the sweet ones (Nutella, fruit jam) to savory (sour cream, cheese, sausage, bacon etc.) Their price varies between HUF 900 -2000. Are you a fan of pizza? Have you tried the Hungarian bread pizza – called lepény – (square shaped, flat bread baked in traditional stove, topped with sour cream, sausage, bacon and/or cheese). It costs 900 -2 500 HUF depending on the topping). What is ‘kürtös kalács’? This is a cylinder shape pastry baked over open fire then coated in ground walnut, coconut, sugar, or chocolate. Amazing dessert enchanting everyone whether he/she is a child or an adult. The price of mulled wine is between HUF 600-1500 depending on the quantity. There is also mulled wine with less sugar for about HUF 1000 and a pálinka shot is around HUF 1200-1300. Another typical Hungarian drink is Krampampuli, a punch drink with raisins, figs, dates, dried, plums, and candied orange peels inside. Traditional Hungarian meals are also stuffed cabbage (HUF 1800 / portion), roasted pork knuckles with onion, potato (Csülök pékné módra) for HUF 2800, or Hungarian layered potato casserole for HUF 1900. Above all, the utmost favorite ones are hurka-kolbász with bread and mustard for about HUF 2200 and the goulash soup.
What makes it more special?
The exterior of the famous Gerbeaud Coffee House is converted into a giant advent calendar, with a new magical window display and light show opening every day till Xmas. Moreover, beside the 15-m high Christmas fir, the light of the Flame of Peace greets visitors of the festive market.
How to dress?
December is real winter time with temperature of -10 and 0 C, so put on warm jumpers, trousers and more layers. However, if you got frozen, look for a heater, drink some hot tea or mulled wine or use the traditional Hungarian warming method: drink a quick shot of pálinka!
