If you’re traveling to Budapest in the winter, you absolutely cannot miss the Budapest Christmas markets! I always think that Budapest is gorgeous, but around Christmas? It’s almost too much to take in! If you’re ready to soak up beautiful views and make some festive memories, here’s your ultimate guide to experiencing Budapest’s Christmas markets in 2024!
How to Get Around Budapest
Budapest’s central Christmas markets are within easy walking distance of each other, in fact, you can visit Budapest’s most well-known Christmas markets in a day. However, if you’re in town longer, consider the Budapest Card for unlimited use of public transportation. You’ll unlock unlimited access to the the trams, buses, and metro of Budapest. And of course, there’s so much to see in this gorgeous city along with the Christmas markets, like Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion.
Tip: Do you need to get to/from the Budapest airport? Book a direct transfer or learn more about the Budapest airport bus.
Budapest Christmas Market FAQs
Budapest Christmas markets generally run from mid-November to early January, although the exact dates vary slightly by market. I’d suggest planning your trip for late November/early December in order to see things in full swing!
Since they’ve become so popular, yes, most of the stalls at the major markets accept card. However, I’d suggest carrying around some cash in case you come across a smaller stall somewhere around the city.
Yes, although it will be priced for tourists and produced on a large scale. It’s fun to try, but you could also consider saving your appetite for eating at an actual restaurant.
Budapest Christmas Markets Guide
1. Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market
- Dates: November 10, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Location: Vörösmarty Square, in the heart of the city
- Website: budapestinfo.hu
The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market is Budapest’s oldest and most popular festive market. It’s quite easy to get to–you can just take the #2 tram straight there! And bonus, if you have a sweet tooth, you have two historic cukraszdas (confectioneries) bordering the square to choose from: Számos and Gerbeaud (my personal favorite!).
2. Basilica Christmas Market
- Dates: November 25, 2024 – January 2, 2025
- Location: St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Website: adventbazilika.hu
Awarded the title of “Best Christmas Market in Europe” multiple times, the Basilica Market might be the most iconic in Budapest. And I have to admit–shopping around with the grand dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica in the background is quite breathtaking. You can stroll around and see an impressive Christmas tree, live music, and a skating rink (for kids only), making it a great spot for families with kids.
3. Elizabeth Square Market
- Dates: November 25, 2024 – January 2, 2025
- Location: Elizabeth Square
- Website: budapestchristmas.com
All you have to do is walk through the vibrantly lit up corridor of Fashion Street (seriously–so many lights!) and you’ll find the Elizabeth Square and City Hall Square markets. They’re basically a cozy extension of the Vörösmarty Square, with a smattering of stalls, and even an ice skating rink at City Hall Square! It can be the perfect start or end of your Christmas market tour–stroll around, browse souvenirs, and warm up with hot drinks!
4. Szentlélek Square Market (A Local Favorite!)
- Dates: November 25, 2024 – December 24, 2024
- Location: Óbuda, near Buda Castle
- Website: budapestchristmas.com
It’s time to talk about my favorite Budapest Christmas market of them all! Szentlélek market in Óbuda is out of the city center and as such, isn’t part of the normal tourist circuit. I can’t believe it took me over 5 years to finally visit, but I’m so glad I did! After awhile, all of the central Christmas markets can start to look the same, and Szentlélek Square market is less crowded (and bonus–it has a large ice skating rink!). This is the market I’d most suggest buying food/drink at, especially lángos. It’s only a 20ish minute journey from the city center. Cross over to the Buda side and then take the HÉV (the suburban railway) a few stops north to Szentlélek Tér. Easy!
5. City Park Market at Vajdahunyad Castle
Ice skating in the winter!
- Dates: December 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Location: Vajdahunyad Castle, City Park
- Website: varosliget.hu
For a holiday experience straight out of a storybook, try the market at Vajdahunyad Castle in City Park. It’s very easy to get to from the other markets–simply take the historic Metro Line 1 from Déak Ferenc Tér up to Heroes Square. Although this market is smaller, you’ll get a bit of fantastical flair, what with Vajdahunyad Castle as your backdrop. And bonus–City Park is home to one of the largest outdoor skating rinks in Europe, making this a great stop for families with kids, or those who are simply kids-at-heart.
6. Pop-Up Markets
Throughout the Budapest festive season, you’ll find smaller pop-up markets around the city, like at shopping centers like Allée and Gozsdu Udvar. While I wouldn’t plan an entire day to see these, they can add a boost of holiday cheer if you come across them while exploring Budapest.
Classic Hungarian Food at the Budapest Christmas Markets
When it comes to Hungarian cuisine, Budapest’s holiday markets are the perfect chance to try street food in Budapest Here are some iconic foods you must try:
- Chimney Cakes (Kürtőskalács): These sweet, cylindrical cakes are rolled in different toppings (classics include cinnamon, cocoa, sugar, or coconut), and are sometimes even filled with ice cream. Look for the steam rising off of the dough (hence the name “chimney” cake) so that you know it’s fresh.
- Lángos: Okay, a lángos hits the spot in all the right ways! Think of a large, stretched-out donut with savory toppings (the classic version has garlic, cheese, and sour cream). Peak lángos experience happens when it’s fresh out of the fryer, so look for those!
- Forralt Bor (Mulled Wine): This is a classic! I prefer the red wine, but you’ll see different options at the markets. Tip? Make sure you’re getting mulled wine from a full vat–it starts to taste metallic if you just get the last dregs simmering at the bottom of a pot.
- Gulyás: Maybe the most famous Hungarian food, this paprika-based beef and vegetable stew will definitly warm you up! Get it in a bread bowl for extra yum factor.
Tip: Want more classic Hungarian food? Try this foodie walking tour!
Other Winter Activities in Budapest
While you’re in Budapest, there are so many ways to embrace the holiday spirit beyond the markets.
Go Ice Skating at City Park
Located right beside Vajdahunyad Castle, this iconic skating rink is one of the unmissable Budapest winter activities. Surrounded by castle towers and festive lights, gliding across the frozen lake feels like something straight out of a fairy tale! However, it does get quite crowded, so try to go at non-peak times if you’re able!
Hop on the Christmas Tram
In my opinion, this is one of the most festive parts of Christmas in Budapest. Every year, the city dolls up trams, trolleys, and buses with different lights and decorations to spread a bit of Christmas cheer. I always feel lucky when I see one lighting up the city, but you don’t have to leave it to fate! You can find the Christmas Tram schedule here.
Warm Up in a Budapest Thermal Bath
There’s honestly no better time to try Budapest’s famous thermal baths than in the winter. I love sitting outside in the heated pools, watching the steam rise into the crisp air while I’m nice and warm. And with all of the heavy holiday foods, a good sauna sesh can do wonders to get you feeling fresh and healthy again. Here are some of the most popular thermal baths in Budapest:
- Széchenyi Thermal Baths–Largest medicinal baths in Europe with the iconic yellow arcade, also a host of crazy nightlife attraction, Sparty.
- Gellért Thermal Baths–Art-deco baths that let you soak in style.
- Rudas Thermal Baths–16th century Turkish baths with a stunning indoor pool.
Take a Winter Walk at Normafa
If you love outdoor winter activities and you want to get out of the city for a bit, take the 20 minute bus ride up to Normafa in the Buda Hills. You can crunch through frozen leaves, sip a warm drink from the Normafa Síház, and take in peaceful panoramic views of Budapest.
Other Budapest Indoor Activities
- Axe Throwing: Work up a sweat while you channel your inner lumberjack!
- Escape Rooms: Stay warm while you figure out the solution in these interactive and immersive puzzle games!
- Interactive Museums: Explore breathtaking art installations at IKONO, the Light Art Museum, or the Museum of Sweets and Selfies.
Visit the Budapest Christmas Markets 2024
If you’re in the Hungarian capital during the festive season, I hope you’ll add the Budapest Christmas markets to your itinerary! Whether you’re snapping pictures of the Basilica or enjoying local sights at Szentlélek Square, use these Budapest holiday market tips to make the most of your time in Budapest!
Boldog Karácsonyt! (Merry Christmas!)
Xx Denae
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