Budapest is a real treat for Christmas lovers. The Christmas markets by themselves can be a reason to visit the Hungarian capital. Here you can find original art crafts, often sold by their very makers, and an impressive choice of street food.
The scent of mulled wine will hunt you until you surrender to a cup of mulled wine, while for cinnamon lovers with a sweet tooth, a kürtőskalács (chimney cake) can be addictive.
Advent in Budapest has a unique atmosphere, with the wonderful lights decorating Andrássy Avenue, leading you to the City Park.
There you can find relief from the cold in Széchenyi Thermal Baths, which are spectacularly beautiful when the snow is falling.
Christmas Market
Christmas market dates in 2026 (as of 29 October 2026)
- Vörösmarty tér: 13 November – 31 December. The craft stalls close after 28 December.
- Advent Basilica: 13 November – 1 January.
- Advent in Óbuda: from 27 November, with an ice rink.
- Gozsdu Christmas market: 4–23 December.
- City Park ice rink: due to open on 20 November, weather permitting.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
On 24 December the Basilica market is open 11:00–15:00 and Vörösmarty tér 10:00–14:00. On 25–26 December the Basilica market is open 11:00–20:00 and Vörösmarty tér 12:00–18:00.
Large supermarkets are closed on 25–26 December and close early on the 24th. Many museums are closed on 24–25 December, and public transport runs on a holiday timetable.
Book restaurants ahead and confirm their opening hours. Dates and hours can change, so check the organizers’ websites before you go.
Looking for an evening program? A Danube night cruise is a lovely way to see the city lit up, and you can check when to book and where the boats depart from. In winter, choose a boat with an enclosed deck.
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