The whiff of local delicacies, lángos, and chimney cake, fills the air as Hungary gets dressed in Christmas lights. The festive cheer and forralt bor (mulled wine) make the atmosphere heady.
So, what is so special about Hungarian Christmas markets that makes them stand apart? For starters, there are many of them in Budapest each with their charm. The stalls selling souvenirs are complemented with ice rinks and decked-up trams winding along the Danube River. Even the towering St. Stephen’s Basilica gets into a breezy holiday mood with its laser show. In addition to the major markets, Budapest is home to several charming fairs, such as Deák Ferenc Street, Erzsébet Square Christmas Market, Christmas Fair at Allee Shopping Centre, Whale (Bálna) Building Advent Festival, and of course the Ice Rink with a beautiful view of the Danube. Then there are markets beyond Budapest in the countryside with unique rustic charm.
It is not for nothing that some of these markets have been voted the best in Europe. Let’s sleigh right into where it’s all happening.
Start with Europe’s best
The iconic Advent Basilica Christmas Market, held around the majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica, has been voted Europe’s best Christmas market four times a year till 2023 by visitors. From mid-November to January 1, 2025, you can explore over 120 craft stalls, indulge in local delicacies, and enjoy ice skating at the foot of the grand basilica. The daily 3D light show projected onto the basilica’s facade is a magical experience not to be missed, happening every 30 minutes from 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM. The Ice Rink and food stalls are open daily, with extended hours on New Year’s Eve.
Hungary’s most famous fair
Less than a 10-minute walk from St. Stephen’s Basilica is the Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market. It runs from mid-November to December 31, 2024, in this important part of the Hungarian capital city. Recognized as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, it offers a variety of Hungarian artisan products, festive foods, and live performances. The crafts stalls are open every day with special Christmas Eve extension on December 31 until 1 am.
Something New and Dazzling
This year, the Városháza Park Christmas Fair, located near Deák Ferenc Square, is adding more food trucks and family-friendly activities. You can wander through stalls selling handcrafted gifts and enjoy traditional festive dishes like mákos guba (poppy seed bread) or beigli (rolled cakes) made of walnut, chestnut, and poppy seeds, and local street food specialties with mulled wine.
Where Countryside Charm Chimes
You can also immerse yourself in the festive mood at the Eger Christmas market held every year on the Dobó Square. The market opens on November 25 and ends on the 24th of December offering stalls with mouth-watering sweets and handcrafted goods as craftsmen tell you a story or two about their journey.
A lovely Advent weekend market awaits in the old town of Veszprém, also known as the European culture capital. You can enjoy traditional fish soup, goulash soup, lángos and chimney cake.
At Széchenyi Square in Pécs, you can dance to the tune of choral musicians and watch the candle-lighting ceremonies on Sundays as they turn into a fairy tale which opens on the last day of November. Szeged celebrates Christmas Weeks at Dóm Square between 24 November and 24 December. There will be light painting, fire jugglers, and a huge ice rink. Szeged also prepared a special selfie box where visitors can commemorate their favourite Advent moments.
The Christmas market at the main square of Vác features a human-sized Bethlehem, an ice rink, and a unique Advent wreath, from mid-November to 31 December.
Set against the backdrop of the city’s historic centre, Debrecen’s Christmas Market this year will come alive with a unique building mural project along with festive cheer.
