Budapest’s Christmas Markets are some of Europe’s finest 🎅🎄
From the first Sunday of December, the Christmas season starts in Budapest and different fairs open all around the city.
It doesn’t matter if you’re in Pest or Buda, you can easily find yourself lost in a crowded Christmas market, although the biggest ones remain in the city center.
Christmas Markets in Budapest 2024 | Which ones to visit?
We’ve compiled a list of the Christmas markets in Budapest that you simply cannot miss! Check it out below 👇👇👇
#1 Vörösmarty Square Market
The most famous one, which is also one of Europe’s largest, is in Vörösmarty square right in the heart of the city. Since its opening in 1998, this counts as the oldest, as well as one of the most beautiful and internationally acclaimed markets in Europe. The fair attracts thousands of tourists each year!
You can find countless stalls and vendors where you can taste not only traditional Hungarian cuisine but Hungary’s finest wines as well. The must-try Hungarian delicacies include goulash soup, Fisherman’s soup (halászlé), roasted pork, paprika-spiced broth, stuffed cabbage served in a bun, and also grilled sausages and meat. You shouldn’t miss the mulled wine made from these famous wines: Bikavér (Bull’s Blood), Egri Csillag (Star of Eger), and Tokaji Aszú, also known as the “King of wines”. The other classic drinks are pálinka, a strong fruit brandy or the famous Zwack Unicum, made of more than 40 herbs. Apart from the cuisine and wine-tasting, both fairs offer quality gifts and greatly selected handcrafts – not only traditional but with contemporary designs – made by local artists.
When?
November 15 – December 31, 2024
Monday – Thursday: 11.00 – 21.00
Friday – saturday: 11.00 – 22.00
Sunday: 11.00 – 21.00
December: 10.00 – 14.00
25 – 26. December: 10.00 – 18.00
December/NYE: 11.00 – 05.00
January 2024: 11.00 – 17.00
Bonus: This fair also has a stage as well since it offers free concerts where various local bands and musicians play every day.
#2 St. Stephen’s Basilica Market
Still, in district V, about 500 meters from Budapest’s main Christmas market lies another one, in front of the St. Stephen’s Basilica. Even though it’s a much smaller fair, it offers many new features and activities while you can still find the same types of vendors and food stalls.
The square also features a small ice skating rink in front of the Christmas tree, especially suitable for children. What is also great about these fairs is that you can easily reach many other attractions on foot, like the Chain Bridge or the bank of the Danube. Apart from the main ones, there are many other markets worth visiting: Várkert Bazaar or Castle Garden, located in the Castle district (I) where you can find the folk craft fair and also food trucks, concerts, a small ice rink and various programs for children.
When?
Mon – Thurs: 11:00 – 21:00,
Fri – Sat: 11:00 – 23:00,
Sun: 11.00 -21.00
December 24.: 11:00 – 15:00,
Dec 25. and Dec 26.: 10.00 – 20.00
December 31.: 11:00 – 22:00
January, 2024: 11.00 – 18.00
#3 Városligeti Lake Market
We also recommend visiting the biggest open-air ice skating rink which is located on the city park’s lake. Surrounded by the Vajdahunyad castle, the Heroes’ square, and many beautiful buildings, the architecture makes the place astonishing every hour of the day. Even though the vendors’ shops close in January, the ice skating rink stays open until late February.
#4 Corvin Hütte Christmas Fair
Corvin Promenade, behind the Corvin Plaza is acommunity hub full of cafes, pubs and restaurants. The scent of cinnamon punch, mulled wine, and hot chocolate will surely lure to the venue of the Christma sMarket held here in December.
When?
November 22 – December 24, 2024
#5 Green Christmas Market
Budapest’s largest indoor Christmas market awaits youin the Klauzál Square Market Hall on 4 weekends leading up to the holiday.
This green market focuses on environmental and nature friendly products so this is the place you need to visit if you want to get something that poses less strain to nature.
When?
November 25 -26: 10.00 – 18.00
#6 Christmas In City Park: Magic Grove (Varázsliget)
Best For Families with Kids! A fairy tale-like amusement park, called Varázsliget/Magic Grove, offers exciting activities for the whole family between December 08 and January 01.
Budapest’s beloved Városliget park will be transformed into a festive holiday destination, offering a vibrant craft market, delicious food and drink stalls, and a range of exciting programs for children and families. Adding to the magic, the enchanting Varázsliget (Magic Grove) will come to life, set against the picturesque backdrop of Vajdahunyad Castle, creating a truly magical Christmas wonderland for all visitors.
When?
December 08 – January 01:
Mon – Thurs: 11.00 – 19.00
Fri – Sun: 10.00 – 19.00
Budapest Christmas Markets 2024: FAQs
When do Budapest Christmas markets open?
The Christmas season in Budapest typically starts on the first Sunday of December, with various markets opening around the city. The main ones, such as those at Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen's Basilica, are usually open throughout December.
What can I expect to find at Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market?
Vörösmarty Square hosts one of Europe’s largest and most famous markets, offering Hungarian delicacies like goulash, stuffed cabbage, and mulled wine, along with handmade gifts and local crafts. There are also free daily concerts.
Where is the St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market located?
The market is located in front of St. Stephen's Basilica, in Budapest’s district V, about 500 meters from Vörösmarty Square. It features food stalls, local crafts, 3D light shows, and an ice-skating rink.
What are some unique features of St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market?
In addition to food and crafts, the market offers a 3D light show projected onto the Basilica's facade, with performances running every half hour from 4:30 PM to 10 PM. There is also an ice-skating rink for children.
What is the Városligeti Lake Market known for?
This market is famous for its large open-air ice-skating rink, located by the city park’s lake, and surrounded by beautiful historic landmarks like Vajdahunyad Castle and Heroes’ Square.
Where should I stay to visit the Christmas markets in Budapest?
MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall hotel is centrally located, making it easy to visit all the major Christmas markets, including those at Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Where to stay in Budapest?
You can easily visit all the Christmas markets in the city when you’re staying at the MEININGER Budapest Great Market Hall in the center of Budapest!
