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The first Sunday of Advent arrives, and with it, the streets of Budapest are filled with the Christmas spirit that will accompany us until the end of the year.

This year, the Christmas markets begin on November 15, 2024, marking the official start of the holiday season in the city.

Christmas markets, along with ice skating rinks, are among the biggest tourist attractions in December in Budapest. Below, we’ll explain where they are and how to enjoy them if you visit us during these weeks.

The Most Iconic Christmas Markets in Budapest

The Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square

From November 15, you can enjoy the beautiful Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square. Here, you can find craft stalls and decorative items to buy your Budapest souvenirs or some Christmas gifts, open until December 29, and until January 1, Hungarian and international food stalls where you can try delicious local dishes and drinks. Prices are slightly higher than usual, but the charming Christmas atmosphere makes it worthwhile.

You can find more information about the schedules, activities, and details of the market on its official website.

Vörösmarty Square is located in the city center, on the Pest side, just a few minutes’ walk from Deák Ferenc Square and the Chain Bridge. It’s also accessible via metro line 1, the oldest in the city, but be careful! Don’t confuse it with Vörösmarty Street, another stop on metro line 1. If you’re using a mobile device for navigation, remember that the market is at Vörösmarty Square (in Hungarian, Vörösmarty tér), the last stop on metro line 1, in district V, while Vörösmarty Street is in district VI and crosses Andrássy Avenue.

The Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Basilica

At the foot of St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika in Hungarian), from November 22 to January 1, you’ll find another of the city’s most iconic Christmas markets. In this market, slightly smaller than Vörösmarty’s, crafts dominate, but you can also enjoy food and drink stalls where you can try mulled wine or kürtőskalács, one of Central Europe’s most typical and delicious desserts.

The Basilica market has an added attraction: every day, every half hour, between 4:30 PM and 10:00 PM, a light show is projected onto the Basilica’s facade, displaying Christmas images and beautiful decorative lights.

You can find more information about the schedules and the light show on the official website of the St. Stephen’s Basilica market.

The Basilica Square is a 10-minute walk from Vörösmarty Square, so in one afternoon, you can enjoy both markets and a short stroll through the center of our beautiful city.

Other Markets in Buda and Pest

Budapest has many other Christmas markets, generally with small food stalls and Christmas decorative items, catering both to tourists in the more central areas and to the residents of the Hungarian capital, who enjoy the chilly end of autumn with a good glass of mulled wine. If you want to avoid the more crowded places, we recommend visiting some of these markets, not as large but equally cozy, both in Buda and Pest.

Christmas in Buda

Christmas Market at Buda Castle

If you’re looking for a charming Christmas market with a more tranquil atmosphere, the Christmas market at Buda Castle is the ideal place. This market is held in the picturesque Trinity Square (Szentháromság tér), right in front of Matthias Church, and offers an incredible panoramic view of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city. Here, you can find high-quality handicrafts, traditional Hungarian foods, and various cultural programs, including folk music and dance performances.

The Buda Castle market usually opens in early December and runs until the end of the month. For exact dates and program details, it’s advisable to check the official tourism websites or local event listings closer to your visit.

Christmas in Pest

Christmas Market at Erzsébet Square

Erzsébet Square, located near Deák Ferenc Square, hosts a smaller but lively Christmas market. This market is popular among locals and offers a variety of food stalls, handicrafts, and a friendly atmosphere. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a glass of mulled wine and immerse yourself in the local holiday spirit.

Christmas Market at Városháza Park

Városháza Park, near the city center, transforms into a festive space during the Christmas season. The market here features a selection of craft stalls, delicious Hungarian treats, and often hosts free concerts and children’s activities. It’s a family-friendly destination that captures the essence of Budapest’s holiday celebrations.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on dates, opening hours, and events for these markets, it’s recommended to consult Budapest’s official tourism website