The Top Christmas Markets in Budapest

Just as it straddles the legendary Danube River, Budapest is a city that straddles the old and modern. With its captivating history and extravagant architecture, Budapest is considered among the most beautiful European capitals. And the Hungarian capital, much of which has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status, is even more beautiful during the holiday season.

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The Budapest Christmas markets, which began in 1998, have become increasingly popular, even ranking as one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe on Instagram in 2018.

Further evidence of its popularity is that one of Budapest’s main Christmas markets opens 2 weeks earlier this year than it has previously and the markets are expected to welcome nearly 1 million people during its 2-month run.

Vöroösmarty Square Christmas Market

Budapest’s oldest and largest Christmas market takes place on this square. In the center of the square is the huge Christmas tree surrounded by more than 100 wooden chalets with traditional Hungarian handicrafts, jewelry, holiday ornaments, and more.

Highlights of this Christmas market include nightly live music acts, a light show shown on the walls of the famous Gerbeaud Café, and every Sunday during Advent a candle is lit on the giant wreath that sits in the square.

Vöroösmarty Square Christmas Market is open from November 17 – December 28, 2023.

Christmas Market of the Basilica of St. Stephen 

While Vöroösmarty Square Christmas market is large and loud, the St. Stephen’s Christmas market is smaller, (slightly) more sedate, and with the large Christmas tree in front of the basilica, more picturesque.

There are fewer chalets in St. Stephen’s Square, but traditional Hungarian handicrafts are also available here. The small ice skating rink for children is a much-loved feature of the market, as is a 3D light show projected hourly on the façade of the basilica.

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Christmas Market of the Basilica of St. Stephen is open November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024. 

Óbuda Christmas Market

Óbuda, the oldest part of Budapest, is the 3^rd district, which, along with Buda and Pest, comprises the Hungarian capital. The Obuda Christmas market, which is about 30 minutes to reach via public transportation from downtown Budapest, is slightly off the beaten path, and mostly frequented by locals.

Situated around the historical Fo Square, the Obuda market is extremely charming. There are a handful of huts around the square selling traditional items and food – LOTS of food. In fact, I’d say the food huts outnumbered the others by 2:1. There’s also an ice-skating rink and a small petting zoo.

The Christmas tree at the Óbuda market is very special. The tree is made of wood by Hello Wood, which is then donated to charity for families who need the wood for heating.

Óbuda Christmas Market is open December 1 – December 24, 2023.

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Városháza Park

The Városháza Park Christmas market can be described in one word: cozy. Located about a block away from Vöroösmarty Market, the Városháza Park market, surrounded by tall trees with twinkling lights, is very family-friendly and offers workshops and performances for both children and adults.

A highlight of this market is a glasshouse in the center that features many cultural and musical events.

Városháza Park Christmas Market is open November 23 – December 27, 2023.

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Christmas Trams 

Obviously, not a Christmas market but something that will add to your holiday cheer is the Christmas trams. If you can’t have a one-horse open sleigh, then why not go for a Christmas tram decked out with 40,000 LED lights. The Christmas trams run from 5 pm to 9 pm every evening from December 1 – January 7, and standard tram tickets can be used for the fare (children 6 and under are free). While trams along several routes are decorated, Tram #2, which goes along the Danube Promenade, is the most scenic route.

Market Specialties

The Budapest Christmas markets have a large selection of Hungarian handicrafts such as wooden tools and toys and pottery. Indulge! The products are of high quality and the prices are unbeatable. Another thing to indulge in while at the Budapest markets is the food!! The Hungarian culinary specialties include Kolbasz and Pecsenye (grilled sausages and meat), töltött káposzta, which is stuffed cabbage with sausage and paprika served with fresh cream and vegetables. Hungary’s legendary street food, Lángos, has to be my favorite savory dish. The deep-fried flatbread is topped with sour cream and grated cheese and followed by anything else, such as meat, onions, cabbage…whatever your tastebuds desire.

On the sweet side, there’s Bejgli, the typical Hungarian Christmas dessert filled with poppy seeds or raisins and walnuts, Rétes (Hungarian strudel), ginger cookies and roasted chestnuts.

Budapest is cold in December, so a nice, warm drink is appreciated.

The Christmas market staple, mulled wine, is available, and at the Budapest markets it’s made with Hungary’s brandy and national drink, Pálinka, and combined with fruit juice, honey, lemon, and spices.

It definitely keeps you warm.

How To Get There

Budapest is easily accessible since it’s home to the country’s largest airport and several railway stations. Most international carriers fly into Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport, formerly known and still often referred to as Ferihegy, which is located 15 miles (25 kilometers) from the city center. A shuttle bus goes from the airport to the city center and takes about 35 minutes at a cost of 900 HUF (approximately 3 EUR or 3 USD).

There are also three international train stations in Budapest: Nyugati (Western) and Keleti (Eastern) Stations are on the Pest side, and Déli (Southern) Train Station is on the Buda side.

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Updated November 2023