Budapest’s Christmas Markets are often considered among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
Nothing can compare to the atmosphere in Budapest before Christmas. In the darkest month of the year what could be better than enjoying some mulled wine under the sparkling Christmas lights?
Budapest (map) is the capital city of Hungary. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to the exceedingly scenic setting, and its architecture it is nicknamed “Paris of the East”.
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Vörösmarty Square (Vörösmarty tér, map). The largest and longest-running Budapest Christmas Market can be found in Vörösmarty tér, where visitors can choose from over 100 stalls selling everything from handmade local crafts to mouthwatering goulash, sausages, and other tasty Hungarian specialties.
Known as the Budapesti Karácsonyi Vásár, or Budapest Christmas Fair, this is hands down one of the most important Christmas markets you must visit in Budapest!
St Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István-bazilika, map). At Szent István-bazilika, you’ll find another one of Budapest’s best Christmas markets: Adventi Ünnep a Bazilikánál, known in English as the Advent Feast of the Basilica, which took home the honor of best Christmas Market in Europe back in 2019 thanks to a public vote.
Fő Square (Fő tér, map). Lastly, if you happen to be in town during a weekend, consider checking out the Advent Óbudán, known in English as Óbduda Advent, or the Óbuda Christmas Fair.
This market is widely known as the preferred Budapest Christmas market for locals, who enjoy the cozy, less touristic atmosphere in Óbuda’s central square.
If you have come to Budapest to enjoy the Christmas markets, do not book a hotel far away from them. This might be cruel, but do not book a hotel at the Margaret Island (for example). You do not want to spend 30-60 minutes every day just getting from your hotel to the different Christmas markets in the center of Budapest.
Just half an hour from the center of Budapest you get to Szentendre (map), a picturesque little town with cobblestone streets and colorful old houses. It’s a perfect day trip from Budapest if you’d like to see something outside the big city! Their Advent Market starts usually four weeks before Christmas and lasts until the first weekend in January.
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