Budapest Christmas Markets 2024-2025 in Hungary

Hungary loves transformations—grandiose, colorful, and flavored. Every holiday or festival causes streets and squares to change their appearance. Though no other occasion but Christmas transforms the whole of Budapest. A cup of mulled wine and a delicious Christmas doughnut topped with apricot will keep you warm and cheerful, and afternoon concerts will keep you entertained even on weekdays.

Budapest Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square (November 15–December 31, 2024)

Starting from the last days of November, several festive markets open their stands for visitors. The biggest one is the Budapest Christmas Market on Vörösmarty Square (Vörösmarty tér). It is impossible to miss the aromas of traditional Hungarian food while shopping at Crafts Market stalls. The market is situated in the heart of Budapest and offers numerous wooden stalls selling locally-produced food, crafts, and decor. The grounds are normally open from 11 am until 9 pm from Monday through Thursday, from 11 am until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 am until 9 pm on Sunday. On Christmas' Eve, the market usually operates from 10 am until 2 pm, while on December 25-26, it's open from midday until 6 pm.

Festive Lights at Cafe Gerbeaud (December, 2024)

Besides, each day between December 1st and the 23rd a tiny miracle happens right next to the Vörösmarty Christmas Market. The facade of the Cafe Gerbeaud building transforms into a huge Advent calendar—a well-known favorite among European kids. Windows of the building are opened one​ by one, symbolizing the number of days left until Christmas, accompanied by music and light shows.

Advent Feast at the Basilica (late November, 2024–early January, 2025)

Once you grab a mug of mulled wine on Vörösmarty Square, you can walk over to the Christmas market in front of the Basilica on St Stephen’s Square (Szt. István tér). Here, you will also find lots of adorable handmade gifts and see how the Hungarians keep the old trades and traditions alive. The market has been awarded the title of Europe’s Best Christmas Market three times in a row, and for a good reason. Besides nearly a hundred vendors, the grounds will feature an ice skating rink, workshops, and light displays. The cherry on top of the festivities is the candle-lighting ceremony in front of the Basilica.

Hours

The market is usually open from 11 am until 10 pm from Monday through Thursday, from 11 am until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 am until 10 pm on Sundays. On December 24th, the grounds are open only until 3 pm, but on New Year's Eve, you can enjoy the fun until 3 am.

Advent Óbudán or Óbuda Christmas Fair (November–December 1–23, 2024)

Lastly, those who'd love to skip crowds may want to join locals' favorite Óbuda Advent. This Christmas market takes place in Fő Square (Fő tér), Óbuda's central square, which sits 13 miles (21 km) north of the capital. Besides a less touristic atmosphere, the fair offers a skating rink, live performances, and a craft market. Children might also enjoy visiting Santa House, where they can talk about their wishes with the Christmas character.

Santa House is also transformed into a Christmas house, which hosts educational workshops and masterclasses. The fair is normally open from 1 pm to 9 pm from Monday through Thursday, from 1 pm to 10 pm on Friday, and from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Varázsliget Christmas Fair in Városliget (early December, 2024–early January, 2025)

For almost an entire month, Budapest's City Park transforms into a winter wonderland, filled to the brim with festive attractions and merriment. From traditional craft market with hot cocoa and holiday souvenirs to a Christmas railroad, the annual Christmas Fair in the park has a lot to offer. The Magic Orb invites families to immerse themselves in a magical story of the Magic Grove and create drawings and crafts. Other attractions include Magic Railway, carousel, a ferris wheel, and much more.

Hours & Admission

The fair generally runs from 11 am until 7 pm from Monday through Thursday and from 10 am until 7 pm from Friday through Sunday. On December 24th, the fair is usually open from 10 am until 2 pm, while on December 25-26th, it's open until 7 pm. The fair is free but some activities are subject to a fee.