One of the greatest charms of the city of Budapest is its street life. Its terraces, places to enjoy its fantastic gastronomy and its great variety of drinks, with wine, Pálinka and Unicum being the kings.

When autumn arrives, the city dresses up to celebrate Christmas like few others in Europe.

The heart of Christmas in Budapest lies in the charm of its markets, where tourists and locals alike gather to share experiences, laugh, buy souvenirs and taste a little piece of Christmas in the form of a cake or a hot drink.

Christmas Markets in Budapest

Vorosmarty square Christmas market

The most important Christmas market in Budapest is none other than the one held in Vorosmarty Square. Although its importance does not stop there, it is one of the most renowned in the whole country.

This large square is on the Pest side of the city, and is a meeting point for locals and tourists alike. Surrounding it are some of the most glamorous and well-known shops and cafés in Budapest.

The market will run from 17 November to 31 December. As is the case year after year, all stalls will be open from 10 am until 10 pm.

Here you will find the most characteristic of Christmas; from local handicrafts to Christmas decorations, as well as the most typical food and drink in Budapest.

Typical dishes such as lángos, the most classic of Hungarian light dishes. Light if you decide to share, because if you want to eat the whole fried flatbread with different toppings, then you won’t have room for dessert.

And that’s a pity, because Hungarian desserts are delicious, and even more so if we’re talking about those typical of the Christmas season. Besides the famous Chimney cake, don’t forget the flódni, a cake made with apples, walnuts and plum jam, and strudel.

Erzsébet square Christmas market

We are going to stay in the area to visit another Christmas market. This one is much smaller and more intimate, although that doesn’t detract from its charm.

Among its stalls you’ll be able to buy Christmas decorations, postcards, clothes and handmade crafts and, of course, food. You’ll also find the sweetest treats for the festive season, from Chimney cake, called kürtős kalács, to pancakes and doughnuts. And if you’ve never tried mulled wine before, this is the place for you.

St Stephen’s basilica Christmas market

Welcome to what has repeatedly been called the best European Christmas market. With its atmosphere and spectacular decorations, this is one of the favourites of the great fans of the Christmas spirit.

The location is stunning, almost unbeatable. Right in front of the spectacular St. Stephen’s Basilica, in the historic centre of Budapest, so after strolling among the stalls, you can discover the main monuments of the centre of Budapest.

From mid-November you will be able to enjoy this beautiful Christmas market, with opening hours from 10am to 8pm. And although you have many days to enjoy it, a visit on the first day, when the lighting is inaugurated, is a must.

But that’s not all: in addition to the charm of the stalls and the lighting, which is spectacular at night with many surprises, there is also a small skating rink for children and a wide variety of Christmas food on offer.

As well as the well-known Lángos, Chimney cake, goulash, stuffed cabbage, pulled pork and roasted sausages, we have to add the traditional lentils on the 1st of January, Fishermen’s Soup, a spicy paprika-based fish soup called Halászlé and the Sekler cake.

And remember to buy a Christmas souvenir, whether it’s a toy or a handmade decoration.

Advent Óbudán or Óbuda Christmas Fair

We go to the most secluded area of the historic city centre of Budapest, the Óbuda area. It is one of the three areas that make up Budapest; Óbuda, Buda and Pest.

Stop by Fő Square, Fő tér, between November and December to discover this market full of locals. If you want to take home a souvenir from here, in addition to the Christmas decorations, we recommend the handmade toys, Christmas objects or something to eat such as gingerbread biscuits, chocolate or marzipan.

And for something to eat here, don’t hesitate to order Fried Sausage, Töltött Káposzta, which is stuffed cabbage and almás rétes as a dessert, which is an apple Strudel. And don’t forget to order forralt bor, that’s the typical mulled wine.

Accommodation in Budapest on Christmas

After a typical Christmas day full of sightseeing, shopping and tasting a lot of food, you need to rest in one of the best locations in the whole city of Budapest.

Leo Boutique Rooms – Adults Only is the best hostel in Budapest with an unbeatable location and assuring you a homely, quiet, beautiful and high quality place to stay.