After being voted as the Best Christmas Market in Europe in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023; it’s safe to say a trip to Budapest’s Christmas markets should definitely be on your winter bucket list!
Not only are the Christmas markets in Budapest amazing, but they’re also a lot more affordable than some other European alternatives.
Budapest is a great place to visit, particularly for budget travellers. There is so much to see and do in the city without breaking the bank! With great nightlife, great value, and great Christmas markets – what more do you need?
Wondering what exactly are all the festive things you can do in Budapest? Here’s my guide to Budapest at Christmas time, including Christmas Markets and more:
*This blog may contain affiliate links that earn a commission to help support this free website. All opinions remain my own. Affiliate links featured in my blog posts will never affect the price you pay, except to sometimes provide you with a discount. Learn more
Budapest Christmas Markets: A Guide to Budapest at Christmas time
Elizabeth Square Christmas Market
Head to Elizabeth Square and check out their small Christmas Market. Here you’ll typically find a variety of food stalls, and handmade winter clothing such as jackets, hats, and scarves.
What I loved most about Elizabeth Square was the illuminated Ferris Wheel, which is great fun for all ages and really added something extra fun to the Christmas market there!
In terms of the number of stalls and variety of things for sale, this was my least Christmas market out of the three that I visited while in Budapest – however, it is still worth a look at!
Just don’t expect to spend ages there as it’s a lot smaller than the other main markets in Vorosmarty Square and St Stephen’s Basilica, which are only a short walk away from Elizabeth Square.
Vorosmarty Square Christmas Markets
In Vorosmarty Square you will find the main Christmas tree, as well as the Vorosmarty Square Christmas Markets! In my opinion, the Christmas Markets here are the second best in Budapest and are definitely worth exploring!
Around 100 stalls are set up around the Christmas tree along the main square, from food stalls, to Christmas decorations, to yummy sweets, and ceramic garden ornaments – there’s something for everyone here!
Pick up some Christmas presents to take back for your loved ones, or perhaps pick out a handmade Christmas decoration for your tree!
Pick up some traditional Hungarian Goulash, grab a Mulled Wine, or try a Chimney Cake!
It’s worth pointing out that getting food from the stalls in Budapest can be a lot more expensive than going for food in their local cafes and restaurants when it comes to value for money. I headed to Karavan Street Food when it came to trying some Hungarian Goulash.
Fashion Street Christmas Lights
Next door to Vorosmarty Square, you’ll find Fashion Street.
Fashion Street and a pedestrian-only street filled with upscale fashion stores, restaurants and bars.
During the festive season, you’ll find Fashion Street lit up with loads of Christmas lights dangling from above, and a large, illuminated Christmas Tree!
Many of the stores down Fashion Street also decorate their buildings, usually the Hugo Boss store does a particularly impressive display.
Make sure to walk down here once the sun as set to see the lights really pop!
St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market
St Stephen’s Basilica had to be my favourite Christmas market in Budapest, and still one of my favourites in Europe! The Christmas market, also commonly known as Advent Fest, has plenty to do for everyone!
They had the most interesting stalls selling the cutest homemade Christmas decorations, this is also the market that had the best-tasting food on offer!
Here I ended up trying something a bit different from the traditional Hungarian food I’d eaten elsewhere, and instead opted for food such as nachos, loaded fries, and mini pancakes – all of which tasted incredible, albeit more expensive than sitting in cafes, but still nowhere near as expensive as some Christmas markets I’ve been to elsewhere in Europe!
If you’re on a budget, perhaps consider skipping over the food when it comes to the Christmas markets, there’s a lot of café’s nearby – my favourite was Punto Gelato, where I had one of the best hot chocolates I have ever tasted!
There’s also a small ice rink in the centre of the market, which is mainly for children and is great to keep them occupied! Although the ice rink at Városliget is much better for older children and adults!
St Stephen’s Basilica also does a light show which is projected onto the Basilica! During Advent Fest, it happens daily, every 30 minutes, between the hours of 4:30pm and 10pm.
Although I wouldn’t come specifically for the light show, it was cool to take a break from roaming round the Christmas stands and watch the light show for a little while instead!
As far as the stalls go, the Christmas market at St Stephen’s Basilica has the best choice! I spent hours walking through these markets.
They were full of the cutest handmade Christmas decorations I’d ever seen! As well as a variety of candles and wax melts, home and garden decorations, and plenty of cute accessories – I grabbed myself hand crated felt bag for the equivalent of just £5!
The market definitely gets a lot busier towards the evening, if you’re in Budapest for a few days then I’d recommend visiting a couple of times, first look around in the morning – the markets are open, but there are less crowds, meaning its easier and a lot quicker to browse and purchase the things you want.
I’d definitely still come in the evening, just because the atmosphere is a lot better. When I last visited, I came and picked up the bits I wanted in the morning, headed out to explore Budapest during the day, and then headed back to the market in the evening where I grabbed some food from the stalls for my dinner and watched the light show!
Jump on the Winter Sunset Cruise along the Danube River
The River Danube Cruise was my favourite thing I did in Budapest! I would recommend booking for when the sun is setting so you can get the most beautiful view of the golden sky on the way down the river, followed by getting to see the Parliament building lit up as the night draws in on your way back down the river!
This was something that I timed absolutely perfectly on my trip to Budapest, during the Winter Season, the sun sets around 4pm, but it’s worth doing a quick search to find the precise time for the day you’re planning to do a river cruise.
The Danube River Cruise are really popular, and it’s particularly popular to go during sunset and dusk, for this reason, I’d recommend booking online via Get Your Guide.
There are a variety of different cruises that you can book onto, I opted for one where you got given a complimentary glass of prosecco which I thought was great value considering you get an hour long cruise and a drink!
Get Your Guide has multiple different options, depending on the type of river cruise you want to do – check them out here*:
I would recommend getting to your meeting point at least 30 minutes in advance in order to secure a good spot on the boat! These tours are popular and are typically fully booked! I arrived 40 minutes in advance yet there were still other people who had arrived before me!
If you’re here across New Years Eve, you should also consider celebrating the New Year by attending the Fireworks display by the Danube River and Parliament Building while you’re in the area!
Fancy Celebrating New Years Eve on a Danube boat cruise with unlimited drinks?
Városliget City Park and Ice Rink
Városliget City Park is a stunning park in Budapest, which is not only a beautiful place to walk around but is also where you’ll find a huge ice rink during the winter season!
This rink is much bigger than the one at St Stephen’s Basilica, despite it being fairly popular, the rink was so big that there was a lot of space for everyone to skate around!
Opposite the ice rink, you’ll find Városliget Café. This was the perfect place to stop for lunch and some mulled wine!
It offered some beautiful views of the ice rink and Városliget City Park itself. The Christmas decorations in the Café added to the festive vibes even more!
Városliget City Park is also where you’ll find the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, The Hot Air Balloon viewing point, and more – so you won’t want to miss this off your trip to Budapest!
Budapest’s District VI and VII Christmas Decorations
Another way to find some hidden gems during Christmas time at Budapest is just by letting yourself get lost exploring the side streets. I love the decorations particularly in District VI and VII!
I went in a few cafes and restaurants in these areas which are so beautifully decorated in general, but they went to town with the Christmas decorations also!
Budapest Christmas Market FAQ’s
Is the Christmas market in Budapest worth it?
Yes, visiting Budapest’s Christmas markets are definitely worth it! They are some of the best and most affordable Christmas markets in Europe, with there being plenty to see and do in Budapest on top of that, visiting Budapest during Christmas market season is a great idea!
What dates are the Budapest Christmas markets?
In 2024, Budapest Christmas Markets begin on November 15th and run until December 31st, when New Years Eve celebrations will take place.
Is Budapest nice at Christmas?
Budapest is decorated across the whole city during Christmas time, with there being three Christmas markets, as well as plenty of impressive decorations in places such as Fashion Street – Budapest is a must-see city during the Christmas season!
Which is the best Christmas Market in Budapest?
The best Christmas market in Budapest is located at St Stephen’s Basilica, followed by the Christmas market in Vorosmarty Square, and then the market in Elizabeth Square.
What is the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe?
Budapest
After their fourth win, Budapest’s Christmas markets definitely deserve the title of the best Christmas market in Europe, having been chosen in 2019, 2021, 2022 and 2023!
