Christmas in Budapest

WHEN: Budapest, Hungary
WHERE: from 18 November 2022 to 01 January 2023

The Magyar Capital is nothing short of enchanting, and, from November, shows the best side of itself, as few cities in the world can do. Christmas in Budapest is a must for all those who are looking for magic and suggestion, which only Christmas is able to give. The atmosphere of this period makes the city even more fascinating, with its elegant buildings, squares and historic neighborhoods. Really a show!

Thanks to an ancient tradition that dates back to thousands of years ago, you can attend unique open-air shows with truly unique and wonderful lights and colors. In the days preceding Advent, large trees decorated with lots of lights are placed in the squares. You can walk along the suggestive Szechenyi Lanchid, bridge built in 1849, with the purpose of joining the Buda area and that of Pest; here, you will find fantastic illuminations!

Everything, it’s magic. Events, shows, stands, decorations, spectacular scenery, immense trees, ice rinks, and really fantastic views of the whole city. Those who decide to visit the Christmas markets in Budapest will not be disappointed.

Also not to be missed is the main celebration of the Szent-este, which is concentrated during Christmas Eve, the December 24. The most demanding ones can delight in listening to the beautiful and evocative Christmas Concert at the neo-Baroque palace of Duna Palota. Performs the Danube Chamber Orchestra.

THE PLACES NOT TO BE MISSED

VÖRÖSMARTY SQUARE

It is one of the most important and renowned Christmas markets in Budapest. In this suggestive square, in front of the renowned Caffè Gerbeaud, you can walk among the 122 wooden stalls where you can find not only the classic Christmas decorations, but also local handicrafts, ceramic, glass and wrought iron. Very interesting the many varieties of local fabrics, here very popular.

All stalls are carefully selected and selected by a jury of experts of the popular tradition. To offer visitors excellent service and quality!

Of course, there is no shortage of local gastronomic specialties and traditional Magyar, and Street Food, like the Langos. The sweet tooth will be delighted with the Toni Pompos, a focaccia cooked in an outdoor clay oven. You can try it with onion and bacon, or with goose fat. And, again, bread with cabbage, the inevitable grilled sausages, pork and all sorts of sweet, including the Trdelnik, covered with powdered sugar, cinnamon or dried coconut.

Throughout the square the aroma and the scent of biscuits, honey and cinnamon spread. It’s all really unique and fantastic.

Do not forget to take home one of the three official cups of the Budapest Christmas markets. Each, with a different design, costs 600UHF.

Hungarian punch should also be tried; in addition, you will have the opportunity to take the container cups of the Christmas market, with different designs every year.

In Vörösmarty there are also activities and shows for all ages. It ranges from folk, jazz, blues, crossovers, to world music concerts and dance shows.

There will also be many workshops and workshops. The little ones can have fun watching the puppet shows and all the activities dedicated to them. Even the youngest, will not be lost, the visit of Mikulas, bearded old man who gave rise to the myth of Santa Klaus. You will find in the house set up in the square.

The Vörösmarty Christmas market in Budapest is open from 11 November 2022 to 01 January 2023, from Monday to Thursday, from 10:00 to 20:00. From Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 21:00. The food and drink stalls close one hour after the times indicated above. The 25 and 26 December, opened from 10 to 18.

Photo, 2009 PDTillman

CHRISTMAS IN BUDAPEST: SZENT ISTVÁN BAZILIKA

A beautiful Christmas tree, all lit and decorated. An immense ice rink on which to skate. The inevitable Christmas markets in Budapest. This awaits you in one of the most visited places in the city, in the West area.

The market is developed in front of the splendid Basilica of Santo Stefano. Among the various stands, you can taste local delicacies and drink the ever-present punch. You will also be able to buy lots of souvenirs and gifts. Do not miss the grand opening on November 22nd 2019. Throughout the period, every Friday and Saturday, the Goncol Folk Dance Ensemble will animate the area with shows, shows, dances and lots of improvisation.

Open from 18 November 2022 to 01 January 2023 from Monday to Thursday, from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm; from Friday to Sunday, from 10:00 to 22:00. December 24, closes at 14:00.

The skating rink is, without doubt, one of the unmissable events. Fun guaranteed in the 200 square meters of runway. For children aged 4 to 14, you can take part in FREE lessons from Friday to Sunday!

DEÁK FERENC UTCA

This is the fashionable district of Budapest, as well as the most commercial area of the city, many referred to as the Capital Fashion Street.

You will find, among other things, the windows of the most fashionable and fashionable places in Budapest, all decorated and illuminated. Among the various stands you can taste the most succulent dishes of the Magyar tradition: the Kürtös Kalacs and the renowned products of mangalica, an exquisite Hungarian pork. Of course, there will be plenty of souvenirs to buy.

Christmas in Budapest is even more magical on a tram . During the Advent season, the runs on the line 2 become very suggestive thanks to the splendid decorations that illuminate the vehicle. There is no extra charge. You can travel on trams 2, 19 or 47, illuminated by over 39000 led lights!