Christmas Markets: Budapest and Hungary

From Hungary a series of proposals to get closer to Advent, the Christmas atmosphere, festivities, and markets, enjoying typical food and breathing magic air. Let’s discover together the Hungarian traditions and the enchantment of Christmas in Budapest, one of the most fascinating destinations to live the magic of the holidays.

Lights and scents of the Budapest Christmas markets in Vörösmarty Square

Known for its vocation for relaxation and wellness, the city of Budapest enhances its offer during the holidays, creating atmospheres of great charm, for example in the historic center, where the colorful Budapest Christmas markets take place. A delightful stroll among the stalls, for example after a relaxing day spent in the numerous Budapest thermal baths, which remain open even during the Christmas period. In anticipation of Christmas, Budapest renews its allure and throughout Advent games of light illuminate squares and characteristic corners with a special warmth.

Also this year, the traditional Budapest Christmas market will enchant the entire Vörösmarty Square, surrounded by the colorful lights of the large Christmas tree and populated by characters and scenes of the nativity, while a traditional oven will prepare the typical seasonal delicacies, including for example «langos», a kind of oven-baked pizza, and the typical sweet Kürtőskalács. At the market, you can also buy original gifts, choosing from many handicraft products made strictly with natural materials, and taste the best of Hungarian Christmas gastronomy, including the famous goulash.

Also on the program are evocative live nativity scenes and reenactments of ancient Hungarian folk traditions, with performances by folk groups and folk dances. The aromas of mulled wine, freshly baked typical sweets, roasted chestnuts, and beautifully decorated fir trees blend with Christmas sounds and lights, creating a festive atmosphere, delightful also for children, who will receive a visit from a generous Santa Claus right in Vörösmarty Square.

Ancient traditions and craft fair in Òbuda: Fô Square, December 1 – January 2

Òbuda hosts its traditional Christmas market in the picturesque main square, where a live nativity scene, the reenactment of old folk traditions, craft fair, children’s programs, gastronomic tastings, and the inevitable mulled wine are also held. Throughout the month, also in Fô Square, an outdoor skating rink is freely available to enthusiasts.

Christmas at the Nagytètèny Castle: Budapest, December 6 – January 4

In December, the beautiful baroque Nagytètèny Castle (on the outskirts of Budapest), with its furniture museum – about 300 masterpieces created between the 15th and 19th centuries – hosts the Christmas market, during which concerts and programs for children are also held.

Christmas concerts and dances: Szentendre, December 4-31

Several concerts enliven, during Advent, the churches of this splendid art town on the Danube Bend, together with the live nativity scene in Rab Ràby Square, Christmas events at the Arts Mill, and, on New Year’s Eve, a public dance in Fo Square.

Advent festivities at the Royal Castle of Gödöllô: December 6-7, 13-14

Gödöllô was the favorite place of Princess Sissi also to spend Christmas holidays. Typical Christmas atmospheres now welcome visitors, especially with traditional Christmas music performed in the concert hall. In the Baroque Castle Theater, on December 13, 14, 27, and 28, Mozart’s «The Marriage of Figaro» is scheduled. Additionally, during Advent at the castle, there are craft fairs, international gatherings of groups representing the Nativity, puppet theater, participatory workshops for preparing the typical Christmas sweet. The palm greenhouse hosts workshops for making candles and Christmas decorations from natural materials, an exhibition, and an Advent crown fair. In the café, the sovereigns’ favorite cakes will be served, and it will be possible to take souvenir photos wearing period costumes recalling the Belle Époque atmosphere.

EGER – Grand outdoor toast

One of the most beautiful baroque cities in Hungary, Eger (130 km east of Budapest) offers great reasons to visit in every season, starting with its wine and its centuries-old internationally renowned cellars. In the period leading up to Christmas, several artisans set up their stalls in Dobò Square, the heart of the historic center, thus offering a great opportunity to discover this city located in a sunny valley between the Mátra and Bükk mountains, with a glorious history symbolized by the imposing castle. Noteworthy are the enologists’ festival on December 29 and 30, during which the region’s most renowned wineries present the new vintage wines for a unique wine tasting at the Eger Wine Hall.

SOPRON – Every evening a celebration with the Advent calendar

Just 70 km from Vienna and embraced by hills covered with vineyards, Sopron enjoys a temperate subalpine climate. Its historic center, never devastated in history for example by Mongols or Turks, preserves intact its medieval layout (with original Gothic and Baroque influences) characterized by a singular horseshoe shape and still partly enclosed by ancient walls. In the city’s main square, Hungarian artisans exhibit and sell their traditional products, and every evening during Advent at 7 pm the ceremony opening the windows of the typical calendar takes place, with a festive lights show and bell sounds. From Friday to Sunday, moreover, a “nostalgia train” dedicated to children takes the little ones for a ride in the town center, with numerous appointments for games and entertainment dedicated to them. In Sopron’s main square, little and big can also meet Santa Claus and admire a typical nativity scene. There is also an original presentation of ancient crafts now near extinction at the House of Crafts.

GYÔR – Appointment with traditional Hungarian craftsmanship

Also called “the city of rivers,” because here the Danube crosses two other important watercourses, Gyôr is the Roman Arabona, today renowned especially for its historic center and baroque buildings. It is in this context, especially in the city’s old center on Kàptalan Hill, that the Christmas markets are held: Christmas trees, stands for tasting mulled wine and typical local products, stalls with decorations for the Christmas tree, small wooden gifts, toys, candles, glass, Hungarian ceramics, and traditional fabrics create the colorful spectacle of Advent in Gyôr. In Szèchenyi Square, live concerts by orchestras and folk bands, along with folk dance shows, are also planned. The appointment with authentic Hungarian craftsmanship is then held yearly in Town Hall Square (Megyehàza), Szèchenyi Square, and Baross Street.

VESZPREM – The Christmas market of the “city of queens”

Also known as the “city of queens” – since the local bishop had the duty to crown the Hungarian queens – Veszprem rises on the crest of a high hill, with a splendid fortress and beautiful bourgeois houses recalling the splendid times when the city was the seat of a royal fortress. Today Veszprem’s main street (pedestrian area) comes alive during Advent with many wooden stalls where exhibitors offer characteristic decorations, gift ideas steeped in genuine artisanal tradition, gastronomic specialties, and delicious Christmas sweets. A kaleidoscope of music and colors, flavors, and scents makes the annual Christmas market event unique, animated by a truly distinctive spirit.

Budapest: see also

PÈCS – Mediterranean Christmas

The Christmas market in Pécs can boast as its environmental scenario two thousand years of history and an extraordinary artistic heritage. Events related to the Advent and Christmas period enjoy here an extraordinarily rich context: ancient Roman tombs, a large Turkish mosque, museums of great painters like Csontvary, centers producing fine ceramics (the Zsolnay manufactory), characteristic restaurants and cafés… This is Pècs, a city at the foot of the Mecsek mountains, with a singularly Mediterranean climate and atmosphere. The market offer, set up in the historic center, ranges from crafts to clothing to pastries. Gorgeous handmade wool sweaters, handcrafted wooden creations, delicious sweets, and fine local wines are some of the original gift ideas made in Pécs and offered by stalls set up on the occasion in the city designated “European Capital of Culture 2010”.

SZEGED – Christmas delicacies in the city of paprika

Christmas literally shines with special light in the historic center of Szeged, a city at the confluence of the Tisza and Maros rivers, where the sun shines most of the year (so much so that all over Hungary Szeged is known as the “city of the sun”) and where a lively intellectual atmosphere and prestigious schools have generated important Hungarian writers and scientists. Worldwide famous products originate in Szeged, starting with the unique Pick salami and paprika, indispensable in Hungarian traditional dishes and abundant in the local fisherman’s soup. During the Christmas period, typical atmospheres vibrate in the evocative Cathedral Square, where the inviting scent of mulled wine spreads and local crafts, gastronomic delights, roasted chestnuts, toasted hazelnuts, and almonds stand out. Daily appointments are also planned for children in the puppet theater, set up for the occasion. Throughout Advent, an interesting antiques market also complements the traditional stalls on Saturdays and Sundays. On December 24, on Lungotibisc, a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, the fish soup fair takes place, a typical local dish.

KÔSZEG – Christmas atmospheres and artistic suggestions

The city of Kôszeg boasts in Jurisics Square one of the most beautiful sites in Hungary, with ancient houses now elevated to the status of protected monuments. In this splendid setting the Christmas market and live nativity scene are set up, and there is also a craft fair. Of great interest during the Christmas period is a visit to the city’s historic sites: for example, in the Tàbornok-haz house, an original late Renaissance dwelling, exhibitions recalling the activities of city guilds with ancient crafts such as clockmaker, butcher, comb maker, blacksmith, weaver, etc., are set up. The “Golden Unicorn Pharmacy” Museum also houses the town hall for 500 years, in a peculiar building with a great variety of architectural styles.

Concert of the 100 Gypsy Orchestra – Budapest, Congress Center, December 30

The famous Gypsy Orchestra, composed of 100 musicians, will perform folk and classical music. During the evening, renowned Hungarian wines and typical dishes of Hungarian cuisine, including the famous spicy sausages, can also be tasted.

Grand Ball at the Opera House – Budapest, December 31

The New Year’s Eve ball organized at the Budapest Opera House, one of the most beautiful theaters in Europe, has a tradition spanning decades. The event invites and expects everyone who wishes to spend New Year’s Eve in a refined environment, with a high-level musical program, enjoying delicacies of Hungarian cuisine between dances.

New Year’s Eve with music: Budapest, December 30-31

Music in the square in the capital from December 30 to 31 waiting for the new year. In Vörösmarty, Oktogon, and Nyugati squares there is an extraordinary musical fantasy comprising all genres, from rock to jazz, Latin American to ballroom, disco music to gypsy music, to dance all night waiting for 2009. Fireworks will welcome the new year.

For those visiting Budapest in December, besides the Christmas markets, a visit to the majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica, splendidly illuminated for the holidays, or a ride on the panoramic wheel Budapest Eye to admire the city from above cannot be missed. A romantic Danube cruise is the perfect way to end a day exploring the markets and Christmas attractions of the city. Don’t forget to taste the traditional Hungarian Christmas sweet and exchange wishes with a warm “Boldog karácsonyt!”, meaning “Merry Christmas in Hungarian“.

The Budapest Christmas markets are part of the larger Advent & Winter Festival, which transforms the city into a true Christmas village. Whether you are interested in Hungarian traditions, local gastronomy, or simply wish to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, Budapest during the Christmas period offers an unforgettable experience for all visitors.