Budapest is a capital of four seasons, which has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers in Europe in 2019. Budapest delivers a scene reminiscent of a classic Christmas movie by offering a cozy winter atmosphere with romantic architectural sights. The capital’s winter festivals, the Advent and Christmas Fairs, are dedicated to showcasing the unparalleled cultural treasures, unique traditions and exemplifying the famous Hungarian hospitality.
Where to find Christmas Markets in Budapest
Winter is the most exciting, most enchanting of the seasons and we all look forward to it. I feel lucky living in a country where four seasons exist, because every season has its own beauty. When I was a child the sparkling white snow made even the dullest and plainest neighborhood in Budapest more spectacular and more beautiful. Despite the unseasonably warm weather expected this winter here, a trip to Budapest to discover all the Christmas markets is still a good idea. 🙂
What makes many of the Christmas markets really enticing and outstanding in Budapest beside their mulled wine, strudel and traditional Hungarian dishes, is that there is a real focus on trying to preserve authentic Hungarian folk art, traditions and offer really good quality handcrafts rather than commercialized kitchy Christmas gifts. Here I listed the most popular Christmas markets in downtown of Budapest which are in a walking distance from each other.
Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Tér
November 8, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival at Vörösmarty tér is one of the most popular in central Europe as well as one of the oldest in Hungary. Famous for its traditional Hungarian foods, including lángos, chimney cake and local sausages, and folk artisans and craftsmen sell their handmade goods created from natural and organic materials. Have fun by meeting, mingling, chatting and listening to the nice Christmas concerts on the stage of the market.
Christmas Fair and Advent Feast at St. Stephen’s Basilica
November 22, 2019 – January 1, 2020
Another popular, and my personal favorite, Christmas Fair and Advent Feast sits in front of the spectacular building of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The city’s best food trucks and street food vendors offer Hungarian culinary delights like lángos, chimney cake, roasted sausages, roasted chestnut or the famous goulash soup. There is a small ice rink in front of the Basilica which is part of the Christmas market in that square.
Fashion Street
Deák Ferenc utca aka Fashion Street is a gentrified pedestrian lane connecting Deák tér and Vörösmarty square. It serves as the headquarters of top world brands with their luxury boutiques. So it is a must visit destination for all the fashionistas and shopaholics of the world. In the holiday season Christmas gifts and savor seasonal gastro treats such as chimney cake and mulled wine are available under sensational light displays in the most fashionable street in Budapest.
Cultural Festival and Fair at Városháza Park
November 22 – December 27, 2019
This Christmas market, located only a few steps away from the central transport hub of Deák Ferenc tér, brings tasty wintertime treats, live shows and workshops staged in a heated chalet. If you are interested in discovering Hungarian folklore and traditions you should definitely come here. Adorning the square is a giant advent wreath, and the city’s tallest Christmas tree is also put up here every year.
Gozsdu Court Christmas Fair
December 6-24, 2019
Gozsdu Courtyard is a unique part of the Jewish district. It is a passage complex of bars, cafes and restaurants that connects Dob utca 16. and Király utca 13. in the middle of the party hub in the 7th district, a district that never sleeps. During the holiday season Gozsdu Courtyard is laying on its very own Christmas market with a younger, trendier generation of designers showing their craft and collections of clothing, accessories and gifts of all sorts. While browsing here, warm your hands with mulled wine. 🙂
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