Christmas Markets in Budapest

Christmas Market in Budapest, Hungary

As soon as Lent starts (on November 15), European cities dress up for the winter Holidays. And that usually means, Christmas Markets are opening.

And while I’ve written before about Christmas Markets in Europe, there’s one city we’ve been in love with and which is also home to glorious festive markets: Budapest.

So, in this article, I’m talking about our experiences through the years exploring these gems, as well as about what to expect this year (2024).

First visit: Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2011

After I learned that the Christmas Markets in Budapest are lesser-known but just as charming as say, the ones in Vienna, we made arrangements to visit in 2011.

The Christmas Market in Budapest opened on November 18 and closed on December 30, 2011. It took place at Vörösmarty tér (square), in the heart of the city. Similar markets take place at Liszt Ferenc tér and Nyugati tér.

The second you get close, the smell of mulled wine, honey cookies and cinnamon fills your nose. You’ll be hooked! If you want to bring goodies home, make sure to pick up some art products or Christmas decorations (which are all hand made!).

Of course, the Christmas Market is the best excuse to taste the Hungarian traditional food and cakes. As for lángos, I tried it in Budapest this summer and I can surely say: “Triple bypass” (hint: Anthony Bourdain).

We visited Budapest over the December 17-18, 2011 weekend and paid 21 euros per night in a double private room (bathroom shared) at Dominik Panzio.

Prefer to let others plan your visit? Check out these recommendations for great experiences at Christmas Markets in Budapest:

Other trips to Christmas Markets in Budapest

While I’m not the biggest fan of cold winter, I am born in December so… visiting Christmas Markets for my birthday is quite a normal… choice.

We’ve return to Budapest in December 2014, 2019, and 2023.

Up until before the pandemic, the festive markets in Budapest were both less-crowded and cheaper than any other market I’ve been at (including Vienna, where we visited in 2013). But, surprise, surprise, in 2023, we encountered prices that were through the roof.

A simple langos was 2200 huh (now 5.65 usd). So we really didn’t buy much… a vegan kurtoskalacs (chimney cake) from the market in the Buda Castle, the guys got some drinks, and the langos I mentioned form the market at St. Istvan Basilica.

Surely, visiting the Christmas Markets in Budapest is about the festive atmosphere. And they don’t lack it. It’s incredibly busy during weekends in December though. So, if possible, plan your trip during the week days.

And , what do you know, we’ll check the markets out in 2024, too. We’ll be in Budapest for the Christmas Tango Ball and will have half a Sunday to browse the Market at Vorosmarty Ter, Vaci Utca, and St. Istvan Basilica.

>>Also read about: Charming European Christmas Markets to Add to Your Bucket List