I’ve written before about Christmas Markets in Europe but this year Alex reminded me that there’s a Christmas Market in Budapest, as well. Which obviously means that my mind jumped to this reaction: “I.Must.Visit”.

This year (2011) the Christmas Market in Budapest opens on November 18 (that’s next Friday, by the way) and closes on December 30, 2011. It takes 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).

Christmas Markets in Budapest Across the years

(updated yearly)

Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2011

In case you want to spend the November 19-20, 2011 weekend in Budapest, expect to pay from EUR 67.32 for 2 nights in a double room in a hostel.

As for us, we’ll be in Budapest over the December 17-18, 2011 weekend and pay 21 euros per night in a double private room (bathroom shared) at Dominik Panzio.

Please see Vörösmarty tér marked on the interactive map:

Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2012

In 2012, the Christmas Market takes place in the same square between November 18 and December 30. It is closed on Dec 25 and Dec 26, and has a shorter opening time (10 am to 2 pm) on Dec 24.

In case you want to spend the Dec 15-16 weekend in Budapest, expect to pay from 40 euros/night in a double room in a hostel (at Dominik Panzio where we stayed last year , the double room costs 20 euros/night (unless you travel during New Year’s Eve).

As for us, we’ll be in Budapest between Dec 29 and Jan 2, staying at Dominik Panzio and paying 37 euros/night in a triple room.

Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2013

The Christmas Market in Vorosmorty Ter just opened couple of days ago (November 27th).

As for us, we’ll be in Vienna between Dec 2 and Dec 6 and hope to pass by the Budapest market,too, as we have a 7 hours layover in Budapest (we chose that).

Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2014

The Christmas Market in Vorosmorty Ter is open between Nov 28 , 2014 and Jan 1, 2015.

Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2016

The market in Vorosmorty Ter is open between Nov 11, 2016 and Jan 6 2017

Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2017

The market in Vorosmorty Ter is open between Nov 10, 2017 and Dec 31, 2017.

Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2020

The Advent Feast at the Basillica is open from Nov 20, 2020 to Jan 1, 2021.

The Christmas Fair and Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Square is open from Nov 6, 2020 to Jan 1, 2021 has unfortunately been canceled this year (source).

Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2022

The following Christmas markets will be open in 2022 in Budapest:

Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square: Nov 4 – Dec 31, 2022
Christmas Fair at St. Stephen’s Basilica: Nov 18, 2022 – Jan 1, 2023
Várkert Bazaar (Castle Garden), Buda : Sundays, in December
Christmas Fair In Gozsdu Court : Dec 6- 24, 2022
Advent In Óbuda, Main Square (Fő tér): Nov 27 – Dec 23, 2022

There are more markets announced but that haven’t yet published the exact opening dates.

Christmas Markets in Budapest in 2023

The following Christmas markets will be open in 2023 in Budapest:

Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square: Nov 17 – Dec 31, 2023
Christmas Fair at St. Stephen’s Basilica: Nov 17, 2023 – Jan 1, 2024
Várkert Bazaar (Castle Garden), Buda : Sundays, in December
Christmas Fair In Gozsdu Court: Dec 6 24, 2023
Christmas Fair At The Allee Shopping Centre: Nov 20 – Dec 24, 2023
Advent In Óbuda, Main Square (Fő tér): Dec 1 – 23, 2023

Note:
In times of uncertainty, flexibility matters. Be sure to book an option with free cancelation and don’t forget to also buy travel insurance.
The article was first published on Nov 11, 2011, last updated on Nov 5, 2023