Budapest Christmas Markets 2024

Budapest Christmas Markets 2024

Budapest is home to several Christmas markets, which open around mid November and close at the end of December (December 31) each year.

• Stay close to the main Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square with over 80 hotels nearby.  The Noble Boutique Hotel – Adults Only has a hip design with lots of personality, great staff and is 600m from the market.

A Traditional Market Experience

Budapest Christmas markets focus on preserving authentic Hungarian folk art and traditions offering  quality handcrafts made with passion and love, rather than commercialized kitschy Christmas gifts.

• Christmas fairs in Budapest offer visitors one of the most authentic market experiences in Europe.
• Shop for traditional handmade gifts, drink mulled wine, nibble Hungarian pastries such as the famous chimney shaped cylindrical ‘Kurtos kalacs’, eat delicious street foods (sausages, snacks, roast chestnuts), and experience charming pop-up concerts and choirs.

Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square

• Sunday November 17th – Tuesday December 31st 2024  –  The most beautiful, oldest and internationally acclaimed Budapest Christmas fair is the Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square in the heart of the city (since 1998).
• The market is famous for its authentic craft stalls and food vendors. Craft items range from the traditional to the contemporary, great for finding unique gifts for the person who has everything. Vorosmarty Square also hosts several free concerts each day with festive tunes by local Hungarian bands.
• Opening Times: Monday-Thursday: 11:00 to 21:00, Friday-Saturday: 11:00 to 22:00. December 24th: 10:00 to 15:00, 25th and 26th December: 10:00 to 18:00.
• Check out the top hotels closest to the main Christmas market.

Advent Bazilika – The Advent Fair by St Stephen’s Basilica

• Sunday November 17th 2024 – Wednesday January 1st 2025 – Although smaller than the market on Vorosmarty Square, the Advent fair is one of our favourites with the beautiful St Stephen’s Basilica providing the perfect backdrop to festivities. The market comes complete with an ice skating rink and a beautiful christmas tree.
• The video mapping show on the facade of St Stephens is a must-see! They even have a 3d version, just don’t forget to purchase your 3D specs from any of the vendors beforehand. Make sure you try the mulled wine at the Divino wine stand, its great quality and worth the queue.
• After visiting the market, head to Deák Ferenc Street, also known as ‘Fashion Street’ for some great shopping and an impressive 500 m long display of Christmas lights.
• Opening Times: Monday-Thursday: 11h00-21h00. Friday-Saturday: 11:00 to 23:00. Sunday: 11:00 to 21:00. December 24th: 11:00 to 15:00. 25th and 26th: 11h00-20h00. December 31st: 11h00-22h00 (till 03h00 for food/drinks stands)
• There are some excellent hotels close to the Basilica, The Aria Hotel is a stunning 5 star with amazing facilities and a epic rooftop bar, worth a visit even if you don’t plan on staying overnight. The hotel is 100m from the markets.
• Meanwhile, The Roombach Hotel is a charming 3 star with a funky design, great breakfast options and just 500m from the market. It has great rates and private parking.

Óbuda Christmas Markets

• Awaiting dates – Óbuda is one of the most popular markets with local residents. Old Buda is in found in the north of the Buda side and comes complete with a charming old town with a chocolate box style beautiful town hall.
• The Óbuda Christmas market starts four weeks before Christmas and ends on the 23rd of December.

Take the Budapest Christmas Market Tour with Basilica Entry & Mulled Wine.

• Get into the holiday spirit with this 2.5-hour walking tour of Budapest Christmas markets. Follow a guide through the city streets to see Andrássy Avenue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian State Opera House.
• Afterward, head to the Christmas markets to peruse handmade mementos and Hungarian delicacies. You’ll be treated to a cup of mulled wine at the end of your tour.

Other Activities

• Enjoy a great cruise on the river Danube at Christmas. Budapest winter sights are even more beautiful during night boat tours.
• The Budapest Nutcracker Ballet is the regular winter show in the Hungarian State Opera House, also the home of the National Ballet Institute. Enjoy Christmas with an enchanting tale.
• The Varosligeti Ice Rink in Budapest City Park is a must for winter sports lovers in Budapest. Rent a pair of skates to glide around the Ice Rink Palace and Vajdahunyad Castle. Fun and romantic.

The Christmas Streetcar Ride

• Every year from early December, you can enjoy the special Christmas Streetcar ride in Budapest in some of the scenic routes in the city.
• You can travel on the tram every day until January 6th (with the exception of December 24th and 31st) from 4 pm to 9:30 pm. All you need is a valid ticket or monthly pass to get on the UV tram and enjoy the ride.

Where to Stay in Budapest?

• This “Paris of the East” has long been known as a gay center of Eastern Europe. Budapest is made up of two parts – Buda and Pest – the Danube river separates the two. Pest is considered the buzzing side of the city, while Buda is a lot calmer and more residential. Pest is the go-to place for nightlife!

• Most gay-popular bars and clubs can be found in Pest in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th districts, many within walking distance of one another. Stay in the Casati Budapest Hotel  with differently styled rooms, in a quite location yet close to the buzz of the city.

Gay Budapest at Christmas – Popular Venues

• Gay Districts: The Jewish Quarter is the heart of Budapest’s nightlife and the epicenter of the gay scene. Known for its ruin bars, cool cafes, and eclectic vibe.
• Why Not Café & Bar: A cozy, intimate bar ideal for conversations and meeting new people. Offers a variety of events, including quiz nights and karaoke.
• Habroló Bisztró: Popular with a mixed crowd, known for its friendly staff and fun atmosphere. Regular drag shows and themed parties.
• AlterEGO: One of the most well-known gay clubs in Budapest, with multiple dance floors. Hosts various shows including drag queen performances and DJ sets.
• CoXx Men’s Bar: A cruise club with a more adventurous vibe. Themed nights like Bear and Fetish parties.
• Magnum Sauna: The largest and most popular gay sauna in Budapest. Facilities include a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, cabins, and a maze.
• ÉS Bisztró: A chic spot offering Hungarian and Viennese cuisine. Great for brunch or a sophisticated dinner.
• Café Eklektika: Known for its artistic vibe and excellent coffee. Also serves as a gallery and performance space.

Recommended Budapest Hotels

Here are our editors top choices for hotels in the city. These venues will keep you close to all gay bars and clubs, and a short trip to the best Christmas markets.

Four Seasons Hotel,    Hotel Palazzo Zichy,    Three Corners Hotel,    House Beletage.