In depth · Christmas & New Year
Christmas in Budapest: markets, ice rinks and light trams
Budapest is one of the great Christmas cities of Europe: two famous markets in the heart of Pest, light shows on the Basilica, skating in front of a castle, trams covered in lights and steaming thermal baths to warm up afterwards.
Updated October 2026
The Christmas markets
The Christmas Fair on Vörösmarty Square, in front of Gerbeaud, is the city’s oldest, with stalls of Hungarian crafts, food and mulled wine. A few minutes away, the Advent fair in front of St Stephen’s Basilica has a Christmas tree, a little ice rink in recent years, and light projections on the Basilica’s façade in the evenings. Both are expected to open around mid-November and run to about New Year; check the official sites for 2026 dates.
What to eat and drink
Look for kürtőskalács, the chimney cake rolled in sugar and cinnamon, lángos, fried dough with sour cream and cheese, roasted sausages, stuffed cabbage, and forralt bor, Hungarian mulled wine. At home, Hungarians bake bejgli, rolls filled with poppy seed or walnut.
Skating and light trams
The City Park Ice Rink, in front of Vajdahunyad Castle, is one of the largest open-air rinks in Europe and opens for the winter season. In December, Budapest’s light trams, covered in thousands of lights, run on several lines, including the beautiful route along the Danube.
Hungarian traditions and the baths
Mikulás, St Nicholas, brings small gifts to children on 6 December. The main celebration is Christmas Eve, 24 December, when families gather for dinner and open presents, so many restaurants close early that evening. Between the markets, warm up in the outdoor pools of the thermal baths, steaming in the cold air.
Questions and answers
When are the Budapest Christmas markets?
They are expected to open around mid-November and run to about New Year. One guide published in October 2026 gives 13 November 2026 to 1 January 2027 for the Basilica fair; check the official sites.
Where are the Christmas markets in Budapest?
The two main markets are on Vörösmarty Square and in front of St Stephen’s Basilica, a few minutes’ walk apart.
Are restaurants open on Christmas Eve in Budapest?
Many close early on 24 December, the main family celebration, so book ahead.
Join the conversation
Spent Christmas in Budapest? Share your favourite market, event or tradition.
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Dates for 2026 are announced in the autumn; where they are not yet confirmed we give last year’s dates. Check the official sites before you travel.