Christmas in Budapest
Budapest Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square. More than 100 wooden pavilions are set-up offering handmade arts and crafts along with seasonal culinary specialties.
Spending Christmas in Budapest can be a really wonderful experience, from stunning Christmas lights on many of the busiest streets, festive concerts, markets offering handmade arts and crafts, and delicious seasonal food, there’s something to delight everyone in the city. So, if you’re wondering what to do during the month of December, here’s a few suggestions on how you can soak up the Christmas atmosphere in Budapest.
Budapest Christmas Market
Vörösmarty Square is home to the annual Budapest Christmas Market from mid November and onwards. More than 100 wooden pavilions are set-up offering handmade quality folk arts and crafts. There’s also a great selection of delicious treats like mulled wine (forralt bor), sweet Hungarian pastry (kürtoskalács), flat bread baked in a cob oven (kenyérlángos), grilled chestnuts, and more.
Christmas Tram
The hugely popular Christmas tram is back again this year! Dressed up with thousands of LED lights, the Ganz UV class trams run by the river both in Pest (Line 2) and Buda (Line 19), from November 30 until January 6. Everyone can hop on with a valid regular ticket. Free for kids under the age of 6.
City Park Ice Skating Rink
Take advantage of the opportunity to go skating in the heart of Budapest. Located on the western edge of the lake in City Park, this impressive outdoor skating rink is the largest in Europe (12,000 square meters) and was just recently reopened and renovated to its original 19th century splendor. For a small fee, you can stay on all day if you like.
Concerts in St.Stephen’s Basilica
Enjoy a festive music concert including the works of Vivaldi, Bach, and Händel in the stunning St. Stephen’s Basilica within the historical quarter of Budapest. Its great acoustics makes it the perfect place to enjoy a music concert.
Music & Wine Gala Concert: 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra
Every year on December the 30th, the music and wine gala by the 100 Member Gypsy Orchestra takes place at the Budapest’s Congress Center. You can enjoy a festive performance with a sumptuous dinner.
The Nutcracker at the Budapest Opera House
Tchaikovsky’s world famous fairytale ballet, “The Nutcracker” will be at the Hungarian State Opera House. Tickets sell out early but performances last until the beginning of January.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Suzanne Urpecz, creator and editor of The Hungarian Girl. Click on my About page for more info.
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Have you heard of the christmas Market in Óbuda on F? tér? It is really great as they have an ice rink (though very very small) in the middle of the market. Really enjoyable.