Slideshow from the 2023 Christmas markets in Budapest!

The Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square and by the Stephen’s Basilica both opened on November 17th. We were there during the opening weekend to check out what’s happening and what’s new in 2023. Of course, instead of writing about it, we will show you quite a lot of pictures as a picture of tells you more than a thousand words.

If you want to read general information about the Christmas markets in Budapest, click the link for a detailed article with information about the location of the Christmas markets, the dates for the Budapest Christmas markets, what to eat at the Christmas markets, hotel recommendations, and so much more.

Just like in 2022, the popular train for kids has returned to the Vörösmarty square. It is entirely free to ride and kids can enjoy two rounds before they have to go back in line to get back on the train again.

In the middle of Vörösmarty Square, there is a possibility to join some online games in which you compete with other people at the Christmas market. You need to scan the QR code and create a profile in order to take part. If you are lucky, you might even win some prizes.

By Stephen’s Basilica, the popular ice rink has returned.

Besides these additional programs, you will find all the popular stalls serving traditional Hungarian dishes, and of course, lots of stalls where you can buy handicrafts, sweets, and cool souvenirs from Hungary.

What are you waiting for? Come to Budapest and experience the Christmas markets yourself!

Where are the dates for the Budapest Christmas market at Vörösmarty square in 2023?

Are you looking for the dates for the popular Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square in Budapest in 2023? You are not the only one! We have nearly 1000 people coming daily to our page to find the dates for the Christmas markets in Budapest, and it is quite unfortunate that we don’t have a clue when the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square will open. We don’t even know if it will open at all. That would be a tragedy, knowing that tens of thousands of tourists come to Budapest every year to experience the fantastic Christmas markets.

Let us first cheer you up. The dates for the Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica are official, meaning there will be a fantastic Christmas market in Budapest worth visiting, even though there will be no market at the Vörösmarty Square. You can find the dates for the other Christmas markets in Budapest here.

But, we all know that the Vörösmarty Square Christmas market is the most famous and most popular in Budapest. What is causing the delay? Why haven’t the dates for the Christmas market been announced yet?

UPDATE!
The dates are now here. The Christmas market at Vörösarty Square will open on November 17th and be open until December 31. More information here.

For a long time, Budapest Brand was the company arranging the Christmas market at the square. This has changed recently, and since the fifth district of Budapest is responsible, things are really slow and maybe even causing nothing to happen at all. We don’t know why, and even though we have sent requests and questions to the local government asking for information, we still haven’t received any replies to our questions.

As a result, we still don’t know if there will be any Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square in Budapest in 2023 or not. That is sad for many reasons.

Think about the following…

  • The biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in Budapest takes place at Vörösmarty Square. The stalls and the stage at the square give the necessary surroundings for such a celebration to take place. Without the Christmas market (which normally closes at January 1), the square just becomes a large and empty square.
  • Tens of thousands of people travel to Budapest in November and December using the Christmas markets as an excuse to visit the city. With no dates released, they are much more likely to visit neighboring cities with fantastic Christmas markets such as Prague, Vienna, or Bratislava.
  • Many local artists prepare and produce for the annual Christmas markets in Budapest. It is a great place to sell their art and handicrafts. Without the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square, many will have to look elsewhere to find places to sell their products.
  • Tens of thousands of tourists spend lots of money on accommodation and all other services and products in Budapest. Instead of supporting the people of Hungary and the businesses (hotels, restaurants, stores, and more), this will end up in other countries. Quite a pity knowing that the only thing needed for the money to come to Hungary would be a Christmas market at the most popular square in town.

We do hope there will be a Christmas market at the main square of Budapest. They were very late publishing the dates in 2022, so we might just see the same happening over again. Our only fear is that many people have already ordered their plane tickets, and seeing that no dates are published for the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square, they may have decided to go elsewhere where the dates have been published months ago (like in Vienna, Krakow, Prague, and other cities).

We will update our Budapest Guide as soon as we get more information and find out more about what’s going on. Normally, the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square would open on November 10 or November 17 (the second or third Friday of November), but that doesn’t look very likely at the moment.

If you have comments or questions, please write them below. We would love to hear from you!

Christmas markets 2024

The annual Christmas Markets in Budapest are turning more and more popular, and starting earlier and earlier every year. The most famous of the Christmas markets is the one located at Vörösmarty Tér in the heart of Budapest, but there are also several others, and on this page, you will find information on the different Christmas Markets.

Below you can read about the most important Christmas markets in Budapest, find out where they are located, and what you should do if you decide to visit them while in Budapest.

The Christmas markets in Budapest in 2023 closed on January 1 (in 2024). Now we all have to wait for almost one more year before they will open again. This article gives you basic information about the Christmas markets in Budapest and we will publish the dates of the Christmas markets in Budapest in 2024 as soon as they are published (this normally happens in September or October, a few months before the opening of the Christmas markets). We have, however, made an estimation based on when the Christmas markets in Budapest have opened in the last years. If you want to find out when we believe the Christmas markets will open in 2024, scroll further down in the article.

Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Tér

The most famous and popular Christmas market in Budapest is the fair located at Vörösmarty Tér (Vörösmarty Square). This is located in the heart of Budapest, at the end stop of the yellow metro line sharing the name of the square, and at the end of the shopping street of Budapest, Váci Utca. Do not forget that all streets have two ends, and if you end up at the wrong end of the street you will find yourself walking inside the Grand Market Hall (not a bad place, but not the best if you would like to visit the Christmas market at the Vörösmarty square). If you live on the Buda side, you can simply walk across the Chain Bridge, turn right, and walk towards the white bridge (Elisabeth Bridge). As you reach the Vigadó tér, turn left, and you will be at the Vörösmarty tér within seconds!

Budapest Christmas Market
Christmas market at Vörösmarty square

At this Christmas fair, you will find traditional Hungarian handicrafts and lots of delicious food that tastes extremely well as you feel the smell get into your nose and your stomach orders you to sit down to grab a bite. And yes, there are many benches and tables at the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square, which is one of the qualities making this one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. If you want some simple food, then you should try the traditional Chimney cake with the cinnamon taste, yummy!

It has been a tradition to have a big stage at the square. At the stage, there have been daily concerts, folklore programs, and similar programs with cultural value. This was removed in 2022, and it is not sure whether it will return later or not. You will not be bored, however, as there are lots of stalls you should visit and a little train for kids at the square. The little train is cool for the youngest kids, and the best thing is that it is entirely free. The train was first introduced in 2022, and it was also at the Christmas market in 2023. We do hope it will return in 2024 as well.

A little train for the kids at the Vörösmarty square.
A little train for the kids at the Vörösmarty square.

The train only goes around a little round, but it is still an excellent experience for the children.

Map showing the two biggest Christmas markets in budapest
The location of the two biggest Christmas markets in Budapest on a map!

Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica

Budapest’s newest Christmas market is in front of the Saint Stephens Basilica. This was opened for the first time in 2011, and it has an amazing atmosphere and great lights, and you can take nice pictures standing on the stairs of the basilica. You can buy mostly the same stuff as at the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square, but here you can also go ice skating as you can find a small ice skating rink in the middle of the Christmas market. This market is also especially known for the beautiful lights that you can see as you visit the square in the evenings, as the entire area is illuminated with lights, making it feel just like you are in the middle of a magic moment from your favorite Disney film or something like that! Absolutely worth visiting, especially because the market is only 600-700 meters from the market at Vörösmarty Square.

Christmas Market Stephens Basilica
The Christmas market in front of the St Stephens Basilica looks awesome at night!

There are also special light shows at the church’s facade regularly in the evenings, something that many people will enjoy in addition to all the other things you can see at the square.

Hotels near the Christmas markets.

Below you can see a map showing hotels near the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square in Budapest. Look around, and you will for sure find one that suits you!

Booking.com

If you want to find even cheaper hotels and apartments, scroll out and you will see a much bigger selection of accommodation opportunities in Budapest.

Other Christmas markets

Gozsdu Udvar

There are some smaller markets located at different locations in Budapest. One can be found at Liszt Ferenc Square (near Októgon). Another can be found in the Gozsdu Udvar, located inside the former Jewish ghetto of Budapest. The main entrance is from Király Utca. If you can not find it, ask some locals or write a comment to this article, and we will add a Google map showing you where to go!

The Christmas market is open from 12:00 – 19:00 on weekdays, while it is open from 10:00 to 19:00 on weekends.

Next to Allee Shopping Center

If you live on the Buda side, the market next to the Allee shopping mall is a nice one, and the same is true for the little Christmas market located at the Moricz Zsigmond Korter. These are not the biggest ones, but you can still find chimney cake to eat, some hot wine, and of course, bags, handicrafts, and other articles like these on these and all the other smaller markets located here and there in Budapest.

allee christmas market

The picture above shows the square in front of Allee used by the annual Christmas market. This isn’t a gigantic Christmas market, but you will find both hot wine and nice handmade products. If you combine it with some shopping in the shopping center, it is worth visiting. If you want to visit an authentic Hungarian market, you should enter the big market hall next to Allee (the Christmas market is separating the shopping center from the market). This is open from Monday to Saturday and is ideal for buying vegetables, fruits, meat, and other products.

Christmas market at Fö Square in Òbuda

If you live in Óbuda (old Buda), there is also a very nice Christmas market at the Fö Square in district one of Budapest. This is a market for the locals, meaning that you will barely meet tourists at this location, which also influences the market’s price level. There is an ice skating rink here, and if you try to find it on the map, it is located just on the Buda side of the Árpad bridge (the most northern Budapest bridge for cars).

The Christmas market at Fö Square in district 1 in Budapest. The picture was shared with us by one of our followers on Twitter. Thank you!

Once again, not the most central Christmas market in Budapest, but if you live nearby, then it is worth visiting as it is much more for locals than those downtown.

Christmas market at Etele Square by Etele Plaza (not open in 2023)

In the eleventh district of Budapest, next to the Etele mall at the Etele square (and the Kelenfoldi railway station and metro stop), you can also find a nice little market. Here you can enjoy an ice skating rink and buy hot wine, chimney cakes, and other things you often enjoy at such markets. There is also a stage here for different programs. It might not be the biggest market, but it has a nice atmosphere!

Corvin Hütte, a new Christmas market by Corvin Plaza.

A brand new Christmas market in 2023 is Corvin Hütte. This market is located on the beautiful square outside the Corvin Plaza in the eighth district of Budapest. This square is worth a visit all year round, but with the present Christmas market, it has become even more attractive.

Corvin hutte

This market has quite similar products as you will find elsewhere, but with the surrounding restaurants and the shopping center as its closest neighbor, this is a place worth visiting.

Christmas by the Matthias Church.

This is a very nice and cozy Christmas market without a lot of stalls, but it still has a great atmosphere due to the surroundings. Next to the Matthias Church, you can find this Christmas market, and it is beautifully decorated and if you come in the evenings, it is even more beautifully illuminated together with the Matthias Church, the Fishermen’s Bastion, and the panorama towards the Danube and the Parliament.

You might not travel to Budapest to visit this market, but if you first come to Budapest, you will definitely want to combine this little Christmas market with your visit to the Castle area on the Buda side.

What weather can I expect in this period?

The Christmas markets normally open around November 20th and last until December 24th, and some even until January 1st-2nd. If you are lucky, you can enjoy some sun and 5-10 Celsius during this period, but you should not be surprised if you experience some light snow and about 0 Celsius. Budapest typically has a very nice climate, but if the wind blows, make sure to bring a jacket, so as you prepare for your stay, check whether it is supposed to be windy or not. The average temperature in December is about 1 Celsius.

Budapest Christmas Market dates 2024

No dates have been published for the Christmas markets in Budapest in 2024 yet. But, if we should make an estimation based on the dates in previous years, we believe the main Christmas markets in Budapest will open on the third Friday of November which happens to be November 15, 2024.

  • Vörösmarty Square market: not official yet…
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica market: not official yet…
  • Ujbuda Christmas market (next to Allee shopping center): not official yet…
  • Óbuda Christmas market: not official yet…
  • Corvin Hütte: not official yet…
  • Gozsdu Udvar: not official yet…
  • Christmas by the Matthias Church: -> not official yet…

On December 28th, the stalls selling handicrafts at Vörösmarty Square will be replaced and the square will turn into a fantastic location for celebrating New Year’s Eve.

A Budapest Christmas market map

Here you can see a map with pins presenting the most important Christmas markets in Budapest.


The Christmas market dates in previous years

2023

  • Vörösmarty Square market: November 17, 2023 – December 31, 2023
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica market: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024
  • Ujbuda Christmas market: December 1 – 24, 2023
  • Óbuda Christmas market: December 1 – December 23, 2023
  • Corvin Hütte: November 23 – December 24, 2023
  • Gozsdu Udvar: December 8 – December 24, 2023
  • Christmas by the Matthias Church: -> December 24, 2023

2022

  • Vörösmarty Square market: November 18, 2022 – December 31, 2022
  • St. Stephen’s Basilica market: November 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023

Would you like to eat a delicious meal near the Christmas markets in Budapest?

Where should you stay in Budapest in November and December?

What to eat at the Christmas markets in Budapest?

We touched on the topic of gastronomy earlier in this article. But what exactly should you eat as you come to Budapest and visit the Christmas markets? This is a perfect place to taste traditional Hungarian gastronomy. Let us take a closer look at what you should taste.

langos
Làngos.

Above, you can see a picture of a very popular meal in Hungary, the lángos. This is a dough with yeast that is fried in oil. After it is fried, it is often served with sour cream and cheese or with garlic oil. This is extremely popular, and it has also been exported to several other countries. As a result, you can also find it at the Christmas markets in Vienna, Bratislava, and Prague. We have even heard that it is an extremely popular thing to eat at festivals in Sweden!

Chimney cake.
Chimney cake.

The Chimney cake (Kürtöskalács) is extremely popular, not only among adults but also among kids. This is a sweet dough with yeast that is formed as a long spaghetti. It is then placed around a tool as you can see in the image above, and grilled. Sugar is added to the outer layer before this process, making it shine and even sweeter. In the end, the chimney cake is dipped in either cocoa, cinnamon, vanilla, or walnut and served. It is extremely delicious. You shouldn’t be surprised if you meet this on Christmas markets elsewhere in Europe because it becomes a big hit wherever it is sold. Several stores in Budapest are dedicated to the Kürtöskalács, meaning that it is possible to buy it all year round. You can even add cream, Nutella, and other snacks to the Kürtöskalács) in some places, but that isn’t really necessary!

Hock from pig and delicious sausages.
Hock from pig and delicious sausages.

Hungarians love meat, and they love to use every single part of the pig. The sausages are really tasty, and if you eat the biggest sausages served with bread and topping, you will not get hungry for the rest of the day. Another side-effect is that you will burp later in the day and feel the spices of the sausage for hours afterward. Don’t be afraid of this, though; it is part of the fun!

In the picture above, you can also see the hock from a pig. Hungarians like to use all parts of the animal, and this is a very tasty part. At some Christmas markets, you can also buy rooster-testicle stews and more, so make sure to look around and be open to tasting new things.

marhaporkolt
You can see a traditional Hungarian stew in the middle of the picture above.

The Hungarians love using a lot of onion and traditional paprika to prepare food. You can see a stew made from a cow in the middle of the picture above. This has a delicious taste, and it is often served with dumplings and sometimes with potatoes. You will often find similar stews (pörkölt) made from chicken and pork.

Tócsni.
Tócsni.

Do you have any clue about what you see in the picture above? It is very fun to buy something and taste it without actually knowing what it is. But, if you don’t want to take such risks, we can tell you that what you see is a so-called tócsni. It is yet another tasty Hungarian meal that is fried in oil. What is it made of? A tócsni is a meal based on potatoes, and later eggs, flour, salt, and pepper is added to the dough. In the end, you end up with something that looks like pancake dough. This is fried in oil, and a few minutes later, you will happily eat it at one of the Christmas markets in Budapest!

strudel at christmas markets in budapest
Rétes, also known as a strudel outside Hungary.

If you travel to Austria and Vienna, you will find the Strudel everywhere. This is an important part of the local gastronomy, and as you probably already understand, the Hungarian and the Austria kitchen have a lot in common. There is no wonder why the Hungarians consider the Wiener schnitzel to be their invention! As you visit the different Christmas markets in Budapest, you will find the rétes (strudel) everywhere. If you follow tradition, you will likely buy a strudel with either apples or cherries. But if you want a more local version, then you should buy a strudel with sweet cottage cheese or with poppy seeds inside. If you choose the latter (the poppy seeds) bring a little mirror to see how much is left between your teeth as you finish eating.

roasted chestnuts

One final thing that is worth eating while in Budapest is the roasted chestnuts. These are very tasty and will warm you up a little while eating them. You will find these at the different Christmas markets and sometimes elsewhere in the city in November and December.

What to drink at the Christmas markets in Budapest?

We have written a lot about what you should eat at the Christmas markets in Budapest. But, what should you drink? You will normally find lots of local drinks at markets such as these, and the same is true in Budapest.

The most important drink is obviously the hot wine, glühwein or “forralt bor as the locals call it. This warm wine is often spiced up with cinnamon and other Christmas spices. Kids normally don’t like it, simply because it tastes like wine. Adults, however, lover it, especially if it is cold outside, as it warms your soul and your body at the same time.

hot wine in budapest

Above you can also see that there it is possible to taste hot white wine and hot red wine. In other words, there are differences between the different stalls, and also whether or not they add spices to the drinks or not. If you pay attention closely, you can also see the Budapest Christmas market cup which is the most authentic cup to use for drinking hot wine.

If you want to drink something else, then Hungarians love their palinka (fruit spirit), especially in cold weather like you can expect in November and December. There are lots of different Palinkas available in Hungary. Most of them are made of one specific fruit (like apricots or plums), while some are mixed fruits. A normal palinka has an alcohol level of between 40%-45%, but you can also find stronger versions of this popular drink.

What to buy at the Christmas markets in Budapest?

We have told you a lot about what to eat and drink at the Christmas markets in Budapest. But, what you should you buy as visit the different stalls? There are a couple of products you can buy every single year, and then there are products you only find one year but then it is gone the next year. The most important thing to remember is that the markets are meant to be found handicraft products, that is, products made by people with their hands. These are not mass-produced products from a factory, but products made with love and sweat all around Hungary.

chocolate

Above, you can see something that tends to return for the Christmas markets yearly in Budapest. These are hand-made sweets with all sorts of fillings. These are really exclusive, and the price per piece is approximately 1000 HUF. But these might be a great pick if you want some delicious and exclusive sweets for Christmas!

cinnamon cakes

Christmas is a time for eating gingerbread cakes, and that is a tradition in Hungary as well. In Hungary, the most important ingredient is honey. That is why they call it honey-sweet-bread (mézeskalács) if you translate the Hungarian word. You will find them fully decorated and in all sorts of colors and shapes. There isn’t anything really revolutionary about these cakes, but they might become a nice decoration on a Christmas tree when you travel home or just eat it while drinking some hot wine.

ceramics at the christmas markets

Hungarians are creative and good with their hands. As a result, you can find lots of ceramics of all sorts and in all shapes at the Christmas markets. Above, you can see different beautiful objects that you can use to make your home nicer, warmer, and more colorful. These are popular among adults and kids, and it can remain a memory from Budapest that lives with you for the rest of your life.

hats

You end up buying some things in Budapest because you need it there and then. An example of such an object might be a warm hat. But it is nice to know that you will be the coolest man at home when you walk into the office using one of these hats that will make you look like a pilot from the Second World War (or something like that). At the left, you can also see all sorts of gloves, something many will find useful as well when the temperatures go below 0 Celsius in Budapest in December.

light up your day

Want to travel home with another souvenir that will remind you of Budapest for many years? Buy a handmade lamp at the different Christmas markets in Budapest. These are very popular objects and often have very nice pictures of famous Budapest attractions and locations.

Some other Christmas market pictures

Budapest Christmas Market 2014 2
Lots of nice stuff to be bought at the market
Beautiful decorations and lights
Beautiful decorations and lights
The most popular market at Vörösmarty square
The most popular market at Vörösmarty square
Christmas fair in Budapest
Christmas fair in Budapest

The best hotels for Christmas market tourists in Budapest.

November and December are fantastic months to visit Budapest. You don’t have to fear extreme heat, and you can visit the magic Christmas markets the city has to offer. If you haven’t read our guide to the Christmas markets in Budapest already, that is a good place to start. But, maybe you know everything there is to know about the Christmas markets. There is, however, one remaining question – what hotel should you choose for your trip to Budapest?

The most important to know is the location of the Christmas markets. Below we have created a little map showing the locations of the two major Christmas markets in Budapest; Vörösmarty square and Sas square.

the two christmas markets in budapest

It is important to understand that the two locations are close. It only takes 5 minutes to walk from one of the Christmas markets to the other. But, the Christmas market at Vörösmarty square is located at the end of the shopping street Váci utca, making this area better for shopping lovers.

Based on this information, we will recommend a couple of hotels. We will include some recommendations for those who are on a budget and who don’t mind using the metro for a few stops as well. But, the main goal is to recommend a few hotels very close to the Christmas markets, meaning that you can leave the entrance of your hotel and almost start drinking hot wine and eating Hungarian lángos immediately.

Let’s start with the cheapest solutions…

The best hotels for Christmas market tourists in Budapest with a low budget.

We cannot guarantee low prices on these hotels, but they will be cheaper than most central hotels in Budapest. No matter your choice, you can reach the Christmas markets using the subway (metro), and you don’t have to change lines.


Easy Star Hotel (Sziv utca 13, 1063 Budapest)

This is absolutely fitting into the category of a budget three-star hotel in Budapest. It is located 150 meters from the metro stop Kodaly Körönd (yellow line). This is the second oldest metro line in all of Europe, making it an attraction itself. The hotel has breakfast available. It isn’t luxurious at all, but if you just need a place to sleep and eat breakfast (and you’d rather spend your money at the Christmas markets), this is a great option.

How to get to the Christmas market from this hotel?

Walk to the Kodaly Körönd metro stop and travel to the end station of the line (Vörösmarty square). You will immediately be at the biggest and most famous Christmas market in Budapest.

This hotel is 2,2km from the Christmas market at Vörösmarty square. It is a very nice walk if you don’t mind using your legs.

easy star budapest

Would you like to live a little bit nicer, but you don’t mind using the metro for a few stops? The next hotel is a great pick for you!


Hotel Andrassy (Andrassy ut 111, 1063 Budapest)

Hotel Andrassy is one metro stop further away from the city center than Easy Star Hotel (mentioned above). This hotel has a good reputation in Budapest, and it has been around for a long time. It has four stars, a nice restaurant in the building, and it sure looks nicer than many other hotels in Budapest. In other words, you don’t get the very cheap feeling as you walk around in the building. But it is still cheaper than living at four-star hotels in the very heart of Budapest.

The location is also close to the Heroes Square and the City Park, making it easy to visit this fantastic area where you can find the popular Szechenyi thermal bath, the Zoo, the Vajdahunyad castle, the Heroes square, and several nice museums.

How to get to the Christmas market from this hotel?

Walk 150 meters to the metro stop Bajza utca. From there, travel in the direction of Vörösmarty tér and get off at the end station. You will then be surrounded by stalls and feel the smell of hot wine immediately.

If you don’t mind walking, this hotel is located 2,7km from the Christmas market at the Vörösmarty square by foot. It is a fantastic walk along the beautiful Andrassy Avenue (which has beautiful lights before Christmas). This street is also known as the street for luxury shopping in Budapest (in the area near the Hungarian State Opera).

hotel andrassy in budapest

Have you had enough walking already? Are you coming to Budapest to live in a great location? Don’t you want to spend time and energy buying public transportation tickets or walking a few kilometers to get to the Christmas markets? It is time to come up with some recommendations for you!


The best hotels very close to the Christmas markets in Budapest

Would you like to feel the smell of Hungarian sausage as you leave your hotel? Are you traveling to Budapest to relax, not to mess with public transportation tickets, taxis, and other things that you’d rather avoid? Here you have some hotel recommendations located no more than a few hundred meters from the Christmas markets in Budapest. We have included some cheaper and some extremely elegant solutions to the list.


Hotel Promenade (Váci utca 22, 1052 Budapest)

What should we say about this hotel? It has three stars, and it is located in the shopping street Váci utca. You can easily use this as your base for exploring Budapest and the Christmas markets, but do not expect a lot of extras. The main entrance is located in the shopping street, but it is easy to overlook it at first glance.

WiFi is available to all guests free of charge, and breakfast is available in the hotel. This is perfect if you want to live quite cheap at a very central location in Budapest. Would you rather spend some more and stay in a nicer hotel (with four stars)? Read the two recommendations following this.

hotel promenade in budapest

Mercure Budapest City Center (Vaci utca 20, 1052 Budapest)

Mercure is a hotel brand that many travelers know. This is something you can trust. The hotel is located in the pedestrian street Váci utca and it is often preferred among travelers who want to live in a four-star hotel without spending all their money paying for accommodation. You can order your room with breakfast if that is preferred, but you can also book without breakfast and just leave the hotel and eat breakfast elsewhere nearby during your stay in Budapest.

As you leave the hotel, you need to walk approximately 250 meters to get to the Christmas market at Vörösmarty square. Some people fear that the hotel is noisy as it is located by the shopping street, but this is seldom causing any trouble.

mercure city center

This is a quite cheap four-star hotel very close to the Christmas market at Vörösmarty square. Would you rather live in a cheap four-star hotel near the Christmas market by St. Stephen’s Basilica? The next recommendation is for you!


Hotel Central Basilica (Hercegprimas utca 8, 1051 Budapest)

This four-star hotel is located almost at the square of the Christmas market by St. Stephen’s Basilica. It isn’t a very luxurious four-star hotel, but it has a great location, and it makes walking back and forth in Budapest easy due to its location. You can easily book your room with breakfast, but due to its location, you can easily book without breakfast as there are plenty of places where you can eat breakfast nearby.

Once again, this is a quite “easy” four-star hotel, but a great choice if you want to live with style without paying a fortune.

hotel central basilica

Would you like to live in a five-star hotel instead? Below you can find our final two suggestions!


Kempinski Hotel (Erzsebet ter 7-8, 1051 Budapest)

This is a very nice five-star hotel in Budapest with a great location. It is 150 meters from the Christmas market at Vörösmarty square and 250 meters from the Christmas market by Stephen’s Basilica. You will find lots of great activities available within the walls of the hotel (SPA treatments, restaurants, swimming pools, fitness center, and more), and you will absolutely enjoy how close it is to the Christmas markets. It is also practical that it has its own private parking for guests, making it easy if you arrive in your own car or if a taxi will drop you off at the hotel.

The hotel is located by the square where you can find the famous Budapest Eye. This is a nice activity worth testing, and it looks fantastic at night.

This is a typical five-star hotel with gracious rooms and lots of air. In other words, you really get that luxurious feeling as you enter the hotel.

Kempinski is a very nice five-star hotel. Would you like even more luxury and something even more special? Below you can find our final and the most luxurious recommendation.


Aria Hotel (Hercegprimas utca 5, 1051 Budapest)

This hotel is for those who want luxury like nowhere else in Budapest. It is a very expensive hotel and extreme in its level of luxury. The hotel is located less than 50 meters from the Christmas market by St. Stephen’s Basilica. If you want to relax after a tiring day in Budapest, this hotel has a bar at the roof, a spa center with a pool, and free WiFi. This hotel is special because it is built around different music styles. Free wine is available to hotel guests each day between 16.00 and 18.00, combined with a cheese buffet. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the breakfast is amazing. In other words, this is the ultimate place for luxury near the Christmas markets in Budapest.

hotel aria in budapest

We have recommended hotels ideal for your trip to Budapest in this article. Some are extremely close to the Christmas markets, while others are further away and require you to walk more than 2km or use public transportation. No matter what you are looking for, we are quite convinced that some of these will suit you and your needs, and let us not forget, your wallet.

If you have further comments or questions, write a comment below!


Frequently asked questions about hotels in Budapest during the Christmas market period.


Is it cheap to book a hotel in Budapest in November and December?

The time before Christmas is supposed to be a “low season” in tourism. But, due to the Christmas markets, it has turned into a high-peak season. As a result, you will most likely find cheaper hotels in the start of November (before the Christmas markets open) than you will in December. Budapest is still a cheap city compared to cities such as Vienna, where you have to pay 2x-3x more for rooms of similar quality and with a similar location in the city compared to Budapest.


How should I travel from the airport to my hotel in Budapest?

There are several options for this. You can arrange the airport transfer directly with your hotel. It is also possible to book an airport transfer in Budapest with us. You can find more about airport transfers in Budapest right here. There is also a bus that connects the airport with the city center. This works well for most of the hotels described in this article, and the price is 1500 HUF per ticket.


Do you have any restaurant recommendations for Budapest in November and December?

Most restaurants operate with normal opening times during this period. But, it is worth noticing that many restaurants have lots of reservations, which means you will often be sent away if you try to just walk by a restaurant in the evening without a reservation. As a result, it is worth reserving a table, at least if you desire to dine in a certain restaurant.

  • Most restaurants have normal opening times until December 23rd.
  • On December 24th, 95% of the restaurants in Budapest are closed. As a result, it is hard to find places where you can dine on December 24th. The best is to eat your Christmas dinner in your hotel or book months in advance in restaurants such as Aszu and/or Rezkakas. These restaurants operate with set menus for December 24th, and also for December 31st.
  • Many restaurants remain closed on December 25th and 26th, but a very popular restaurant like Sir Lancelot is open again on December 25th. Rezkakas and Aszu are open as well on December 25th and December 26th.
  • Many restaurants are open on December 31st, but most of them have special menus for this evening. These have to be reserved beforehand (in most cases).

To sum it up, book a table in advance if you come to Budapest in this period. Some restaurants that are worth considering are:


What is the price of eating breakfast in Budapest (not in your hotel)?

This depends on where you eat and what you eat, but a cheap breakfast costs approximately 1200-1800 HUF (3-4 euros), while a more expensive breakfast will cost around 3000 HUF (8 euros).


Will my hotel offer dinner opportunities on December 24th and December 31st?

It is impossible to give a general answer to this question. The wisest thing is to contact the hotel directly to get an answer to this question. Most hotels with a restaurant and with four or five stars will offer their guests dinner on these days, but you should definitely contact them to be sure.

The Christmas markets in Györ (Hungary) in 2023.

The city of Györ is approximately 125km from the city center of Budapest. The town is well known for its beauty and being the home of one of the best female handball teams in the world. Many people drive next to it as they come to Budapest from Bratislava or Vienna by car, but few people decide to spend some hours in the city. But, Györ is worth visiting, and here we will give you information about the city’s most important Christmas markets.

As mentioned, Györ is located along the M1 highway connecting Budapest with cities such as Bratislava and Vienna. It takes about 80 minutes to get to the center of Györ from Budapest, and you need almost the same time to travel to Györ from Vienna.

travel from budapest to györ

If you want to watch a handball match or a football match in Györ, the football stadium and the handball arena are located next to the road connecting the city center with the highway, so they are both very easy to find.

If you arrive by train, you will find yourself perfectly located immediately, so you are ready to explore the city at once. Those arriving by car will need to find a parking lot somewhere. The city is divided into zones, and the most expensive is priced at 520 HUF per hour. It is free to park in the city on Sundays.

Where are the Christmas markets in Györ located?

Christmas market by the City Hall.

There are three important areas that you need to explore if you want to experience Christmas and the Christmas markets in Györ. The first is located by the railway station. On a nice big square next to Hotel Rába (a nice place to stay while in Györ), you will find this market.

christmas in györ
Boldog karácsonyt means Merry Christmas.

Above, you can see an image of the city hall in Györ. This is on the other side of the road from the Christmas markets, and it is located next to the railway station. At this market, you will find quite a lot of souvenirs and handmade artifacts. You will, of course, also find something to drink and eat.

christmas market by city hall in gyor

If I had to give a ranking of the three Christmas market options in downtown Györ, this would probably end up as the least interesting. But maybe you will disagree with me on that?

When you are finished looking around at the square, you can easily move on to discover more Christmas markets in the city of Györ. Below you can see a map presenting the three main areas for the Christmas markets in Györ. We have already taken a look at the one opposite the city hall. What about the others?

the three christmas markets in gyor

Christmas market in Baross Gábor út.

If you head to Baross Gábor út (which starts next to the Christmas market we already discussed), you can walk in a very nice pedestrian street. This is nice for shopping all year round but especially nice during the Christmas markets. In this period, stalls are located all along the street, and here you will meet locals and tourists drinking hot wine, eating roasted chestnuts, tasting lángos, and enjoying other sweets.

The street looks nice during the daytime, but like everywhere else, the real Christmas market atmosphere comes when it is dark and the lights are turned on. If you want to grab something to eat very fast (and not eat on the Christmas market), then you can find several bakeries, a Mcdonalds’, and several other options in this street besides what the Christmas market has to offer.

You should absolutely walk here to look around. The street has a friendly atmosphere, and it is lovely to see a mixture of locals and tourists eat, drink, and enjoy life as you walk up and down the street.

Dates for this Christmas market: November 26, 2023 – December 23, 2023.

Christmas market at Szechenyi Square.

If we had to pick one Christmas market in Györ, this would be our favorite. Luckily, we don’t have to choose, meaning we can visit everyone. But this is still the one with the nicest atmosphere and with the “nicest” Christmas atmosphere. There aren’t hundreds of stalls here, but you can buy food, drinks, and handicrafts from approximately 25-30 stalls. Besides this, you have activities and lovely decorations making it a fantastic place to visit.

As you can see from the pictures above, the Christmas market at Szechényi Square is beautifully decorated, and it has effects that wildly cheer up kids coming along. It might be that the decorations will change from year to year, but this is still a place that takes the holiday effects and decorations seriously. Of course, kids always love to meet Santa Claus, and the little railway for children at the square always forces parents to spend more money than initially planned as they visit the square. But that’s what Christmas is all about.

Szechenyi Square Christmas market dates: November 26, 2023 – December 23, 2024

Santa Claus will come to the Santa house on December 6 to give presents to kids in the area. The lights on the advent wreath are lightened every Sunday at 17.00.

Christmas market at Dunakapu Square.

This isn’t even visible on the map above, but it is probably the biggest and most popular location in Györ. Do you know why? Here you will see programs such as fire juggling, there is a Ferris Wheel at the location, you have the chance to use a dodgem, and there is a Merry-Go-Round for kids. Besides this, you have the traditional stuff required for something to be a fantastic Christmas market. In other words, do not miss out on Dunakapu Square if you come to check out the Christmas markets in Györ.

Dunakapu Square Christmas market dates: November 26, 2023 – January 1, 2024

What should you buy at the Christmas markets in Györ?

We have a long and thorough article about the Christmas markets in Budapest here in our Budapest Guide. There you can see a long list of recommendations concerning what to eat and drink and buy at the Christmas markets in the Hungarian capital. The truth is, you will find mostly the same products at the Christmas markets in Györ. In other words, this is a place to taste Hungarian gastronomy and buy handicrafts. You will find more products aimed at tourists in Budapest, while there will be more products aimed at locals in Györ.

chocolate at the christmas markets in gyor

One thing many people buy is sweets of all sorts. There are lots of gingerbread cakes available, decorated with different colors. You can also find handmade chocolate pralines filled with marzipan, cognac, whiskey, rum, nuts, and other delicious stuff. The chocolate pralines in the picture above are quite expensive, but they are still cheaper at the Christmas markets in Györ than they would be if you bought them at the Christmas markets in Budapest.

tea at the christmas markets in gyor

As mentioned, you will find more products aimed at locals as you visit the Christmas markets in Györ. Above, you can see a picture from a stall selling tea, tea boxes, and tea cups. This is something that locals, as well as tourists, will find tempting. It is a perfect present to buy for someone else, and it might be tempting to bring some bags of tea, combined with a nice box, and a cup for yourself as well. This is especially nice, knowing that these are not mass-produced cups and boxes, meaning that you will have something created by hand someone somewhere in Hungary!

christmas decorations

There are also Christmas decorations for sale at the Christmas markets in Györ. Some of these are universal, meaning that they are suitable for Christmas trees all around the world. Some are aimed at locals since the text printed on the objects is Hungarian. No matter what, these are souvenirs that will remind you of Györ and Hungary as you return home, and as you can see above, they are not very expensive either (1200 HUF = 3 Euro, at the time of writing).

Are the Christmas markets in Györ cheaper than the Christmas markets in Budapest?

The general answer to that question is yes. We cannot give an answer promising that everything will be cheaper, but generally, most products are cheaper in Györ than in Budapest. Why is that? The products are similar, but the rental prices are lower for the stalls. Of course, the revenue is much higher in Budapest, but still – you will spend less in Györ.

It is also a major difference that you will meet more locals in Györ than in Budapest. Why is that? The prices at the Christmas markets in Budapest (the two central markets) are so expensive for locals that they don’t really care about them anymore. As a result, you will meet other tourists as you visit them. But, as you visit the Christmas markets in Budapest located outside the main tourist area, you will immediately meet locals again, and that is true about the Christmas markets in Györ as well.

Where to live in Györ?

Would you like to discover Györ and the Christmas markets in quietness and peace without stressing? Then you should spend a night in the city so you can explore everything the city has to offer during daytime and nighttime. The city has a beautiful zoo and lots of attractions worth visiting, so you don’t need to worry that you will be bored. But, where should you live?

Below you can see a map showing the city center of Györ with hotels and apartments. All the accommodation options there are very well located in the city center, meaning you can reach the Christmas markets, the railway station, and all sorts of attractions easily.

 

The prices are estimations of what it will cost to book a hotel or an apartment in Györ on your selected dates. This will help you find a place to stay that isn’t too expensive and that will let you have money left to spend at the Christmas markets after paying for your hotel or apartment.

Where to eat in Györ?

The obvious answer is that you should eat at the Christmas markets! They have delicious food and you will taste some of the most popular meals in Hungary. You can find lots of warm meals at the Christmas markets, and you can also find sweets to eat for dessert.

But, if you want to dine in a normal restaurant, there are several you can choose from in the vicinity of the Christmas markets in Györ.

Komedias restaurant: This is a trendy restaurant among locals, simply because it has great Hungarian food at prices they can afford. It isn’t a place for a business dinner in a luxurious environment, but if you just want Hungarian food at great prices, this is a good place to go.

Website: http://www.komediasetterem.hu/
Address: Czuczor G. u. 30

Szalai vendeglö: It is very similar to the Komedias restaurant in many ways. Once again, you can eat traditional Hungarian meals, but with some more modern courses available. The price level is quite okay. If you want a nice lunch menu, this is a great place to go between 11.00 and 15.00.

Website: https://szalaivendeglo.hu/index.php/hu/
Address: Kisfaludy u. 34.

It is Christmas market time in Budapest!

The Christmas market at Vörösmarty square has already opened, and recently, we also got to know the dates for the fantastic Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest. If you haven’t booked your flight tickets yet, go ahead and do so right away. But, be sure to arrive in time, as the Christmas markets close on December 31st (Vörösmarty square) and January 1st (Szent Istvan square).

Would you like to know more about the Christmas markets in Budapest? You can find much more information on our Christmas markets in Budapest page.

what's up in budapest

What else is worth knowing about life in Budapest right now?

Life goes on as usual. There are no masks (unless you have to go to the hospital), restaurants are running with business as usual, and stores are open as they normally are. What might be new and interesting is the fact that two restaurants in Hungary got rewarded with two Michelin stars. One of the restaurants is named Stand and it is located in Budapest. The other restaurant is named Platán Gourment and it is located in the city of Tata (a 50-minute drive from Budapest in the direction of Vienna). If you have time and money, these restaurants are for sure worth visiting.

There are also several restaurants with one Michelin star. All of them are located in Budapest with the exception of one.

  • 42 (Esztergom
  • Babel (Budapest)
  • Borkonyha (Budapest)
  • Costes (Budapest)
  • Essencia (Budapest)
  • Rumour (Budapest)
  • Salt (Budapest)

We hope you will enjoy your stay in Budapest and that you will eat a lot of good food while here.

It is time for Christmas markets in Budapest again (2021)!

After a break in 2020 due to COVID, the Christmas markets in Budapest will once again shine and bring joy to the local population and tourists in 2021. The famous Christmas markets at the Vörösmarty square and the Szent Istvan square will open on November 19th. This is great news for those who want to drink some hot wine, buy souvenirs, and for those who long to taste some Hungarian Christmas fair food.

Christmas market in Budapest recommendations

It has been promised that the Christmas markets in 2021 will be made better for the local population as well. Normally, it has been considered a very expensive experience to eat on these markets, and that is why it is a requirement that all the companies serving food at the Christmas markets should offer meals costing no more than 1500. Of course, there will be plenty of meals costing a lot more, but there should be some cheaper options on their menu to support and to help make this event worth visiting, also for the locals.

New in 2021 is the fact that a vaccination passport is required to visit the Christmas markets. We do not know how they will actually do this, but there is supposed to be such a requirement. It might be that they will have guards checking the validity of your vaccination at the different entry points to the Christmas market. If such a thing will take place, then you can show it with your cell phone or a vaccination proof (card).

No matter what, we really look forward to be able to enjoy the beautiful Christmas markets in Budapest together with all of you once again!

Pictures from the Christmas markets in Budapest in 2019

Are you coming to Budapest to visit the Christmas markets this year? Or are you sad that you cannot visit the Christmas markets in 2019? Take a look at these pictures from the Christmas markets and get a taste of the atmosphere.

The Christmas markets will remain open until January 1st. The market at the Vörösmarty square is amazing, and so is the market in front of the Stephen’s Basilica.

Are you getting eager to visit the Christmas markets yourself? That is easy to understand.

Do not forget to plan your stay in Budapest! There are lots of tourists coming, meaning that many restaurants are fully booked, and we are doing more guided tours in December than any other month of the year. In other words, if you want to enjoy a guided tour, an airport transfer, a winetasting, or maybe a dinner in a brewery, book it as quickly as possible!

Merry Christmas to everyone from Budapest!

Pictures from the Christmas markets at Vorosmarty square in Budapest in 2019

November 8th was the opening day for the Christmas market at Vorosmarty square in Budapest in 2019. We were there on the opening day to take some pictures, and here you can take a look at them.

Christmas tree at Vorosmarty square.
They weren’t completely finished with the preparations yet as we visited the Christmas market on November 8th.

The Christmas market at the Vorosmarty square is the most famous in Budapest. In 2019, it seems to be a bit smaller than it normally is, due to works currently happening at the square. In the last years, all the food establishments have been located in the middle of the square, and this area has been surrounded by places where you can buy all sorts of products. This year, the food stalls are located on one side of the square, and on the other side of the square, you can purchase all sorts of products and handmade art. In other words, by the time of the opening of the Christmas market, it was only half the amount of normal stalls from which you can purchase products compared to the previous years. However, the quality of the products available was very high, so you have a lot to look forward to, no matter what!

Shopping at the Christmas market in budapest
Shopping at the Christmas market in Budapest

You probably know that the annual Christmas markets are about eating just as much as shopping. So, there will be a lot of delicious food waiting for you as you visit the Christmas market in Budapest at the Vorosmarty square. Beneath, you can see a picture showing the traditional Langos, one of the finest meals in Hungary, at least at festivals and at markets like this one.

You can eat Langos at the Christmas market on the Vorosmarty square.
You can eat Langos at the Christmas market on the Vorosmarty square.

Do not miss out on the Fashion Street

When you visit the Christmas market at the Vorosmarty square, make sure to walk along the Fashion street as well. This is a very nicely decorated street, and in the end (as you reach the Deak square), you will find one more market (much smaller) that is still worth visiting.

A picture from the Fashion street in Budapest

I guess you need no more proof… Budapest is beautiful before Christmas, and you have plenty of reasons to visit the city in 2019.


If you want more information about airport transfers in Budapest, book a wine dinner, or maybe arrange with a river cruise in Budapest before your arrival, read on here in the Budapest Guide at www.hungarybudapestguide.com.

Hotels near the Christmas markets in Budapest

Are you looking for a hotel near the Christmas markets in Budapest? Which hotel should you pick? Here you have some suggestions for centrally located hotels in Budapest near the most important Christmas markets!

As you might know already, Budapest is a fantastic city. And even though the city is fantastic all year round, it is especially beautiful before Christmas. That is when the Christmas lights are turned on, and the Christmas markets at the Vorosmarty square and the Saint Stephen’s square open.

The two biggest and most important Christmas markets in Budapest
The two biggest and most important Christmas markets in Budapest

The two circles show the areas of the two biggest Christmas markets. As you can see, they are located close to one another, meaning that there only is a short walk between both markets. Based on these locations, it is quite easy to find a hotel centrally located close to both Christmas markets.

Hotels near the Christmas markets in Budapest

It all depends on how much money you want to spend, but here you will find some recommendations that will make the Christmas markets easy to visit throughout the day without walking very much!

The five-star option – Kempinski

This hotel is located by the green square which you can see on the map above, almost in the middle between the two Christmas markets. It is an amazing five-star hotel with all the exclusive and nice features you might need. A sure winner if you want a central location combined with luxury!

If you want to swim in between your visits to the Christmas markets, choose Kempinski.
If you want to swim in between your visits to the Christmas markets, choose Kempinski.

A four-star option – Mercure City Center

This is a very central hotel located in the Vaci utca (the shopping street). It is very close to the Christmas market at Vorosmarty square (only a few minutes away), and a little bit further away from the other market. But, you can still reach the market at the Szent Istvan ter within less than 10 minutes on foot. The hotel normally has very good prices and considering that it is a four-star hotel, it should be worth taking into consideration.

A three-star option – Hotel Central Basilica

If you want to live closer to the Christmas market in front of the Saint Stephen’s Basilica, this is as close as it gets. Hotel Central Basilica is a three-star option that will give you a brilliant location at a low price. It isn’t as luxurious as the other two hotels, but it will do the job for most tourists who plan on spending more time outside the hotel than on the inside.

near the Christmas markets in Budapest
Hotel Central Basilica is ideal if you want to live close to the Christmas markets in Budapest

These are some suggestions to those looking for a hotel near the Christmas markets in Budapest. There are several hundred hotels to pick from, but not all of them have a central location. And it is true, you save a lot of time living at a central location. It might be more expensive than living far outside the city center, but if you first spend money on a flight ticket, an airport transfer, and other services, why not spend a few dollars extra in order to live at a good location as well?

If you have further questions or comments related to hotels located near the main Christmas markets in Budapest, write them in the comment field.