3 Christmas Markets in Budapest that you must visit

When you are visiting a city late November or December a visit to a local Christmas Market is a must. This way you will be able to see the local culture, taste some local food and also enjoy the nice atmosphere full with sweet, spicy fragrances. And of course you can buy some local gifts for yourself or for your family members, friends. I will help you with presenting 3 Christmas Markets in Budapest that really worth visiting.

1. I can honestly tell you that I love Christmas Markets. And my top favorite is the Budapest Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty square (in the heart of Budapest). At weekends it can be very crowded but if you can’t visit in weekdays you will surely survive the crowd.

You can find many handmade products like leather bags and purses, wooden toys, ceramics, jewelry, knitted scarves and caps, different decorations. My favorite is the colored ceramics. I have a few coffee and tea mugs that I purchased here. Just can’t resist to buy something every year. I already see that this year the heart shaped ceramics will be the winner for me because it can be set on the Christmas tree or on any other table decoration.

And if you are already there just try the mulled wine and the kürtőskalács (chimney cake), you won’t regret it!

2. The Advent Feast at the Basilica is another Christmas Market that you must visit. Here you can also find handcrafted items, gifts and delicacies, gourmet food and spirits.

It is smaller but has an ice skating rink and a gorgeous monumental 3D mappings at night. The St. Stephen’s Basilica is gorgeous but with 3D mappings I would say it is breathtaking.

The local food is also present, so you can try the lángos (deep fried dough) or the roasted chestnut. If you don’t like the mulled wine there is no problem, you can have a hot tea or a hot chocolate and enjoy the visit!

3. If you have more time and you like small Markets (or less crowded Markets) I would suggest to visit the Óbuda Advent Fair at Szentlélek square and Fő square.

Óbuda is the 3rd district of Budapest and you can easily rich it with tram number 1. Designers, fine artists, open view kitchens, wineries, breweries, pálinka distilleries will await you.

Pálinka is a typical Hungarian drink with very high percentage of alcohol and is made from fruits (mainly pear, plum and apple). Here you will find more locals because it is a bit far from the city center, but the nice atmosphere of the Market will reimburse your effort. I especially like that the prices are more reasonable and the ice skating rink is bigger. They have more programs, so you might see a nice Hungarian folk dance performance!