Budapest's most beautiful Christmas markets in 2024

During the holiday season, Budapest becomes a truly magical place, full of light, scents and atmospheres. If you visit Budapest in 2024, do not miss the city's largest and most spectacular Christmas markets! In this article, we present the four most popular fairs, which are favorites of tourists and locals every year.

1. Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair

The city's most famous Christmas market is located in the heart of Budapest, on Vörösmarty Square. This is one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Hungary, where visitors can immerse themselves in a real winter wonderland. The offer of the fair is unparalleled: local handicrafts, traditional Hungarian dishes such as lángos and kürtőskalács, as well as special Christmas drinks await those interested.

Opening hours

The Vörösmarty Square Christmas Fair awaits visitors from November 15, 2024 until the dawn of the new year in the heart of Budapest. General opening hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The light railway operates from Monday to Friday from 14:00 to 20:00 and on weekends from 11:00 to 20:00. Holiday and special opening hours on December 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on Christmas Day from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on New Year's Eve from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Location

Vörösmarty tér is located in the center of Budapest, a few minutes' walk from the banks of the Danube and the famous Váci Street. This easily accessible location is ideal for anyone who would like to combine sightseeing with Christmas experiences.

Parking Zone: 0501

Parking time only on working days 08:00 - 22:00
Maximum waiting time: 3 hours
Car: HUF 600/hour
Truck, motorhome, bus: HUF 1,800/hour

2. Christmas Market in front of the Basilica

The Christmas market at the Advent Basilica is more spectacular every year. The fair held in front of the imposing building of the Szent István Basilica exudes an exceptional atmosphere: the huge Christmas tree, lighted garlands, and festive music provide a magical experience. Visitors can skate on an ice rink, and the light painting projected onto the facade of the building provides an impressive sight every evening.

Opening hours

The Advent Basilica Christmas Fair awaits visitors between November 15, 2024 and January 1, 2025 at Szent István Square, in the heart of Budapest. The event chosen as the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe offers nearly a hundred artisan exhibitors, mouth-watering gastronomic experiences, a festive light net and light painting. General opening hours: Monday to Thursday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Location

The fair is located in the heart of the city center, near the Basilica, and can be easily reached on foot from Vörösmarty Square or from the nearby Deák Ferenc Square.

Parking Zone: 0501

Parking time only on working days 08:00 - 22:00
Maximum waiting time: 3 hours
Car: HUF 600/hour
Truck, motorhome, bus: HUF 1,800/hour

3. Óbuda Christmas Fair

On the picturesque main square of Óbuda, in the northern part of Budapest, there is one of the friendliest and most familiar Christmas markets. This location is especially popular among families with children, as there are many programs for the little ones: petting zoo, crafts and various stage performances entertain the audience. The main square is beautifully decorated, and the special flavors and drinks are not left out here either.

Opening hours

The Advent fair can be visited between December 1 and December 23, 2024.

Location

The main square in Óbuda is located on Bécsi út, which is further away from the city center, but worth a visit for the calmer, but still festive atmosphere.