Event Dates
From: Friday, November 24, 2023
To: Sunday, December 31, 2023
The most beautiful, oldest and internationally acclaimed Budapest Christmas fair is the Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square
Budapest is home to several Christmas markets, which open around mid November and close at the end of December (December 31) each year.
- Stay close to the main Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square with over 80 hotels nearby. The Noble Boutique Hotel – Adults Only has a hip design with lots of personality, great staff and is 600m from the market.
A Traditional Market Experience
Budapest Christmas markets focus on preserving authentic Hungarian folk art and traditions offering quality handcrafts made with passion and love, rather than commercialized kitschy Christmas gifts.
- Christmas fairs in Budapest offer visitors one of the most authentic market experiences in Europe.
- Shop for traditional handmade gifts, drink mulled wine, nibble Hungarian pastries such as the famous chimney shaped cylindrical ‘Kurtos kalacs’, eat delicious street foods (sausages, snacks, roast chestnuts), and experience charming pop-up concerts and choirs.
Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square
- Awaiting dates – The most beautiful, oldest and internationally acclaimed Budapest Christmas fair is the Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square in the heart of the city (since 1998).
- The market is famous for its authentic craft stalls and food vendors. Craft items range from the traditional to the contemporary, great for finding unique gifts for the person who has everything. Vorosmarty Square also hosts several free concerts each day with festive tunes by local Hungarian bands.
- Check out the top hotels closest to the main Christmas market.
Advent Bazilika – The Advent Fair by St Stephen’s Basilica
- Although smaller than the market on Vorosmarty Square, the Advent fair is one of our favourites with the beautiful St Stephen’s Basilica providing the perfect backdrop to festivities. The market comes complete with an ice skating rink and a beautiful christmas tree.
- The video mapping show on the facade of St Stephens is a must-see! They even have a 3d version, just don’t forget to purchase your 3D specs from any of the vendors beforehand. Make sure you try the mulled wine at the Divino wine stand, its great quality and worth the queue.
- There are some excellent hotels close to the Basilica, The Aria Hotel is a stunning 5 star with amazing facilities and a epic rooftop bar, worth a visit even if you don’t plan on staying overnight. The hotel is 100m from the markets.
- Meanwhile, The Roombach Hotel is a charming 3 star with a funky design, great breakfast options and just 500m from the market. It has great rates and private parking.
Óbuda Christmas Markets
- Óbuda is one of the most popular markets with local residents. Old Buda is in found in the north of the Buda side and comes complete with a charming old town with a chocolate box style beautiful town hall.
- The Óbuda Christmas market starts four weeks before Christmas and ends on the 23rd of December.
Take the Budapest Christmas Market Tour with Basilica Entry & Mulled Wine.
- Get into the holiday spirit with this 2.5-hour walking tour of Budapest Christmas markets. Follow a guide through the city streets to see Andrássy Avenue, St. Stephen’s Basilica, and the Hungarian State Opera House.
- Afterward, head to the Christmas markets to peruse handmade mementos and Hungarian delicacies. You’ll be treated to a cup of mulled wine at the end of your tour.
Other Activities
- Enjoy a great cruise on the river Danube at Christmas. Budapest winter sights are even more beautiful during night boat tours.
- The Budapest Nutcracker Ballet is the regular winter show in the Hungarian State Opera House, also the home of the National Ballet Institute. Enjoy Christmas with an enchanting tale.
- The Varosligeti Ice Rink in Budapest City Park is a must for winter sports lovers in Budapest. Rent a pair of skates to glide around the Ice Rink Palace and Vajdahunyad Castle. Fun and romantic.
The Christmas Streetcar Ride
- Every year from early December, you can enjoy the special Christmas Streetcar ride in Budapest in some of the scenic routes in the city.
- You can travel on the tram every day until January 6th (with the exception of December 24th and 31st) from 4 pm to 9:30 pm. All you need is a valid ticket or monthly pass to get on the UV tram and enjoy the ride.
Where to Stay in Budapest?
- This “Paris of the East” has long been known as a gay center of Eastern Europe. Budapest is made up of two parts – Buda and Pest – the Danube river separates the two. Pest is considered the buzzing side of the city, while Buda is a lot calmer and more residential. Pest is the go-to place for nightlife!
- There is no single gay neighborhood, but most gay-popular bars and clubs can be found in Pest in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th districts, many within walking distance of one another. Stay in the Casati Budapest Hotel with differently styled rooms, in a quite location yet close to the buzz of the city.
Trending Budapest Hotels
Here are our editors top choices for hotels in the city. These venues will keep you close to all gay bars and clubs, and a short trip to the best Christmas markets.
Four Seasons Hotel, Hotel Palazzo Zichy, Three Corners Hotel, House Beletage.
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Hotel Moments is our preferred hotel
with stunning rooms and great breakfast
For further information and advice on
Budapest Christmas Markets Website
This “Paris of the East” has long been known as a gay center of Eastern Europe, but things have really taken off since reintegration with the West. There is no single gay neighborhood, but most gay-popular bars and clubs can be found in Pest in the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th districts, many within walking distance of one another. Defining lines aren’t drawn as sharply here as in the West – except at men’s saunas or cruise bars – and people mix more.
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We have chosen hotels in Budapest that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Built in 1906 and entirely renovated in 2004, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace enjoys an incomparable location in front of the Chain Bridge, offering luxury units, an infinity-edge pool, a fitness room and a restaurant and bar. All rooms offer iPod Docking Station, satellite TV, wired and wireless internet and marble bathrooms with a bath or a shower
Located in the historic Palace Quarter in Budapest’s centre, Hotel Palazzo Zichy Budapest offers a free sauna and a free fitness centre. This neo-Baroque palace dating from 1899 also has free Wi-Fi access. All rooms are air conditioned and have a flat-screen TV, a laptop-size safe and a work desk. The private bathroom comprises a hairdryer and free toiletries
The 4-star-superior Continental Hotel Budapest opened in 2010 at the former site of Hungaria Bath, a protected Art Nouveau building. Each room category boasts Art Deco style and comes with free WiFi, soundproofed windows and air conditioning, an LCD satellite TV. The bathrooms have a hairdryer, free toiletries, shower or bathtub. A minibar
This 3-star hotel, renovated in 2019, is located on a pedestrian street, next to the Kalvin Square metro, Three Corners Hotel Art Superior offers WiFi internet and sauna are available for free. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Apartments feature 1 or 2 bedrooms, and a living room.
Christmas fair in Budapest
Budapest’s LGBTQ+ scene includes various social spaces, bars, clubs, and events that cater to the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The annual Budapest Pride is a significant event that brings together people to celebrate diversity and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. The first Budapest Pride took place in 1997, and the event has grown in visibility and participation over the years.
This is the heart of Budapest, known for its historic & architectural charm. It’s close to many major attractions.
Characterized by its elegant boulevards, luxury shops, & beautiful architecture.