Budapest lights up: A selection of Christmas Markets

By Julius Hendricks

Throughout early November and December, thousands of travelers flock to Budapest for a particularly special occasion. While most cities in Europe offer captivating Christmas markets, few compare to the beauty, variety, and charm of Budapest’s. From ice skating at the Városliget market to drinking mulled wine at the Basilica, your options are endless… if you’re willing to pay the price. Each market features a curated selection of vendors selling something unique. You’ll see handmade ceramics beside leather goods, woven scarves beside wooden toys, and hand-poured candles tucked between embroidered tablecloths. Many of the artisans come from across Hungary and spend months preparing for the season, which makes their work especially meaningful. But be prepared, Budapest’s Christmas markets are the most crowded attractions in the city during the holiday season. Roughly 800,000 tourists visit each year specifically for the markets. Yes, the crowds can feel overwhelming, and yes, paying 10,000 forints for traditional Hungarian food feels a little unreasonable. Still, the atmosphere, the quality of the crafts, and the endless things to do make it worth every moment.

If you’re looking for traditional Hungarian food, head straight to the Vörösmarty Square Xmas Classic Market. Every market has great dishes, but this one has the widest selection. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, you can enjoy lángos (deep-fried dough, typically topped with sour cream and cheese), gulyás soup, and more. The food alone makes the market worth visiting, but the vendors truly elevate the experience. You’ll see hand-painted pottery, warm wool scarves, delicate jewelry crafted by local artisans, and personalized Christmas ornaments. Many of the sellers love talking about their work, which makes each purchase feel personal rather than touristy. My favorite art vendor at this market is Painted City, where you can find beautiful watercolor paintings of Budapest’s breathtaking cityscapes. Here you can find the perfect gift for someone abroad, showcasing the true beauty of Budapest. András Szoboszlay expertly captures an array of Budapest’s best-known buildings, like St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Parliament building, and Fisherman’s Bastion, with vibrant colors that seem to pop off the paper. Take a look through his captivating works the next time you visit the Vörösmarty Christmas market.

Personally, I think the best part of Vörösmarty is the kürtőskalács (chimney cake) from Vitéz Kürtös. They serve some of the most unique and delicious chimney cakes in Budapest’s markets. My favorite is the Kürtős Krémes, which is a chimney cake filled with dough. They even offer gluten-free, egg-free, and milk-free versions, which are rare to find at Christmas markets. If you’re craving something sweet while browsing the stalls, definitely check out Vitéz Kürtös.

The most famous Christmas market in Budapest is the Advent Bazilika Christmas Market located in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica. What sets it apart is the astonishing light show that’s projected onto the Basilica every half hour. This isn’t just the most beautiful market in Budapest; it has been voted Europe’s most beautiful Christmas market for four years in a row, and it absolutely earns that title. Hosting nearly one hundred Hungarian artisans, traditional food stalls, and a towering Christmas tree, the Advent Bazilika truly feels magical.

The vendors here are especially impressive. You’ll find ceramicists shaping clay ornaments, leather craftsmen stitching wallets and bags by hand, jewelry makers who can tell you the story behind every stone, and woodcarvers creating pieces that look like they belong in a fairy tale. Many of them only sell at Christmas markets, so what you buy here is one-of-a-kind. Most vendors are more than happy to explain their craft, so you learn about Hungarian traditions while you shop. My favorite vendor at the Advent Basilica Market is Parpar Art. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for someone this holiday season, check out the expertly crafted handmade ornaments or wreaths. Each piece is made of dried citrus fruits and even dried persimmons, cut beautifully to make Parpar’s signature wreaths. You won’t find another seller at Budapest’s markets with holiday decorations like Parpar Art’s. They also sell essential oils made naturally from a variety of herbs. Open from November 14 to January 1, the Advent Basilica offers a diverse array of attractions that you could visit numerous times and still discover something new each time.

While Vörösmarty and the Basilica markets get most of the attention, the Városliget Christmas Market is one you definitely shouldn’t overlook. Located right by the famous City Park ice rink at Vajdahunyad Castle, this market has a cozy, winter-wonderland feel that makes it worth the visit. What sets Városliget apart is its natural setting. Instead of being surrounded by busy city streets, you’re browsing stalls under rows of twinkling lights, with trees and (hopefully) snow all around you. The vendors here are a mix of traditional artisans and modern designers. You’ll find stalls selling handmade wool socks, wooden ornaments, and beautifully carved nativity scenes. Still, you’ll also see trendy jewelry and minimalist ceramics that would fit right into anyone’s apartment. The energy here is quieter than the massive Basilica market, but it’s still full of life and music, making it a great place to explore if you want to enjoy the markets without feeling overwhelmed by crowds. Ice skating is a staple for any perfect winter outing, and the Vajdahunyad Christmas Market at City Park offers the best in Budapest. Boasting Europe’s largest ice rink, this market is perfect for someone looking for something exciting and new. With tickets only costing 2,500 forints for students, I don’t see why this isn’t a great option for anyone looking for something fun to do with friends, surrounded by smiling families and tourists in front of the stunning Vajdahunyad Castle. Even if you don’t plan to ice skate, Városliget is worth visiting for its vendors alone.

If you’re planning to visit Europe’s award-winning Christmas markets, don’t make the trip to Prague or Vienna. Budapest does it best. What makes Budapest stand out isn’t just how beautiful the markets look, but how much they offer. From the endless variety of vendors to the charm and personality of each location, Budapest creates a holiday experience that feels magical without feeling commercial. Glowing lights surround you, the smell of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts, handcrafted gifts that truly feel personal, and the warm buzz of people enjoying winter together. Whether you’re there to try traditional Hungarian food, browse stalls for unique souvenirs, or just soak in the cozy festive atmosphere, Budapest’s Christmas markets have everything you could want and so much more.

Photos by Julius Hendricks