The Christmas markets in the heart of Hungary’s capital city attract visitors with stunning decorations, the lighting of the Christmas tree, a wide selection of stalls, and traditional Hungarian treats. Read our complete guide to this year’s Budapest Christmas markets in Budapest, Hungary.
Budapest: Where to Stay
If you’re planning a trip to the Budapest Christmas markets, I’d recommend staying right in the city centre. Budapest is a fantastic city for walking, and being close to all the action will save you both time and money on transport.
If you’re looking for something budget-friendly, try Flow Hostel. We stayed there when we were watching every penny, and I have to say it was a pleasant surprise. It’s a modern, cosy hostel just a short walk from the market hall – and at a great price.
Those who want a touch of luxury should check out Hotel Vision. We stayed there last year and I can’t praise the breakfasts, location, and beautiful rooms enough. If you’re after a truly exceptional experience, then Aria Hotel Budapest by Library Hotel Collection is a bullseye. But be prepared to pay a premium for that level of luxury.
And if you’re looking for something in between, great options include Eurostars Danube Budapest, Novotel Budapest Danube, or Milford Suites Budapest. They offer comfort, a superb location, and still at reasonable prices. So pick what suits you best and enjoy Budapest to the fullest!
You might also like: 12 Best Cafés in Budapest
TIP: Many tour operators offer organised trips to the Budapest Christmas markets every year. With GetYourGuide, you can also find guided Christmas market walking tours and other festive experiences in Budapest.
Budapest Christmas Markets: When and Where
The Budapest Christmas markets take place at several locations across the city centre. The markets usually begin in mid-November and run until after Christmas, with some continuing into early January. This year, the Budapest Christmas markets run from 15 November to 1 January 2026.
Main Christmas Market Locations in Budapest
- Vörösmarty Square – The largest and most famous Christmas market, where you’ll find the widest selection of stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, and traditional Hungarian food.
- Szent István tér (St. Stephen’s Square) – Another popular spot featuring a smaller market with a unique atmosphere, an ice rink for skating, and a stunning light show projected onto St. Stephen’s Basilica.
Opening Hours
| Location | Dates | Opening Hours |
| Vörösmarty Square | 15 Nov – 31 Dec 2025 | Sun–Thu: 11:00–21:00 Fri–Sat: 11:00–22:00 |
| Szent István tér | 15 Nov – 1 Jan 2026 | Sun–Thu: 11:00–22:00 Fri–Sat: 11:00–23:00 |
What to Eat at the Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in Budapest, Hungary are famous for their incredible food and drink offerings. Don’t miss delicacies like traditional Hungarian lángos, sausages, or sweet chimney cake (kürtőskalács).
Also read: Christmas Markets in Bratislava
Other treats to try:
- sausages and traditional Hungarian cured meats,
- gingerbread and chimney cake (kürtőskalács),
- mulled wine (Forralt bor),
- hot chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Christmas markets in Budapest?
The most popular are the markets at Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István tér), where you’ll find a wide selection of stalls, food, and entertainment programmes.
What are the opening hours of Budapest Christmas markets?
The markets are open every day from 11:00 to 21:00. On weekends, they stay open until 22:00 or even 23:00 depending on the location.
What traditional food to try at the markets?
We recommend trying lángos, Hungarian sausages, gingerbread, and chimney cake (kürtőskalács).
When planning your trip to the Budapest Christmas markets, it’s worth thinking about the little things that can save you a lot of hassle. Even though Hungary is relatively close to home, travel insurance is definitely a good idea – whether it’s for unexpected health issues, lost luggage, or a slip on the icy streets along the Danube. Make sure to arrange comprehensive travel insurance before your trip so you can enjoy the festive season worry-free.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
