Budapest Christmas markets 2025 – Dates, prices & travel tips

If you’re looking for a festive break that mixes atmospheric Christmas markets with great food and historic streets, then Budapest should be on your 2025 shortlist.

Unlike many European winter destinations, the Hungarian capital is often crisp rather than freezing to make it an inviting place to explore on foot.

Budapest is a city of two halves, there’s the hilly Buda and lively Pest, which are divided by the River Danube and connected by iconic bridges.

The biggest market takes place in Vörösmarty Square, with its traditional decorations, craft stalls and famous food court. The city’s other markets, including the spectacular Advent Feast at St Stephen’s Basilica and the Winter Festival at City Hall Park, are close by and easy to walk to.

This guide from the Christmas.co.uk team brings together the essential information you’ll need when visiting Budapest’s Christmas markets in 2025, including dates, prices, travel tips and the best areas to stay. You should also check out our other European Christmas market guides.

When are the Budapest Christmas markets in 2025?

Budapest boasts several Christmas markets, each with its own distinct charm. The largest and most popular is the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square, which is on:

November 14, 2025 – January 1, 2026

The official website states that the market is open on these days and hours: Mon–Thu 11 am to 9 pm; Fri–Sat 11 am to 10 pm; 24 Dec (Christmas Eve) 10 am to 2 pm; 25-26 Dec (Christmas Day and Boxing Day) noon to 6pm; 31 Dec (New Year’s Eve) 11 am to 3 pm.

Other notable markets include the Advent Feast at St Stephen’s Basilica, which is open on the same dates for the Vörösmarty Square event, and we quite liked the Winter Festival at City Hall Park which runs from November 15 2025 to February 2 2026 and includes lots of activities, including an ice rink.

Why visit the Christmas markets in Budapest?

While the biggest and most popular market is at Vörösmarty Square the stage used for performances was removed in 2022, but there is a small railway ride to enjoy.

Other reasons for making Budapest your choice of festive markets include:

• Festive treats: Warm your hands with a steaming mug of forralt bor (mulled wine), spiced with cinnamon, cloves and citrus. We’d also highly recommend Hungarian comfort food treats like kürtőskalács (chimney cakes), a sweet pastry dusted with cinnamon or cocoa, and langos, a deep-fried flatbread topped with savoury options like sour cream and cheese. Obviously, Hungarian goulash, a hearty stew perfect for a chilly day, will be on your to do list.
• Artisan treasures: Browse a dazzling array of handcrafted treasures such as unique wooden ornaments depicting Hungarian landmarks, hand-embroidered tablecloths, warm sheepskin mittens and intricately decorated gingerbread houses. You can also watch the skilled craftspeople showcasing their talents in lacemaking, leatherwork and pottery.
• Festive entertainment: There are lots of vibrant street performances that include local choirs performing traditional carols and Hungarian folk songs. The city also offers impressive ice sculptures on many streets.

But that’s not all – Budapest is a great city to visit around the year with attractions including:

• Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Indulge in a luxurious soak at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Europe’s largest thermal bath complex, featuring ornate neo-Renaissance architecture and various pools with healing waters. The historic bathhouse offers a unique opportunity to unwind in steaming hot water amidst stunning architecture. They are very popular and worth a visit – the main area is outside so the naturally warm waters will be more enjoyable! Don’t forget to take your swimming costumes!
• Danube River: Take a romantic cruise along the Danube River – the second longest river in Europe – and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city that is adorned with festive lights. This time of year, the Buda Castle is illuminated against the night sky.
• Cultural tapestry: Budapest boasts a rich cultural heritage and along with the Buda Castle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), there’s also the Parliament Building and the Hungarian State Opera House – and all are decorated for the festivities.

Best 5 BUDAPEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS

The presenter, Stuffed Cabbage Adventures, is very enthusiastic and promises what the markets offer for food and drink and how much everything costs.

Along with the big attractions at Saint Stephen’s Basilica and the Vörösmarty Square, there are other alternative markets.

Starting at Vörösmarty Square, visitors will be impressed with the simple idea of having souvenir stalls on one side of the square, and food shops on the other.

It’s worth noting that the presenter states that the food appears to be more expensive than the year before – but the Christmas.co.uk team found eating in Budapest to be a very cheap experience compared to the UK!

PRESENTER TIP: The big markets only use cards but be aware that they add a service charge. He says visitors must change this to zero per cent since they aren’t servers relying on tips.

There’s also a market at Városháza Park Ice Skating, a nostalgic market at Óbuda Old Town and an advent attraction at the market in Újpest.

The lesser-known markets, the presenter says, are mostly visited by locals but are still worth a visit by tourists.

The history of Budapest’s Christmas markets

Budapest’s Christmas markets date from the 18th century and were originally established as a seasonal market for locals.

Over time, like many European Christmas markets, they have evolved into a major tourist attraction while retaining their warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The market stalls hold historical significance with many passing down through generations, adding a touch of authenticity to the experience.

There are now more than 100 stalls to visit, selling everything from handmade local crafts to Hungarian specialities.

The markets really took off in the early 1990s, and now thousands of tourists head to the city to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

It’s worth noting too that the Christmas markets stand apart from rivals with their commitment to tradition and quality.

The main market is known for its strict quality control, with all products being handmade and locally sourced.

There’s also traditional Hungarian cuisine available at the market, such as nokedli dumplings, lángos and chimney cakes.

Tips to enjoy Budapest’s Christmas markets

To get the best from your visit, it’s worth planning what you want to do.

• Clothing: Budapest winters can be chilly, with temperatures hovering around freezing. Pack warm layers – thermals, a winter coat, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots with good grip are essential.
• Currency: Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Consider exchanging some currency beforehand or using a travel card. Many stalls accept debit and credit cards, but carrying some cash is recommended. Don’t worry, every stall shows prices in euros too.
• Souvenirs: Keep an eye out for unique Hungarian keepsakes including paprika, traditional folk dolls in vibrant costumes, or a beautifully hand-painted porcelain ornament depicting Budapest landmarks.
• Language: It’s always worthwhile learning a few phrases which will be appreciated by locals such as ‘Jó napot’ (Good day), ‘Kérem’ (Please), ‘Köszönöm’ (Thank you), ‘Elnézést’ (Excuse me), and ‘Mennyibe kerül?’ (How much does this cost?). We found that outside of the main tourist areas, not many people speak English but trying their language will break down barriers!

Other cities worth a visit include Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom and they are all within a short distance and offer unique cultural experiences.

Each of these cities hosts its own Christmas market, providing more opportunities to experience Hungarian holiday traditions.

Other Christmas markets to visit

If you want to visit another festive market, then consider these:

• Vienna Christmas market: Take a day trip to Vienna, Austria, and explore its renowned Christmas market at Rathausplatz, known for its elegant atmosphere and giant ice skating rink.
• Prague Christmas market: Immerse yourself in the fairytale atmosphere of Prague’s Old Town Square Christmas market, featuring a giant Christmas tree, nativity scenes and handcrafted ornaments.

Budapest Christmas Markets: 4K Walking Tour

Here, World Traveler takes a walking tour to show how impressive Budapest’s Christmas markets are.

There’s even drone footage to highlight the city’s markets at Zrínyi Street and St Stephen’s Basilica, along with Deák Ferenc Street for the Christmas lights and the classic market at Vörösmarty.

There’s great footage of the food stalls and the range of souvenirs available.

For visitors with a sweet tooth, the range of cakes and strudels will impress.

The high-resolution video also highlights how bright and welcoming the markets are.

The visit to the Cathedral occurs when the cathedral bells are ringing.

How to visit the Budapest Christmas markets

• Flying: There are plenty of direct flights from the UK to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Budget carriers such as easyJet and Ryanair show one-way fares from around £21-£30 when booked well in advance. We found return fares on routes from London or other major UK airports often sit between £40-£100+, depending on the airport and how far ahead you book. The flight time is roughly 2h 20m-2h 40m for a direct flight. Check out Skyscanner for a good round up of the latest fares.
• Trains: There’s a marvellous train station in the centre of Budapest and lots of trains from big European cities. However, it takes nearly 21 hours to travel by train from London to Budapest with several changes so flying or, possibly, travelling by coach is best.
• Bus: The bus journey takes longer at around 32 hours (the quickest journey we found was 28 hours) and we found a ticket for £108 on Flixbus at a peak time in December.

Where to stay in Budapest

We found that Budapest offers travellers a great range of quality accommodation – we used Booking.com for checking for the best prices (Note: Christmas.co.uk might earn a commission if you book with them).

Budget choices are £30–£65 per night and include the Meininger Budapest Great Market Hall which is in a central location, Budapest Panorama Central for a simple and centrally located hotel with rooms from £40–£55 per night and B&B Hotel Budapest City which has compact rooms in a lively neighbourhood costing £50–£65 per night. Mid-range hotels to consider include the Corinthia Budapest which is a grand hotel on Erzsébet körút offering a luxury feel at mid-range pricing at £150–£170 per night, the Hotel Parliament and its stylish rooms in a historic building near the Hungarian Parliament and the Anjou Hotel Budapest which is a modern four-star option in the city centre. Luxury hotels here weigh in at £230–£500+ per night and include the Four Seasons Gresham Palace Budapest, an iconic luxury hotel overlooking the Chain Bridge with prices starting from £380–£500+ per night, the Ritz-Carlton, Budapest which has a top-tier spa experience and New York Palace (Anantara) which is on one of Budapest’s grandest boulevards.

Airbnb & Apartments: Budapest has a vibrant short-stay apartment scene, offering a more local experience. Private rooms cost from £40–£60 per night, while entire apartments cost £80–£130. (TIP: Always check the cleaning fees, building rules and transport links before booking).

If you don’t know Budapest, look at accommodation in these areas for easy access to the markets:

• Belváros – this is the historic heart of the city with lots of popular tourist attractions, including the Buda Castle
• Pest side which tends to be livelier with more restaurants and bars. Buda Castle district offers historic buildings, cobblestone squares
• There’s also the Jewish Quarter with its rich history and several synagogues, plus ‘ruin’ pubs that are busy and fun to drink in (we think!).

Budgeting for your Christmas market trip

Budapest is a great choice for a Christmas market trip. Here’s a breakdown of the costs to help you budget:

• Food and drink: Budapest Christmas market food costs for 2025 range from €3-€8 for the likes of sausages, langos and soups and the delicious chimney cake (kürtőskalács). Hot drinks like mulled wine (forralt bor) or hot chocolate are €2-€4, beer is between €2 and €6.
• Accommodation: Budapest offers a range of options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here’s a rough guide for anyone visiting in November/December 2025: Dorm bed in a hostel: from around £25-£45 per night; budget hotel room: from about £35-£60 per night; mid-range hotel room: around £60-£110 per night; luxury hotel room: from roughly £110+ per night.

  You can check out prices of hotels in Budapest on Booking.com (Note: Christmas.co.uk might earn a small commission from your booking).

• Transport: Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) runs a great network of metros, trams and buses across Budapest. A single ticket costs £1.15, a 24-hour travel card is £6.30, and a 72-hour travel card is £13.20. We think that if you’re planning a few trips around the city during a Christmas market visit, then the 24 hour or the 72 hour pass offers much better value.

• Taxis and ride-hailing: Uber has been banned in Budapest since 2016, but you can use alternatives such as Bolt. When taking a taxi, the industry is regulated so always check the meter starts at the correct fare and confirm any price quoted before setting off.
• Souvenirs and gifts: For unique Hungarian souvenirs and gifts, then handmade Christmas ornaments will cost £4-£9; Hungarian paprika (sweet or spicy): £2.50-£4; Embroidered crafts: £9-£17, bottles of Hungarian wine: £4-£17.
• Other Costs: Entrance fees to many attractions in Budapest are very affordable and you’ll find that most museums and historical sites cost around £6-£12. However, we think a must-do while here is the thermal baths at the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath. Entry with locker usage is around £26 for weekdays and £29-£31) at weekends and peak times. TIP: Bring or buy slippers and a swim cap, as they’re not included and can be pricey if bought at the bath.

You should really expect to budget €50-€70 per day on a budget-friendly trip, for mid-range trip €70-€100 per day and for a luxurious stay then €100+ per day.

Here are some tips to save money on your trip:

• Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you’re travelling during the peak Christmas market season (late November to December).
• Take advantage of the Budapest Card mentioned above which gives you free public transport, free or discounted entry to many attractions, and other discounts.
• Pack some snacks and drinks for your trip to save money on eating out all the time – difficult when visiting the markets.
• Look for free events and activities happening around the Christmas markets.
• Consider flying into a nearby airport, such as Bratislava in Slovakia, which can sometimes be cheaper than flying directly into Budapest.

Frequently Asked Questions – Budapest Christmas Markets 2025

Are the Budapest Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?

Yes. Both the Vörösmarty Square market and the Advent Feast at St Stephen’s Basilica open on Christmas Day, although hours are shorter than usual.

How much does mulled wine cost at the Christmas markets?

A cup of mulled wine generally starts around €3 to €4. Some stalls or speciality blends may range from €5 to €7. Prices can vary slightly between the Vörösmarty Square and Basilica markets.

Which area is best to stay in for the Budapest Christmas markets?

Travellers usually choose the Belváros (city centre) to be within walking distance of both major markets. The Jewish Quarter is ideal for nightlife and food options, while Buda Castle District suits visitors looking for quieter evenings and scenic views.

Are the Budapest Christmas markets family-friendly?

Yes. The markets offer ice rinks, festive light shows, craft stalls and plenty of food choices. The Basilica market is especially popular with families thanks to its Christmas light-projection show and open layout.

Do the market stalls accept card payments?

Most vendors at the main markets accept card payments but it’s still worth carrying a bit of cash for some traders or hot-drink kiosks.

Can you visit both main markets in one evening?

Absolutely. Vörösmarty Square and St Stephen’s Basilica are less than 10 minutes apart on foot. Many visitors explore both in a single trip.

What is the weather like in Budapest at Christmas?

Expect temperatures between 0°C and 5°C, often dropping below freezing at night. Snow is possible, so pack warm layers, gloves, hats and waterproof footwear.

Visit the Christmas markets in Budapest

Budapest’s Christmas markets offer a captivating blend of festive cheer, cultural richness and thermal bath relaxation.

The city offers a great escape from the ordinary so you can embrace the extraordinary at this European Christmas market.

With its enchanting atmosphere, tasty Hungarian cuisine and fascinating attractions, Budapest promises an unforgettable winter wonderland experience.