Budapest Advent and Christmas Fair
Budapest Advent and Christmas Fair
4
About
The Christmas Fair takes place on the Vörösmarty Square in the centre of the city which turns, for a few weeks, into a Winter Market, placed in front of the famous Gerbeaud Coffee House, at the end of the pedestrian street Vaci. Sound, lights and flavours unite the large number of people into a very festive crowd.
The scent of Hungarian honey cookies, mulled wine, cinnamon makes everyone feel the celebration of Christmas with all one's senses. The lighting of candles on the Advent Wreath is accompanied by choral singing and all day long you will be tempted by the Hungarian culinary specialties like the stuffed cabbage rolls, roasted goose, foie gras, as good as the French one, grilled paprika sausages and a lot of other Christmas dishes.
Wooden stalls and outdoor stages allow craftsmen and artists to show their talent. It is the place where you can buy original hand-crafted gifts for your family and friends.
The Fair's visitors will be entertained by folk, jazz, blues, soul, crossover, world music concerts, dance house performances.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Belváros-Lipótváros
How to get there
- Vörösmarty tér • 1 min walk
- Deák Ferenc tér • 4 min walk
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See what travelers are saying
- Neil KLiverpool, United Kingdom619,734 contributionsDo as the locals do17th of November and the Christmas markets starting opening up for the Yuletide season,we dropped by this Christmas market on Vorosmarty Square and had a great time. It's a famous square surrounded by superb architectural and some nice statue's, the actual Christmas market looks superb ,lots of stall all beautifully decorated and it's popular, packed on opening day ,we enjoyed gluhwein in a couple of stalls,love it ,food looked and smelt amazing but looking at the prices put me off,inflated beyond belief,if you need to eat there's enough shops and fast food outlets around the square so do as the locals do ,buy something to eat from outside the Christmas market and chomp away in the Christmas market, much cheaper and you're not getting had away by the card machines with their poor exchange rates. A beautiful Christmas market, well worth checking out if you're in the area and in Budapest over the Christmas period.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 26, 2023
- Trek52697339860Hungary1 contributionIncredibly Overpriced FoodThe markets have a good atmosphere but this is dampened by the food stalls trying to overcharge for already expensive items. I ordered 1 cabbage roll and 1 sausage and I went to pay with card and I saw it was Huf 13,900 or EUR 36…. I laughed at the lady and just walked away…Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 27, 2023
- Nigsy2008Liverpool, United Kingdom194 contributionsOverpriced Xmas Market (Same In Every City)Had to visit whilst visiting Budapest would be weird if we didn't!! However, it's a Xmas Market, expect to be ripped off if you are that soft to make a purchase. We have a Xmas Market in Liverpool, and exactly like Budapest, it's a rip-off hence we never visit it! It's definitely worth a visit to experience the Xmas vibe, however don't be daft and pay over the odd prices! Just take in the atmosphere and enjoy it without paying £12 for 3 small pieces of chocolates, or nearly £20 for some Goulash!! Haha . . .people must be mad or made of money?!Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 10, 2023
- LucianimobBucharest, Romania15 contributionsWell worth it. Budapest is lovely in decemberOur 3rd time in Budapest, but 1st time at their Christmas markets. It was a lovely experience, whole city center gives you holiday vibes, everywhere smells amazing from their delicious food. We had some paprikas , goulash and lángos. All excellent, delicious . St Istvan Basilica was also beautiful to watch with the lights game displayed on it every 30 minutes. Overall a nice cosy Christmas atmosphere in Budapest, a lovely city with lots of touristic attractions. As a Romanian tourist i would like to thank our Hungarian neighbours for the hospitality. Kisses and love from Romania to Hungary . Merry Christmas !Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 10, 2023
- Lily HuWashington DC, District of Columbia909 contributionsToo expensiveBeen to Christmas makers across 4 countries and somehow unexpectedly, budapest is the most expensive. Some soup and two snack foods will set you back almost $40. Some vendors are nice and pleasant but some are very pushy and unpleasant. Lines aren't long.Visited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
532 reviews
Excellent
257
Very good
131
Average
65
Poor
26
Terrible
53
BolloLongIsland
Oyster Bay, NY34 contributions
Dec 2019
The Christmas Markets throughout the city were an unexpected pleasure of our vacation visit. Flew in two days after Christmas and stayed until after the New Year. We had been to the markets in Lake Como and Milan two years ago and the Budapest and Vienna Markets are much larger and are sprawlled
throughout the city. Vorosmarty Square is perhaps the biggest in Budapest but there are several around the Ritz Carlton hotel and Ferris wheel area that are also a lot of fun. Laid out in front of the Cathedral you can expect to find booths offering mulled wines, smoked fish, hot meals and sweets of various natures. Americans don't need to worry as English is the common language and there are signs everywhere which make it easy to get around. Budapest is a destination that is going to continue to grow in appeal to travelers. I highly recommend visiting it during this time of year.
throughout the city. Vorosmarty Square is perhaps the biggest in Budapest but there are several around the Ritz Carlton hotel and Ferris wheel area that are also a lot of fun. Laid out in front of the Cathedral you can expect to find booths offering mulled wines, smoked fish, hot meals and sweets of various natures. Americans don't need to worry as English is the common language and there are signs everywhere which make it easy to get around. Budapest is a destination that is going to continue to grow in appeal to travelers. I highly recommend visiting it during this time of year.
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JanGwent_southwales
South Wales, UK88 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We just got back from 4 nights in Budapest and visited the Christmas market 3 times.
There's a great atmosphere and lots of stalls selling food, crafts, sweets, mulled wine etc. We loved it and ate the street food of several vendors which was great but hugely more expensive than local bars and restaurants so be aware and shop around.
Even though it was the week between Christmas and New Year it was very very busy.
There's a great atmosphere and lots of stalls selling food, crafts, sweets, mulled wine etc. We loved it and ate the street food of several vendors which was great but hugely more expensive than local bars and restaurants so be aware and shop around.
Even though it was the week between Christmas and New Year it was very very busy.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HettyWalt
London, UK60 contributions
Dec 2019
There are 2 markets really, one in front of St Stephens Basilica and another in Vorosmarty square. Don't go to Budapest just for the Christmas market as you are likely to be disappointed, but as an extra something on a winter city break it was great. Although it is open until late we found that the craft stalls are all packed away by 8pm leaving just the food. The big food stall on the corner of Vorosmarty Square was doing great business and at very high prices! The mulled wine is about 30% more expensive here than in a bar but nice to wander around with. Don't expect a bargain in either the crafts or the food and drink.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinylass
Sheffield, UK4,399 contributions
Dec 2022
We visited the Budapest markets in 2013 and absolutely loved it. We bought loads of stuff and ate some fantastic food at amazing prices. We go on holiday every year to a different European Christmas market and bragged about Budapest so much that my parents asked if we would take them.
The markets themselves were definitely smaller than they used to be but they were still selling some lovely items including some unusual things which is what we like. There were twinkling lights everywhere and Christmas music playing and the atmosphere was still lovely. However, the prices seem to have sky rocketed and were bordering on insane. It was over £10 for a crepe!!! All the food was extortionate. It looked good, and the one flatbread we bought (and shared) was very tasty but they were just ripping you off for no reason. Even though restaurant prices also seem to have gone up with a bang, some of the food on the markets was more expensive than paying to sit down in a decent restaurant - crazy! I know prices have obviously gone up in 9 years but come on, is there any need to charge that much money!!!
The markets themselves were definitely smaller than they used to be but they were still selling some lovely items including some unusual things which is what we like. There were twinkling lights everywhere and Christmas music playing and the atmosphere was still lovely. However, the prices seem to have sky rocketed and were bordering on insane. It was over £10 for a crepe!!! All the food was extortionate. It looked good, and the one flatbread we bought (and shared) was very tasty but they were just ripping you off for no reason. Even though restaurant prices also seem to have gone up with a bang, some of the food on the markets was more expensive than paying to sit down in a decent restaurant - crazy! I know prices have obviously gone up in 9 years but come on, is there any need to charge that much money!!!
Written January 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liza
Magherafelt, UK15 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We went to budapest for Christmas. Had researched things to do & seemed to be loads. Unfortunately no one mentioned by law all shops have to close between 12-2pm on Christmas Eve & most donot open up until at least after boxing day. We were leaving on boxing day & could not even find a public toilet opened to use.
The city is gorgeous. The Voroesity Square is the place to stay near. Central to everything. We stayed in district 7 which was more residential & very sad to see alot of homeless.
Be careful when liftin money put as gives you large nores which is hardto get changed. The bank refused to change it for us as we did not have an account there.
The river cruise is a must. Was amazing. Never go over Christmas as even transport ends @ 5pm xmas eve. We never got 2do much sightseeing due to closure & was not mentioned anywere.
The city is gorgeous. The Voroesity Square is the place to stay near. Central to everything. We stayed in district 7 which was more residential & very sad to see alot of homeless.
Be careful when liftin money put as gives you large nores which is hardto get changed. The bank refused to change it for us as we did not have an account there.
The river cruise is a must. Was amazing. Never go over Christmas as even transport ends @ 5pm xmas eve. We never got 2do much sightseeing due to closure & was not mentioned anywere.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James H
Belgrade Lakes, ME28 contributions
Dec 2019
Lovely venue for a Christmas fair. Superb food selections, somewhat limited craft and gift selections compared to other Christmas markets. The basilica is stunningly beautiful and awe inspiring. We happened to catch the end of a children's choir performance that was just magical. An excellent addition to everything else Budapest has to offer.
There is another Christmas market on "Fashion Street" a half mile or so away. Much larger variety of local foods, and more interesting crafts, such as hand forged knives. Also not to miss.
There is another Christmas market on "Fashion Street" a half mile or so away. Much larger variety of local foods, and more interesting crafts, such as hand forged knives. Also not to miss.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pikku007
Valletta, Malta169 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
A potato dough flat bread with a triple fried half cold Hungarian hot dog for 2500 HUF, at a pastry shop without prices you get a small poppy seed cake for 2800 HUF. These are the prices at the Christmas fair. The place is good for a walk and a hot wine but not to eat. Beware of shops without prices or prices for 1/4 of their ware on display.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert G.
Miami, FL62 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Beautiful Christmas Markets, very busy, and very cold. Gets dark very early. Went to some of the Christmas markets and they were all very crowded, difficult to walk at times. Historic sights were very beautiful and folks overall very friendly. Warning, UBER does not work, and Bolt is sometimes unreliable. We almost missed our returning train because the Bolt driver had accepted our pick up, while not having dropped off his current passenger yet. What the app said was a 14 minute wait, turned into over 25 mins. And I finally had to cancel and get a cab. Don’t get a cab that says freelancer on door. They can rip you off. And have cash with you. Although cabs advertise they take credit cards, they ask for cash and get a bit upset when they finally have to accept credit cards. Don’t think I’ll visit again. Budapest is worth visiting once, but don’t think I’ll return. Still it is definitely worth visiting.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emkaysixfive
United Kingdom134 contributions
Nov 2022
A lovely experience whilst on a short break to Budapest. There were some fantastic hand made goods on offer although don't expect any bargains. In fact the cost of everything in the main shops - Zara, H&M, KFC etc., is pretty much the same as in the UK but the atmosphere at the Christmas market especially at St. Stephen's Basilica is fantastic. Get a mulled wine and a few knick-knack's but please avoid the outdoor food stands as they are an absolute con and there are no price lists. Even the old dear selling hot chestnuts was charging 5 Euro for a bag which had about 9 chestnuts in! At least there are a number of Aldi's and Lidl's around Pest to even thigs out!
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nigel W
7 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
We had the same experience as a lot of visitors. Found Budapest to be a beautiful city to walk around and the Christmas Markets were lovely to visit but the food offered on the stalls is vastly overpriced. 80 euros for 2 hot dogs and 2 plates of goulash was way too much. We wanted to buy some of the sweet treats too but not at the prices they wanted. Shame really as it took some of the shine off the place.
Written December 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abigail P
Manchester, UK13 contributions
Does anyone know when the markets start in 2021? We are going at the end of November.
Kirstie B
Bristol, UK3 contributions
Is the Christmas Market still happening in 2020? We're meant to be visiting in December but most of the UK cities have cancelled now, so we're worried that Budapest Market will be cancelled too
Rebecca Almeida
Dubai, United Arab Emirates31 contributions
Im double checking and will let you know soonest.
Tony S
Burgess Hill, UK205 contributions
We are landing in Budapest on the 24th of December and I understand that Christmas eve is the big day in Hungary.
My question is will everything be open on the 25th and 26th of December would really like to do the market on the 25th.
itsclairex1 .
Enfield, UK108 contributions
Hi there! We’re visiting Budapest between 8th - 12th November. Will the Christmas markets be on then?
bunto
Inverkeithing, UK361 contributions
We were there 15-18 November last year, the beautiful Christmas Market was up and running. Think it started 9Nov. The one in front of St.Stephens Basilica was being built, no doubt ready before end November.
Are the Christmas markets suitable for children 8 & 5?
Merle J
Cape Town Central, South Africa28 contributions
Yes it is. Lots of music, food, trinkets. it has a party atmosphere at night though
zsuzsa
Gislaved, Sweden
Szep jo napot,
Szeretnem megerdeklödni, az adventi vasar helyszinet es datumat.
Udv,
Szabó Zsuzsa
Carol C
Valencia, Spain107 contributions
Hola, ¿podríais decirme si los días 24, 25 y 26 de diciembre están abiertos los mercados de Navidad 🎄?
Gracias
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Frequently Asked Questions about Budapest Advent and Christmas Fair
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