For many, Christmas is about getting some presents, drinking lots of mulled wine and spending more time than usual with family, but while you're enjoying this festive period, there is some important information to know about what's on and what's open in Budapest. For example. during Christmas - which includes the public holidays on December 25 and 26 - there are some changes to public transport schedules and opening hours, so here's our essential guide to the days ahead.

Public transportOn 24 December (Wednesday), until 4pm, the Saturday schedule will apply for all public transport services. After 4pm, metros, trams, trolley buses stop and are replaced by night bus networks. On the night of 25 December, Saturday schedules apply. On the night of 26 December, Friday schedules apply. Also if you take the bus, remember that on the 25th and 26th of December, the following bus lines will be out of service due to the closure of the big shopping centers: 22, 64, 104, 123, 126, 135, 162, 236. They will be replaced by 22A, 64A, 104A, 123A, 126A, 135A, 262, 236A.

But don't forget about the Christmas trams that are decorated with nearly 30,000 blue and white lights and will surely put you in a festive mood. You can usually catch this glowing streetcar on line 2 and 2A.

Midnight Mass

The Midnight Mass at the St. Stephen’s Basilica is an unmissable experience even for non-religious tourists: the lovely panorama, the unique acoustics of the place, the sacred atmosphere of the whole event - it's truly something you won't forget.

For a lot of Hungarian families, it's a Christmas tradition to go to a Christmas Midnight Mass. Another option is to go to Matthias Church in the Buda Castle.Chrismuka at Mazel Tov

For anyone who doesn't celebrate Christmas or isn't with friends and family this year, a great option is heading to Mazel Tov for their first Chrismuka Essentials party.
The night starts at 10pm on the 24th and includes special sets from Raasa, 2 Many Benjamins and BA10.RestaurantsMany restaurants are closed for this three-day period, however, there are some places that are still open. Spinoza Café is open from 24 December at 8am, Pizza Eataliano from 24 December at 11am, Spíler and Spíler Sanghai are both open from 25 December at 11.30am, Púder Bar Theatre and Gallery is open from 25 December at noon, Brasserie and Atrium is open on Christmas Day too. See more options in this

article:Shops

On 24 December, everything is open until 2pm when most shops close their doors. On the 25th only gas stations, some non-stop convenience stores, and some restaurants and clubs are open. When the Christmas period ends, everything, including the opening hours, goes back to normal. Christmas sales in Hungary usually start on the 26th and 27th of December, so head to the shops to get many things on sale, but be prepared for the huge shopping mall-invasion as everyone jostles for a bargain!