Budapest’s Christmas markets provide unmatched opportunities to get lost amid finely crafted local wares, proffering a wide assortment of handmade products that make for distinct Magyar-made souvenirs. Traditional pottery boasts vibrant hues, shapes, and designs, while understated wood-carved toys and musical instruments whisk players back in time, embroidered textiles feature old-fashioned floral motifs, and tiny hurdy-gurdy music boxes play magical tunes. Those who are after more macho mementos can admire the local blacksmiths in action at the Vörösmarty Square market hammering out diverse wrought-iron decorations made on-site, while carefully designed bone-handled knives provide edgy alternatives for keepsakes. Above all, the wooden stalls are flooded with festive-style decorations, including earthy rows of cinnamon and citrus fruits hung side-by-side, and heaps of vintage knickknacks are offered to become beautiful baubles in cheerful homes.
A savory selection of local eats beguile visitors all around the city’s festive scene, and many of them are perfect gift choices for anyone who wants to have a slice (or sip) of Hungary’s traditional wintertime delicacies. Many kiosks offer playful mézeskalács (the Magyar version of gingerbread) cookies in various shapes and forms, ranging from smiling angels to long-bearded Santas to wintry animals. Other quintessential seasonal sweet-tooth treats are the creamy chocolate-covered Christmas candies called szaloncukor, wrapped in shiny multicolored foil to serve equally well as a snack or decoration. Hungary’s beloved beigli (rolled sugary pastries filled with poppy seed or walnut) are typical treats serving as indispensable delicacies on Magyars’ festive tables (find fantastic ones at Szamos confectionery at ), while several cheese-filled stalls await anyone who craves savory dairy delights. For intoxicating memories of the holidays, look no further than a bottle of high-spirited (Hungary’s traditional fruit-based brandy), available in a wealth of flavors like plum, apricot, and pear, to name just a few.
Traditional Hungarian garments include heavy layers of warm wool and soft fur to wrap up in when wintertime hits Budapest, and the city’s holiday-season bazaars offer some heavenly cozy outfits. Get insulation from the chill with eco-conscious handwoven scarves by Botanika (spotted at the ), or find fluffy feet warmers with heavenly smooth wool slippers – a large selection awaits at . While not everyone is a fan of fur, a wide selection of oversized pelt hats provide ample insulation for heads in Hungary during the frosty months. In addition to the apparel, local designers offer a diverse collection of contemporary accessories; the internationally acclaimed LOKALwear brand features sophisticated pieces made with Hungary’s heritage Kalocsa embroidered lace.
When the gift hunt drains your batteries, Budapest’s Christmas fairs offer several types of tempting sustenance that will get you back in full swing amid the sparkling scenes. The aroma of fried meat mingles in the air with cinnamon-filled hot wine and sweet-scented chimney cake, making it difficult to resist the temptation to sample everything right there and then. Traditional Hungarian Christmas market meals include succulent paprika-infused sausages, juicy pork knuckles, and savory goulash soup served inside a bread loaf; we can top it all off with domestic desserts like flaky strudel filled with apple or sweet cottage cheese, or the country’s acclaimed sugar-dusted . The festive fiesta doesn’t stop here – plenty of steamy alcoholic concoctions are on offer for anyone longing to guzzle their way through the cold and stalls, like spicy mulled wine, sweet punch, or a range of fruit-flavored pálinka.One note: when navigating the city’s Christmas markets, it can be well worth it to take sufficient time to do some comparison shopping, as some of the vendors offer their wares at extortionate prices, while others provide similar products at much friendlier rates.
