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Esztergom
Hungary’s biggest hallowed shrine, the hilltop Esztergom Basilica, crowns the cityscape of this majestic northern town that was the country’s capital during medieval times. Located at Hungary’s border with Slovakia, this picturesque riverside community is accessible by an hourlong drive from Budapest or a quick train trip, and it’s a popular excursion spot during the warmer months – but the city’s magically illuminated holiday bazaar makes Esztergom an enticing destination during wintertime. A sparkling Advent fair on downtown’s Széchenyi Square awaits visitors with an ice rink, musical concerts, handicraft workshops, sizzling food, intoxicating hot drinks, and various alternatives for Christmas gifts, all set amid creatively shaped light installations that create a magical atmosphere across downtown.
How to get there:
Trains to Esztergom depart several times a day from Budapest’s Nyugati Railway Station. For timetable and ticket prices log onto www.mavcsoport.hu/en
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Gödöllő
A beautifully restored Baroque palace towers above Gödöllő, a town located just 30 kilometers from central Budapest. The 18th-century landmark building was home to Hungary’s elite Grassalkovich family, and later the castle served as the holiday residence of Sissi, the Magyars’ beloved queen during the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Now the graceful edifice, surrounded by a vast parkland, is home to a museum that displays assorted artifacts originating from the castle’s golden era, but the building also hosts several events, including an Advent weekend during December 17-18; on December 18th guests can attend a free choral concert by the British Council and IATF Hungary at 4:30pm, while the local Arpeggio ensemble entertains the audience at the royal stable with melodious guitar tunes from 5pm (entrance: 1,500 HUF). Additionally, visitors can join heritage handicraft workshops, including candle-making or gingerbread-decorating sessions, or feast on traditional wintertime treats, like Hungarian sausages, chimney cakes, roasted chestnuts, or mulled wine.
How to get there:
From Örs Vezér Square, take the HÉV commuter train to the Gödöllő Szabadság Square terminus; the journey takes about 50 minutes. The castle is located just a short walk from the HEV stop.
More details (only in Hungarian)
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