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The most beautiful in Europe: Advent at St Stephen's Basilica
Tick off all the items on your Christmassy wishlist at this award-winning fair, with the Basilica backdropping your every step. Skate on the iconic ice rink. Admire the light shows on the facade (from 5:30 pm every afternoon). Get your hands on hand-crafted goods. Gorge on chimney cake and mulled wine. Watch Gospel singers perform on the steps of the Basilica.
- Dates: 18 November 2022 - 1 January 2023
- Opening hours: Mon-Thu and Sun 11 am – 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Website: HERE
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The oldest: Vörösmarty Classic Xmas
Vörösmarty Classic Xmas might be the jazzed-up version of Vörösmarty Sqaure's traditional Christmas market, but the overall design and concept reach back to the turn of the last century. Hungarian traditions, artcrafts, typical food, drinks, and goods are the centre of attention in Budapest's oldest and most popular Christmas market. And what's more, there is a dedicated space to learn about traditional craftsmanship. Indulge in sizzling sausages, endless mulled wine, and handcrafted gifts until the end of 2022.
- Dates: 18 November 2022 - 28 December 2022
- Opening hours: Mon-Thu and Sun 11 am - 9 pm, Fri-Sat 11 am - 10 pm
- Website: HERE
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The most intimate: Advent in Óbuda
Advent in Óbuda is always a much-awaited event for locals and a heartwarming one for all. It might not have a central location and an iconic landmark in the background, but the third district's Christmas market is one of the friendliest and most intimate ones in town. It has all the essentials: an ice rink (which is free to use), pretty lights, beautiful handicrafts and festive treats. It is also brimming with family-friendly events and concerts at weekends.
- Dates: 25 November 2022 - 23 December
- Opening hours: Mon-Thu 2 pm - 9 pm, Fri 2 pm - 10 pm, Sat-Sun 10 am - 10 pm
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The one on the rooftop: Westend Winter Wonderland
Head directly to the rooftop of the central-located shopping mall, Westend, and succumb to the seasonal festivities. The terrace has all the winter wonderland essentials: you can skate away on an ice rink, take children for a carousel ride, munch on roasted chestnuts, and gorge on mulled wine. Wooden stalls and food trucks offer other delicacies too, and there is a heated tent to settle down and warm your freezing limbs. So if you are yearning for a real winter adventure in the city centre, Westend Winter Wonderland will be a cheery choice. There is no entrance fee, however, you need to buy a ticket for skating.
- Dates: 18 November 2022 - 30 December 2022
- Opening hours: Mon-Sun 12 pm - 10 pm (for the ice rink), Mon-Sun 12 pm - 8 pm (for the carousel) and Mon-Thu 2 pm - 10 pm, Fri-Sun 12 pm - 10pm (for the food trucks)
- How to get there: Climb the stairs next to the main entrance of the mall
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The most surprising: Gozsdu Christmas Market
In the middle of Budapest’s party hub, Gozsdu Udvar, a Christmas market has popped up, which you can visit every day. Surrounded by an array of bars and restaurants, this bustling bazaar became a treasure trove of leather goods, jewellery, notebooks, posters, and bags. While browsing here, warm your hands with mulled wine, watch a fire performance (every Monday from 6 pm), or listen in on a Christmas concert (on Wednesdays from 6 pm).
- Dates: 30 November 2022 - 24 December 2022
- Opening hours: Mon-Thu 12 pm - 7 pm and Fri-Sun 10 am - 7 pm
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+1 The most romantic: Christmas in Szentendre
Szentendre is the most popular day-trip destination from Budapest, so if you have the time, add this lovely town to your list for a romantic winter adventure. You can jump on an HÉV train or a bus, which will take you there in less than an hour. The town offers cobblestoned streets, contemporary galleries, historic churches, and waterfront strolls (which might explain the most romantic title). And during the holidays, all this is complemented by an adorable Christmas market, where you can shop handmade soaps, perfumes, crocheted and walnut angels, gloves, and household items tailored for Christmas. Then warm up by cradling a mug of steaming mulled wine on the bank of the Danube.
- Dates: 26 November 2022 - 24 December 2022
- Opening hours: Mon-Thu 12 pm - 8 pm, Fri-Sun 10 am - 9 pm
