12 best things to do for Advent in Budapest

The beautiful hand-crafted wares and shiny decorations are back on view at the Basilica and Vörösmarty tér, Budapest’s main downtown Christmas markets. Delicious food, light shows, Advent wreathes and other cosy activities also await. Proof of vaccination required to enter.

What could be more Christmassy than taking the family to a show? Performed by Budapest’s amazing Recirquel cirque danse team – no linguistic skills required – Kristály takes the audience into a magical winter world. Running over several days in a special marquee, the entertainment forms part of Müpa Christmas, with a skating rink alongside.

Backdropped by the City Park ice rink, Disneyesque Vajdahunyad Castle is cannot fail to be a spectacular Christmassy setting. Over Advent, special activities include guided tours, walks and baking workshops but even if your Hungarian isn’t up to it, a stroll around this strange landmark should do the trick.

Climb on board Budapest’s shiny Christmas tram and feel the festive atmosphere while city lights whizz by. Different routes run on different days until 6 January, so do check the schedule, but the number 2 line along the Danube embankment on Mondays and Wednesdays must be the most magical.

Take a break from shopping with a sweet, soothing hot chocolate. Set aside Christmas responsibilities and indulge yourself with a marshmallow hot chocolate at Ahoy or choose a classic version from the Nothing Coffee-Aztek Choxolat! selection. If you feel like getting cosy, then pop into the Csészényi Kávézó and sit right beside the traditional stove.

Before all the rich Christmas feasting, you can get a little fitter and enjoy outdoor winter sport at several rinks around Budapest. The main one in City Park is backdropped by the Disneyesque Vajdahunyad Castle while Müpa’s allows you to skate then take in a show.

After a winter walk or skating, it’s great to gather around the nearest chestnut vendor and have them place a warming little bag into your mitts. Then, of course, you can hardly wait for the shell to cool down just enough to unwrap the delicacy. It’s okay to be a bit messy – no-one can wait to get to the heart of the matter.

Experience real Advent relaxation in Budapest by visiting a spa and soaking your tired limbs in thermal waters. The Rudas, right on the Danube, also has an upper pool with wonderful views of the city decked out in festive lights.

Let’s hope for beautiful snowy days, when the narrow little streets of the Castle District glow under atmospheric street lights and people’s window decorations brighten up the Baroque façades. To pop in to warm up somewhere, buy a delicious hot drink on your walk at the 4minutes Café on Országház utca.

Let the spiritual atmosphere of Christmas surround you with a live performance of classical music in one of Budapest’s beautiful churches. Concerts are takin place at Matthias Church and St Stephen’s Basilica, to name but two.

Admire the wonderful lights of the city decorated for Christmas with a warming glass in your hands. Pick up a mulled wine at Czakó Kert and head up to the Philosophers‘ Garden, with Budapest spread out down below.

Riding Budapest’s bright Christmas trolleys, done out like Santa’s grotto inside, is not only fun, you can also help children in need by donating a small, wrapped gift being collected on board. Services run on several routes until 19 December.