It’s the most wonderful time of the year… let the Christmas Markets begin! Grab a cup of mulled wine to keep you toasty, indulge in chimney cake, revel in the sparkling lights and get your wallets out for some Christmas shopping. As the markets go up this year, we check out the best in the city.
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Basilica
Last year, this market was named the Second Best in Europe. This year they’re going for gold. There is a free ice skating rink for kids, with skating lessons to boot, a 3D light show (the largest in Central Europe), and the whole bazaar is focusing on an eco-conscious concept for 2019. With the Basilica in the background, it’s an impressive selfie point – you can even ask them to project your image onto the façade for that unique shot.
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Óbuda Fő tér
The Óbuda Christmas Market is a little smaller than the ones in the city, but it remains a worthy competitor. In fact, its intimacy and familiarity is what makes this market so well-loved by the locals. There are musical performances, children’s events, a craft fair, great snacks and a small skating rink. And fewer crowds.
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Vörösmarty tér
The iconic market at Vörösmarty tér is one of the oldest in Budapest, and it has had a major revamp this year with the recent renovations of the square. The entire pavement has been replaced, seeing the 30-year old concrete swapped for new, waterproof, non-slip paving slabs. Light shows and a swanky winter protective cover bring a modern touch to the Vörösmarty group sculpture in the middle of the market. Prices here will be a little higher than other markets, but the range of handcraft goods, food and drink, festive trinkets and other goodies makes it worth the trip. Plus there’s a whole agenda of live entertainment, most erring on the side of folksy.
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Városháza tér
There’s hardly a break between Vörösmarty and the Városháza tér markets, as vendors and eateries are set up around Deák tér metro. And this year, there is an independent Advent Fair on Városháza tér itself. There’s a special heated hut with children’s attractions, puppet shows, crafts and concerts. Until December 29, you can also enjoy admire the installations, a huge Advent wreath and light shows.
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Erkel Theatre
Due to renovations on the Opera House, the usual Christmas music and theatre performances are being staged at the Erkel Theatre on II.János Pál pápa tér. From the beginning of Advent until the New Year, the theatre entrance will host a small Christmas Market, and 12 evenings will commence of amateur choir performances on the stage set up on the side of the building. Stay warm with a beverage, as singers from the Opera will be selling mulled wine!
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Újpest
Újpest is all set up this year for festive feeling: until 23 December, the fair offers concerts, ice skating, hot tea and weekends centred around kids’ events. And all backdropped by the impressive Art Nouveau local town hall. You can find a full list of performances and events on the Facebook events page.
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Szentendre
Szentendre is not strictly within the administrative bounds of Budapest, so this is our +1 to the list. For a day out during the Advent season while not straying too far from home, we recommend the cosy, cobblestoned streets of Szentendre and its many churches. On Advent Sunday afternoons, there is a ceremonial candle-lit ceremony and a huge Advent wreath on the main square. Szentendre is a real art hub, so the crafts on sale are sure to catch the eye.
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