Head down to Budapest’s acclaimed Christmas Markets to pick out a gift for your one true love.
In accordance with the song everyone knows and loves, we’ve been heading to the Christmas Markets every day to pick out 12 drummers drumming, 7 swans a-swimming, 5 gold rings and all the rest! We’ve been chronicling the adventure on our Instagram account, but in case you missed it, there’s still time to go shopping! Now, sing it with us, “On the first day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me...”
On the 1st day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me… It might not be exactly a partridge in a pear tree, but our eye was caught by this stunning piece of enamel work at the Christmas Market on Vörösmarty tér. Artisan Paál Sándor has been working with enamel since 1980, and his pieces are often woven with Hungarian motifs. He studied Architecture at the Budapest Technical University, where his interest in enamel was sparked. More examples of his works can be found online.
On the 2nd day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me… Wandering through the Market on Városháza park, we come across a cosy stall selling these cute ceramic doves, just one of the creations which artist Évi makes and sells. The doves are made entirely by hand, so no two are ever alike. Buy two of these beautiful doves for 1,500 forints each.
On the 3rd day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me... The Kovács family has been producing these traditional blue-dyed products since 1878, and this process of is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Currently, three generations work together, under the direction of 91-year old grandpa. These adorable hen-shaped basket holders are located at the Market on Vörösmarty tér, for 4,500 forints. Perfect for picnics, or just as an ornament in your home. More about the Kovács family can be found on their website.
On the 4th day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me... These cute bird whistles are a traditional Hungarian children's game. The bellies are filled with water, which produces the sound of real bird calls when air passes in through the mouthpieces. Főnix Kerámia has been a regular presence at Vörösmarty tér Market for 20 years. Get your one true love their Four Calling Birds, with this unique whistle for 1,200 forints.
On the 5th day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me... These unique golden rings are actually made from brass, but each one is hand-crafted by artist Zsolt Ambrus, who has been working for 60 years! The rings feature gemstones like rose quartz. Ambrus was a gardener before he began making jewellery, so he draws inspiration from nature. Each ring is available at Vörösmarty tér Market for 6,800 forints.
On the 6th day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me... These beautiful hand-painted egg ornaments are made by craftswomen who live out in the country. You can find the stall, which has no name, at Városháza park Market. Small eggs are 450 forints, large ones are 900 and Christmas-themed ceramic ones run at 1,200-1,500 forints.
On the 7th day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me... Pen a letter to your one true love with one of these gorgeous quill pens, which are so lovely they might have been plucked from one of the seven swans a-swimming. (Yeah, it's hard to find swan motifs in Hungary, we did our best!) Located at Vörösmarty tér Market, these quills are 2,900 forints per item, or 7,300 forints with an ink set.
On the 8th day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me... Biobell has been selling artisanal cheeses for 20 years, and their stand at Városháza park Market is full of options. Give your one true love the gift of eight maids a-milking without, well, actually doing any kidnapping.
On the 9th day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me... These charming fairy figurines dance merrily in the wind, each one hand-crafted out of felt. This shop at Vörösmarty tér Market is associated with the AHFA, the Association of Hungarian Folk Artists. They have been selling here at the Christmas fair for five years. Give your one true love the gift of nine ladies dancing, with these felt maidens ranging from 2,800-3,000 forints
On the 10th day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me... These fun pull-string toys are available at Városháza park Market. The shopkeepers have been trading at Christmas Markets for seven years, and have two stores downtown. For 600 forints, you can give your one true love the gift of ten lords a-leaping!
On the 11th day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me...
Zsolt Ádám began his wood-carving business in the ’90s, and has been at Vörösmarty tér Market since it began 21 years ago. The wooden pipes come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from 6,000-14,000 forints. Can you play your one true love a charming melody on one of these wonderful pipes?
On the 12th day of Christmas (Markets), my true love gave to me... Craftsman Attila Béres and his family have been making wooden products like these drums since 1996! They even teach drum-making for adults and small companies, as well as to kindergarteners! Pick up one of these hand-crafted drums at Vörösmarty tér Market, ranging from 4,000-25,000 forints.More information can be found on their website.
And so our song through the 12 Days of Christmas Markets is concluded. From all of us here at WeLoveBudapest, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, whatever you're gifting to your loved ones!
