Advent & Christmas Market and Winter Experience Park
Since 14 November, Budapest’s official Christmas Market and the Winter Experience Park have been welcoming visitors at Városháza Park and Deák Ferenc Square. As in previous years, the ice rink has also opened for the season and will stay in operation until 31 January — with skate rental available on-site for anyone keen to glide across the ice. When it comes to gift shopping, you’re in safe hands here: the stalls are filled with handcrafted pieces and design items made by local artisans. The gastronomic offer is equally rich, whether you’re after edible presents, speciality chocolates, or unique honey products. And of course, there’s no shortage of festive favourites — from hearty street food and lángos to mulled wine, warming soups and freshly baked chimney cakes. A line-up of seasonal programmes adds to the winter magic. Children can look forward to special St Nicholas events on 5 and 6 December, while weekends bring advent candle-lighting ceremonies and live music to set the festive mood.
- Dates: 14 November 2025 – 10 January 2026
- Details here
Advent in the Buda Castle District
This year, the festive spirit spreads well beyond the Várkert Bazár, with several locations across the Buda Castle District embracing the advent season. The programme ranges from classical concerts to a New Year’s Eve electronic party, alongside dance and literary performances — and even a guided walk inspired by Sissi. An open-air exhibition titled Let There Be Celebration on Earth! – The World of Our Retro Winters invites visitors to step back into the charm of bygone holidays, while families can enjoy free craft workshops and even meet St Nicholas. Festive shopping will also be part of the buzz. From 12–14 December, the De la Motte–Beer Palace on Dísz Square will host a pop-up showcasing contemporary applied artists, award-winning designers and unique handmade pieces. Between 27 November and 11 January, the Halászó Gyerekek Terrace transforms into a seasonal scene with a nativity display, a towering Christmas tree, sparkling decorations, and plenty of warming food and drinks for those strolling through the historic quarter.
- Dates: 27 November 2025 – 11 January 2026
- Details here
Advent in Óbuda
One of Budapest’s most charming Christmas markets, this festive spot evokes the cosy feel of small-town holidays from days gone by. The heart of the programme is Fő Square, where children can meet St Nicholas in the Gingerbread House on 6 December and enjoy craft activities until 21 December. On Saturdays, Olaf and Elsa from Frozen will also make special appearances. The much-loved ice rink returns too, open for skating fun all the way until 15 January. Local museums and cultural institutions are joining the advent celebrations with their own seasonal activities, with a detailed programme to be released soon.
- Dates: 28 November - 23 December 2025
- Details here
Advent Bazilica
This year marks the 15th anniversary of Advent Bazilika, the Christmas market honoured with the title of Best European Christmas Market of All Time. Like the Vörösmarty Square fair, it is especially popular among tourists, but we’ve already visited and shared our tips on how to enjoy it as a local, too. The décor is once again a real highlight: alongside the star-like light canopy — introduced last year — and the 12-metre Christmas tree, the festive projection on the Basilica’s façade remains a long-standing favourite. This season, visitors can expect an even more immersive experience, including a brand-new light-projected short film about the history of the Basilica. Both the light mapping and the projection run daily from 5:30pm, repeating every half hour. Selfie spots and live musical performances add to the festive mood, while weekends feature a nativity scene and a traditional advent wreath — with ceremonial candle-lighting taking place every Sunday. As in previous years, a selection of dishes is available at a discounted price of 1,600 HUF, and the thematic gastro weekends introduced last year are also returning. The market brings together a wide range of artisans, folk artists, makers and designers, all showcasing their unique, handcrafted creations.
- Dates: 14 November 2025 - 1 January 2026
- Details here
Vörösmarty Classic Xmas
The sister event of the Basilica market, Vörösmarty Classic Xmas, promises to be just as spectacular. This year, the Vörösmarty statue has once again been transformed into a giant snow globe, and the festive lighting is more dazzling than ever. Visitors can enjoy dedicated selfie spots and cushioned seating around the statue, while children will be delighted by the free mini train. As at the Basilica, selected dishes are available for 1,600 HUF, and the popular gastro weekends are returning too. The market is also packed with exhibitors — from artisans to applied artists — offering a wide range of handcrafted gifts and unique pieces.
- Dates: 14 November – December 31, 2025 (dawn of January 1)
- Details here
+1 SlowXmas 2025
This year marks the eighth edition of SlowXmas, the joint festive initiative of Budapest’s cultural and shopping streets. Alongside the Art&Antique Street (Falk Miksa utca), Bartók Béla Boulevard, Fashion Street (Deák Ferenc utca), the Margit Quarter, the Palace District, Ráday Soho, Tompa utca – Ferenc tér and the Víziváros neighbourhood in District I, one countryside location — Miskolc — has also joined the line-up. Last year, around a thousand events were held over four weeks, with 30–40 happenings taking place every day across nearly 100 venues. These included exhibitions, charity activities, guided walks, workshops, concerts, theatre performances, tastings and quiz nights. The philosophy remains unchanged, just as it has throughout the programme’s five-time City Marketing Diamond Award–winning history: to slow down a little and welcome Christmas together as a community. The series also highlights the festive offerings of Budapest’s thematic streets, encouraging visitors to explore their special seasonal atmosphere.
- Dates: 25 November – 24 December 2025
- Details here
(Cover photo: Advent Bazilica)
Legyetek ott első városi piknikünkön!
Gyertek, és töltsünk el egy vidám napsütéses tavaszi napot együtt a városligeti fák lombjai között május 1-jén, ahol day-time piknik, workshopok, sok szuper food truck és dizájnvásár is vár mindenkit.
Ünnepeljük együtt a tavaszt, a találkozásokat és azt a pezsgést, amiért annyira szeretjük Budapestet!
hirdetés
