December 25, Christmas Day is the second day of the Christmas holidays in Budapest

when several top attractions, such as museums, shops, markets are still closed, but many of the best places remain open such as restaurants, baths etc or fantastic river cruises are also available. There is a lot to do in Budapest on 25 December.

Christmas Markets on Dec 25 in Budapest

The two tarditional Christmas markets in Budapest are both excellent places to find traditional gifts and sample seasonal, wintery goods for you and your family.

1, Vorosmarty Square Christmas Market on Dec 25

Address: Vorosmarty Ter, District V

Opening hours on Dec 25: 12 pm – 6 pm (handicraft shops), 10 am – 6 pm (food stalls)

 2, St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Market on Dec 25

Address: Szent Istvan Ter, in front of the Budapest Basilica building, District V

Opening hours on Dec 25: 10 am – 10 pm (food stalls and handicraft shops) with laser show every half an hour between 4.30 pm and 8 pm on the Basilica’s facade.

Christmas Day Cruises in Budapest

The early sunset on Dec 25 is around 4 pm, so you can practically see the night lights from a late afternoon

cruise on the Danube. Celebrate 25 December on a romantic and festive Christmas Day Dinner Cruise with either a la carte, served or buffet style dinner, or on a leisurely afternoon sightseeing boat tour on the river Danube or on a lovely and rich buffet style Lunch Cruise. Pamper yourself and your family on this day, you deserve it.

Tickets for this day are often sold out weeks before, so make your reservation today!

Christmas Chamber Concert on 25 December in Budapest

Spend Christmas Day evening with our festive Christmas Chamber Concert organised in the beautiful neobaroque Danube Palace while listening to a special program compiled just for this evening: beautiful classical melodies by Mozart, Liszt or Gershwin performed by the Danube Chamber Orchestra and learn the unique sound of Hungary’s traditional instrument, the cimbalom (ducimel hammer).

Buda Castle Tours on Dec 25

Should you be interested in discovering the Castle District and the beautiful attractions and sights of the Buda Castle during your Christmas holiday via a guided tour, you can choose a 2h Guided Walking Tour.

Public Transport in Budapest on Dec 25

During Christmas there are some changes to public transport schedules and opening hours.

On 25 December public holiday (Sunday) schedules apply for public transport services.

But don’t forget about the Christmas trams that are decorated with nearly 30,000 blue and white lights and will surely put you in a festive mood. You can usually catch this glowing streetcar on line 2 and 2A and tram 4.

The special holiday services are planned to operate between 4 December 2018 and 6 January 2019 (except for December 24-25-26 and 31). Note: Dates are not finalized yet!

Opening Hours of Shops on 25 December

On Christmas Day the shopping malls are open, but only the entertainment facilities are permitted to stay open, i.e. movies and cinemas, restaurants, cafes, bars.

Only two days till the Christmas sales!

Thermal Baths in Budapest on Dec 25

The main thermal baths of Budapest (Szechenyi Baths, Gellert Spa, Lukacs Baths, Rudas Baths and all their facilities are open from 6 am to 10 pm (Gellert Spa until 8pm). Check-in for online reservations: 9 am – 5 pm.

Please note that massage appointments and private baths are subject to availability and the massage hours are limited.

Should you wish to enjoy a nice and relaxing massage or to dip in the private bath of Gellert Spa during the Christmas holidays, we advise you to book it well in advance.