The Christmas market on St Stephen’s Square is right in front of the beautiful St Stephen’s Basilica (St Istvan Bazilika), one of the tallest buildings on the Pest side of Budapest, and one of the biggest churches in Hungary. 2024 Dates: Nov 15, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025

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The first Advent Fair by the St Stephen’s Basilica was held in 2011, organized by the National Association of Folk Artists. The skillful members of the Association of Hungarian Folk Artist are selling their unique and high-quality traditional crafts (rated by the panel of the best Hungarian folk artists) in the wooden market stalls of the Basilica Christmas Market.

Entering the giant Advent gate, you will find yourself among a hundred handcrafts stalls, and a sizeable skating rink set up on St Istvan Square (Szent István tér) in the heart of the city of Budapest.

Visit St Stephen Basilica with guided tour during the festive season. Book your tickets here.

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Where is the Budapest Basilica Christmas Market?

Luckily, the location of the Advent Basilica Christmas Fair is very close to the oldest and most well-known Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square, so you can easily visit two of the biggest and most popular Xmas fairs of Budapest during the Christmas holidays.

When is the Budapest Basilica Christmas Market?

2024 Dates: Nov 15, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025

The Budapest Basilica Xmas Market is in fact a winter festival, which starts in late November, and ends in the New Year. The Christmas Market by the St Stephen’s Basilica opened late November in 2011 (its very first year, started in 2011), a bit later than the fair on Vorosmarty Square (running since 1998).

Similar to the latest years, the St Stephen’s Basilica Xmas market will be open throughout December.

As for the daily opening hours of the Christmas Market on St Stephen’s Square:

The Opening ceremony is on 15 November, 2024.

Opening times between Nov 15 and Jan 1:

Monday – Thursday: 11:00 – 22:00
Friday – Saturday : 11:00 – 23:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 22:00

Festive Days

Dec 24: 11:00 – 15:00
Dec 25: 11:00 – 20:00
Dec 26: 11:00 – 20:00
Dec 31: 11:00 – 03.00 Drink Stalls
Jan 1: 11:00 – 18:00

Drinking mulled wine, eating some roasted chestnuts, or filling Hungarian snacks attracts hundreds of thousands in Hungary and tourists from many countries.

Visiting Budapest St Stephen basilica

Visit St Stephen Basilica with a guided tour during the festive season. Book your tickets here.

Light painting – Christmas Laser Projection on the Basilica

Schedule of Light Painting:

In every 30 minutes, every day between 5.30 pm and 10 pm you can see the Basilica’s facade turning into a beautiful Christmas visual narrative through light painting with accompanying music. This year’s special attraction will be a 3D projection on the Basilica, that can be viewed from all corners of St Stephen’s Square with 3D glasses.

CONCERTS at the Budapest Basilica Advent Market

The market will host live concerts every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and on Advent Sundays at 5:00 PM, creating a lively backdrop for shopping and dining. The concerts will run through December 31, with the exception of opening day (November 15) and Christmas Day (December 25). With this lineup of food, souvenirs, and music, the Budapest Basilica Christmas Market offers a true holiday experience in one of the city’s most iconic locations.

Visit St Stephen Basilica with guided tour during the festive season. Book your tickets here.

Collectible Christmas SOUVENIR MUg

he Budapest Basilica Christmas Market is back this Advent season, bringing festive joy to Hungary with its unique offerings, including an exclusive ceramic mug available for purchase. This special mug can be found at the market’s food and hot beverage stands, allowing visitors to take home a memorable keepsake while savoring the warm flavors of the season.

Budapest, the Perfect Christmas Destination

In fact, Budapest has often been chosen as one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe, and the Christmas markets are warmly recommended by many of the travel books about Europe and (Central) Eastern Europe.

Don’t worry, although some places are closed on Dec 24-26, many places remain open, and many of the best places: restaurants, brunches, baths, sightseeing river cruises, etc. There is a lot to do in our cosmopolitan city (advance booking is recommended).

You can be the part of this festive merriment. Come and visit Budapest and listen to the beautiful concerts in the Basilica (Advent Organ concerts, choirs, charity concerts, etc.). You can also attend the masses, light a candle, and be filled with the warmth of Christmas.

Last updated Nov 18, 2024