Things to do in Budapest during the Christmas holiday, from mid November, 2025 to early January, 2026: Advent fairs, crafts markets, Christmas concerts and shows, foods and drinks to try, and winter indoor and outdoor fun in the Hungarian capital.
Enjoy the festive, warm atmosphere at the Basilica Christmas Market. Celebrate with handcrafts, mulled wine this Christmas! Highlights include a 12-meter Christmas tree, light projections, a selfie spot, quality craft and food stalls. Basilica Xmas Fair aims to set affordable dish prices. Annually from mid Nov to Jan 1st.
Wander through festive crafts, savour mulled wine, chimney cakes and take in the Christmas atmosphere at the Buda Castle Christmas Market. The Advent Fair is magical, the weekends offer some free concerts in the open air. Worth noting: prices can be steep and quality varies. For authentic Hungarian flavours, try local restaurants nearby at the foot of the Castle Hill – perhaps slightly easier on the wallet. Share your lovely panorama photos with us if you wish to share your Christmas experience.
Varoshaza Square and Deak Ferenc ter have transformed into a magical winter escape. Glide on the Varoshaza Winter Park, explore the Christmas Market, and indulge in delicious treats. Ice skate rental is available on spot. Annually from mid Nov to Jan 10th.
Step into the enchanting Párisi Passage Restaurant, tucked inside the stunning historic Párisi Udvar, and experience over a century of architectural beauty. Savor a 3-course Hungarian meal with wine or a mocktail, enjoy coffee or tea, and take home a bottle of branded Pálinka as a festive keepsake. Perfect for a cozy, elegant holiday outing—early booking recommended!
Enjoy a magical Christmas Eve in Budapest aboard a festive, Xmas-themed dinner cruise with live music. Glide past the city’s UNESCO World Heritage sites while savoring a delicious meal and live entertainment, all during a quiet evening—perfect for the holiday, as most places close early for family celebrations.
Spending December 25 in Budapest is made even more special with a festive Christmas Day cruise along the stunning Danube. Enjoy breathtaking views of the city’s landmarks while indulging in a delicious dinner, available à la carte, buffet-style, or served at your table. All cruises offer a variety of options, including meat dishes, vegetarian choices, soups, salads, and desserts, making it a perfect holiday treat for every taste.
Discover one of the most fascinating hidden attractions in Budapest with a guided tour of the Buda Castle cave system. Walk through natural limestone caverns and centuries-old man-made tunnels beneath Castle Hill, once used as wine cellars, bomb shelters, and even medieval prisons. This underground journey offers a unique mix of history, geology, and time travel in the heart of the city. Led by an expert guide, the tour lasts between 40 minutes and 1.5 hours and reveals how nature and human ingenuity shaped this extraordinary underground labyrinth. Tickets start from €15 per person.
Enjoy a festive Christmas wine tasting in the Buda Castle cave cellar, one of Budapest’s most unique attractions. Sip exceptional Hungarian wines in a historic underground setting beneath the castle.
Last few seats remaining for the cozy Wine Tasting in a stunning Cave Cellar under the Buda Castle.
Visit the Basilica (or book a Basilica guided tour) and get into the festive spirit of Christmas with music! From classical music to Gypsy salon, folk and charity concerts, live music will make your Christmas experience in Budapest brighter. Find your Christmas Concerts in Budapest for the Advent season. Or hop on the Budapest – Vienna train or bus if you are thinking of visiting Vienna for a classical concert.
Matthias Church is a joy to visit in itself, but you can elevate your visit to a different level by attending an evening Budapest Christmas Concert in Matthias Church to appreciate the celestial sounds, the perfect acoustics and the unique interior of the medieval church. Church goers are warmly welcome to join the Christmas masses.
Discover the iconic Széchenyi Baths in Budapest this Christmas, a festive haven of relaxation and wellness. Soak in 16 pools, including warm and hot thermal baths, and let the serene atmosphere of the exclusive rooftop spa area envelop you in holiday calm. Sip on seasonal treats, unwind in cozy spots, and experience ultimate relaxation in the heart of the city. Book your festive escape now and celebrate the season in style!
Relax and recharge on Budapest’s serene Margaret Island. Enjoy thermal pools, saunas, and nature in a peaceful spa setting. Bathrobe rental included—your perfect day of pampering awaits. Enjoy a relaxing day spa and escape the noises of the busy city center. Experience the benefits of the city’s thermal waters, relax with a 50-minute Swedish massage, and wash away your stresses with an aromatherapy bath.
Escape the city buzz and unwind at Mandala Spa. Enjoy personalized massages, saunas, steam baths, and holistic treatments in a serene, low-crowd environment. The Mandala Bath offers a peaceful retreat where you can recharge and restore your energy during the chilly December days. Prices from €36—perfect for stress relief and rejuvenation.
Experience Budapest’s festive magic on a 3-hour Christmas Market Walking Tour. Stroll from the giant Parliament Christmas tree to the Basilica’s famous light show, explore two charming Christmas markets, taste chimney cake and traditional holiday sweets, and soak in glowing streets filled with local traditions. A cosy, atmospheric way to see Budapest’s top Christmas highlights — all in one winter walk.
Take a scenic winter Day Boat Tour before the sun sets at about 4pm. Unlike pricier evening tours, the daytime cruises – with Guide & Drink, or Unlimited Prosecco, will show you the dozens of historical attractions near the river. Feel cozy inside the heated boat or venture outside the open deck for a limitless photo opportunity of the majestic Parliament, the historical Buda Castle and more. Budapest Budget Boat tours start from €10. Early booking is recommended. Special event: 2-4.30 pm Sunset Lunch Cruise on Legenda
Take a festive Night Boat Tour during the Christmas period in Budapest: take amazing photos on a winter boat tour in Budapest (boats are heated in Dec / Jan), or while enjoying a lovely meal on one of the Christmas dinner boats in Budapest.
Float past the illuminated attractions, which are like gems in a Jewel Box – true gems as it is all part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Evening Boats are priced higher than day boats, starting from an affordable €12
Celebrate the big days of the Winter season to appreciate the UNESCO World Heritage of Budapest by the Danube with special Christmas Dinner Cruises & Live Music.
Seated and served ‘A La Carte’ dinner or ‘eat as much as you like’ self served Buffet Dinners are also available. The Christmas Cruises are somewhat pricy, but will sell out, so early booking is recommended (legendary Legenda cruises are sold out by early November). December Dinner Cruises start from €67.
Step into a world of magic with Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet at the Hungarian State Opera. Dazzling costumes, world-class dancers, and festive charm make this a must-see for all ages. Performances run throughout the holiday season—don’t miss the tradition! Tickets available now. Performance dates: from late November to January 11 Venue: Hungarian State Opera
Experience a complete day of relaxation at the Palm House in Szechenyi Bath. The iconic Bath features 16 pools, multiple warm and hot spring thermal pools and an exclusive rooftop spa area in a warm and cozy rooftop. Indulge in complimentary cocktails, teas and fruits while taking advantage of convenient rental services (robe & towel included). Places are limited so booking is essential.
Ice Rink in City Park – Budapest Winter The Ice Rink in Budapest City Park is a must for winter sports lovers in Budapest. Rent a pair of skates to glide around the Ice Rink Palace and Vajdahunyad Castle. Fun and romantic. Planned opening: end of November 2025, subject to weather conditions.
The nostalgia cable cars of the Funicular connect the winter river Danube with the Buda Castle hilltop and fit the Christmas spirit with their old world charm.
Get your free ride included in the Budapest Tourist Card: 72 Hours Plus only. The Funicular runs 5-10 minutes throughout December (except for Dec 24 when it is closed, Dec 24th being the most festive day in Hungary).
See the City Centre of Budapest from the beautiful terraces of Fisherman’s Bastion.
The lookout towers are open throughout the holidays, every day in December. Grab a hot cuppa from the nearby Castle Christmas Market by Matthias Church, or pick one of the cafes. You can also sit in a cozy restaurant to enjoy the 19th century charm of the Castle District. Buda Castle offers a perfect wintery escape.
Step into the enchanting underground world of the Castle Caves in Buda this winter, where centuries-old pathways and softly lit stone walls create a mystical escape from the chilly air above.
Perfectly suited for the season, the caves offer a cozy retreat where tales of medieval Budapest come alive, and the labyrinthine paths add a hint of adventure. Tickets are in high demand so pre-booking is a must.
This winter, dive into a cinematic world of light and sound at Lumina Park Budapest, where iconic characters and magical realms come to life on Margaret Island, nestled beside Palatinus Bath. The programme is now bookable with sightseeing cruise. Perfect for families and individuals alike, Lumina Park offers a magical outdoor experience after dark.
Celebrate the festive season at Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church Christmas Festival from late November to Dec 24, 2025: usually open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Explore unique handcrafted goods from local artisans, savour delicious holiday treats, and enjoy warming seasonal drinks in the magical setting of Budapest’s Buda Castle district.
Add a memorable photo to your Christmas holiday album with the Christmas Streetcar in Budapest: Tram 2, 47 and more routes are brightly lit with warm fairy lights. Every year from early December, the Christmas Streetcar ride in Budapest is scheduled in some of the most scenic routes in the city centre.
Enjoy roast chestnut and mulled wine at the Budapest Christmas Markets. For a twist, look for chestnut-flavoured Chimney Cakes (kürtőskalács) or Beigli filled with chestnut cream for a taste of local Christmas flair. Try the roasted chestnut with the Hungarian dessert wine, Tokaj Aszu at a local wine bar to have a perfect match.
No Budapest Winter Holiday can be complete without a nice thermal bathing experience in the festive season. The historical thermal baths of Budapest offer a relaxing and invigorating Christmas holiday Bath experience, including a Rudas Baths Spa and Dining package is an excellent choice during the winter months. Enjoy the various pools, saunas, thermal waters, along with the 3-Course Lunch / Dinner and a beautiful view over the river Danube in Budapest and its marvellous sights.
Relax in a fascinating, cozy boutique Spa in Budapest. Beside the wonderful and vast thermal baths of Budapest where many thousands enjoy the benefits of warm and hot spring waters all year round, you can regenerate and regain your personal energy during the cold December days in a truly calming and quiet smaller spa bath in Budapest: Mandala Bath. Book a pampering spa treatment in advance for the festive Advent weeks as this bath is likely to sell out by Dec.
Indulge in the culinary tradition of Christmas pastries: Beigli rolls and Strudel layered pastries are a must-try for food enthusiasts. Try Strudel by visiting the right place, while exploring the best bits of Budapest with a coffee break. Or, embark on a culinary adventure by attempting to create this pastry at the Strudel Making Class. Strudel is even in the forest: take a winter trail on Normafa and stop at the Strudel vendor for the best match of crispy fresh air and freshly baked Strudel.
Budapest Card in the Festive Season: Top Attractions & Tours in December Experience Budapest with the official city pass in December, your key to the Hungarian capital. Enjoy free airport transfers, unlimited public transportation, and discounted entry to top attractions and museums, guided tours, thermal baths, concerts, and restaurants. The Budapest Card offer is available during the Christmas and New Year holiday season as well!
Walk around the iconic Hungarian Parliament to see the third biggest Parliament close up. It’s 5 min from the Basilica Christmas Market and a short walk away you’ll find the poignant Shoes on the Danube Bank Holocaust memorial and the Gresham Palace, a grand building showcasing Art Nouveau architecture with a bundle of luxury quality / price Christmas stalls. The Christmas Tram rides past the Parliament!
The splendour of the Parliament in Budapest is undoubtedly stunning. Although the best priced entries to the Hungarian Parliament are booked up months in advance, with some luck you can get a combined Parliament & City Tour, which will also take you to the Buda Castle Hill in a comfy heated bus. It is one of the iconic sights among the many Budapest river cruise attractions!
As winter settles over Budapest, the city comes alive with a warm, enchanting glow. Historic streets, grand façades, and cozy squares are transformed by thousands of shimmering lights and artistic projections, creating a festive atmosphere that feels both timeless and contemporary. From the twinkling displays of the Christmas markets to the elegant light shows illuminating the Danube’s banks, Budapest’s Festive Lights Shows offer a truly captivating celebration of the season—where tradition and creativity meet beneath the winter sky.
Explore the serenity of the Buda Hills, the scenic hills and valleys on the Buda side of Budapest are within easy reach by a bus ride from Szell Kalman Square (M2). Want to meet fellow nature lovers and trail walkers? You can join the Buda Hills Trail led by a professional trail guide. Average fit condition is a must. Book your trail now Normafa – Buda Hills Guided Trail.
Budapest offers winter thrills and colours: add a Winter Pool Party Magic to your Christmas agenda in Budapest. How about a unique setting in outdoor thermal pools? Places limited, swimwear and fun-loving is a must. Don’t forget the pre-New Year Bath Party in Szechenyi Baths on Dec 30, and the NYE Cruise party on Dec 31.
Get into nature in the Buda Hills of Budapest on the Forest Railway. The nostalgic journey on the forest railway through the Hills, offers a historic narrow gauge train ride in beautiful winter landscape, even if there is no White Christmas with snow. At Normafa, do pop into the restaurant for a warm cuppa and some nice dishes.
Budapest Christmas Charity Activities
From Charity Auctions at the Design Terminal to the Charity Booths & Concerts at the Christmas Markets in Budapest, there is plenty of opportunity to feel the joy of giving back.
You may even spot the festive Advent Light Trolley with Santa and a helper to collect gifts for donation.
Budapest Charity Run
Are you feeling fidgety, full of energy to run in the crispy air? Join the many dozens of Santas who will dash through Budapest, braving the chilly streets to support the foundation for this year’s event. The charity run starts with a warm-up followed by a 3.5 km run in the city centre, ending with a celebratory soak at Szechenyi Bath!
Step inside the world of Vincent van Gogh and experience over 130 of his masterpieces come alive through breathtaking motion design and panoramic screens. Enjoy a 40-minute multimedia storytelling in English or Hungarian, and relax on bean bags as you journey through Van Gogh’s vibrant imagination — from Starry Night to Sunflowers. Bonus: Your ticket also includes free entry to the Frida Immersive Exhibition!
Discover the nuanced magic of light as art at the Hold Street Downtown Market Hall’s LAM, the world’s first immersive Light Art Experience in a former Budapest Market Hall. Rather than going for the popular and shallow, the Light Museum hits you like the best of poetry or music.
Discover the magic of the Hold Street Downtown Market Hall’s LAM, the world’s first immersive place dedicated to art expressed through the duality of Light /Dark in the Light Art Experience Hall. An amazing, playful and pioneering exhibition space, the first curated museum of high quality artworks from international artists.
Book a Tour in advance before it gets fully booked up: Booking Christmas Market Tour & Tastings. Alternatively, you can book a Christmas Fair Guided Tour with a Guided Basilica Tour and a visit to the Holy Right Chapel. Book a Tour in advance: Booking Budapest Christmas Market Tour & Basilica.
The markets can of course be explored on your own, with no professional guide. But if you wish to learn about the history, culture, traditions and get Xmas tips, the Christmas Market Tour offers a great introduction.
The innovative and artistic digital world of lights will be an unforgettable program. Have your cameras ready to take some brilliant photos during the Winter Wonderland visit at Cinema Mystica Budapest. Absolutely a major hit: booking in advance is essential. Open: Every day From 10 am to 10pm Prices: Adult:€15.25/ Children:€ 9.20/Senior:€11.57 Click here for more details and booking
St Stephen’s Basilica Christmas in Budapest
Celebrate Christmas with the locals at Christmas masses and ceremonies, or let the wonderful music of beautiful winter organ concerts in St Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest fill you in. Budapest Christmas Eve Midnight Masses: the midnight magic of the Advent. Further Budapest Concert in December and Budapest January Concerts. Photo: Budapest St Stephen Basilica – Philippe Clabots Photography
Enjoy the river panorama and Unlimited Prosecco or Lemonade during December and Christmas Days in Budapest. The Budapest Evening Sightseeing with Unlimited Prosecco offers: Music or Audio Guide, Heated and Open-air terrace. Snacks are also available and there is a bar on board! The 75min Budapest Sightseeing with Unlimited Prosecco or Lemonade is available from approx. €25.
Visit the Buda Castle for a crisp winter walk and beautiful views of the city. By buying a Budapest Card, you can get free entry to many museums, including free Entry to the Buda Castle: the Hungarian National Gallery the beautifully restored opulent St Stephen’s Hall and the Budapest History Museum. Check out the special December Opening Hours of Buda Castle Budapest. Buda Castle Walking Tours and Buda Bus Tours are available during the Christmas season as well.
Reconnect with your loved ones at Palatinus Baths, a family-friendly spa complex, nestled on the peaceful Margaret Island. Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm during winter time. After your visit, be sure to check out Lumina Park after dark for a magical cinematic light and sound experience, open from 4:30 pm to 20:30 pm.
Step into a world of mind-bending illusions and creative paradoxes at Budapest 3D Gallery, where nothing makes sense yet everything feels real! Perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike, this interactive art space offers a unique and inspiring experience with the help of its super friendly and amazing staff.
Immerse yourself in relaxation with a full-day weekend or holiday pass featuring priority entry to the Rudas Spa and Turkish Bath. This package includes a three-course meal, a glass of wine, lemonade, and coffee. Tickets are available starting at 11:00 am, with flexible dining times to suit your schedule. All for just €85 per person.
which ice rink is better to go to in budapest? is the one in city park better?
Hello Liliana, the Ice Rink in Budapest is the largest open air skating rink (artificial) in Europe, so there is plenty of space and is often used by a wide range of visitors. It does not have a corridor to hold onto, just the open space to glide on. The ice rink in the city centre is cozy, and features a corridor suitable for 2 skaters at a time next to each other. While more experienced skaters just glide through it, those with less experience can feel more confident to hold onto something. For complete beginners we suggest the large Ice Rink in the City Park. But if you have some experience, the city central is fun and festive!
Is there a 2024 ceramic mug, not paper, for a Budapest Christmas market keepsake? Is there a picture of it?
Hello Pauli,
You can find various mugs at the market. We do not have a picture from this year’s mugs yet.
Have a wonderful time at the Budapest Christmas Market!
hi thinking of coming for christmas this year is there places open on christmas day things to do and bars restuarnts etc
Hola, ¿que lugares estaran abiertos para visitar y/o comer el 24 y 25 de diciembre del 2025?
What are the chances of a white Xmas in Budapest. Any advice would be appreciated. Warm regards Trish
Good Evening,
I would like to ask about the dates of the Christmas markets.
When you say middle of November which day specifically is?
We are planning to come 16th of November to visit the city and see the Christmas markets as well.
Is it possible to let me know so I can arrange the trip accordingly to the Christmas markets?
Thank you in advance.
Kind Regards,
Stefania
Hello,
I would like to know the dates of the Christmas markets for 2025, please.
Thank you,
Best Regards,
Beatriz
Dear All, Good afternoon. I will be in Budapest for the Christmas. Any recommendations for restaurants on Christmas??
Thank you
Stella
Dear Christine,
Kindly note that most Christmas markets in Budapest close on January 1st, so after that date only a few smaller stalls may remain open for a short time.
Enjoy your winter holiday in Budapest!
Dear Stella,
Budapest is magical at Christmas! You could try a Danube River Christmas dinner cruise for festive views and food. In the Castle District, restaurants like Főőrség Restaurant or Halászbástya Étterem offer cozy Hungarian dishes. Be sure to book ahead!
Hi,
Will the christmas markets be open until January 2026 please?
Thanks
Hello,
I would like to know the dates of the Christmas markets for 2025, please.
Dear Deep,
For 2025, the two main Christmas markets in Budapest — Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica — will open on November 14th and close on January 1st. The dates for the smaller markets will be announced soon.
We hope you enjoy the festive season in Budapest!
Hi! I’m planning to visit Budapest from January 1 to 4 and I wanted to ask if the Christmas markets will still be open during that time. Also, will the food stalls, like those selling sausages and hot dogs, still be available?
Thank you in advance for any information!
Dear Alicia,
Kindly note that most Christmas markets in Budapest close on January 1st, so after that date only a few smaller stalls may remain open for a short time.
We still recommend visiting the festive areas around Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica if you’re here at the beginning of January.
Wishing you a wonderful start to the New Year in Budapest!
Imagine showing up first every time someone searches for your type of service – that’s exactly what our keyword-based advertising system does.
Setup is fast (about 24 hours), and traffic comes straight to your website.
Can we schedule a quick call to review some keywords that would work best for you?Within 24 hours, we can have your brand appearing when people search for your top keywords.
Want to see what kind of reach we can get you?