Christmas in Budapest: 7 joyful ways to spend the holidays

If you’re looking for a storybook holiday season, Christmas in Budapest should be at the top of your list. With world-renowned Christmas markets, organ concerts, "Nutcracker" performances, and streets filled with lights, it doesn’t get more festive than this. Whether you’re looking for relaxing spa days or fun, family-friendly shows, there are Christmas activities to suit every taste. Slip on some ice skates, grab a chimney cake, and craft your dream itinerary while you sort through the abundance of things to do in Budapest at Christmas time.

Everything you need to know about Christmas in Budapest

Best holiday market: St. Stephen’s Basilica Advent Market, Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market

Average temperature: 32-40 F (0-4.5 C)

Key holiday days: December 24-26

Best free festive activity: Watch the light show at St. Stephen’s Basilica

1. Wander through enchanting Christmas markets

The fabled Christmas markets are by far the most popular things to do in Budapest during the holidays. While there are over a dozen markets, each unique in its own way, the two most famous are the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica Advent Market. Both are filled to bursting with dazzling decorations, delicious treats, and incredible artisanal gifts.

Insider tip

The Advent Market has been voted Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Market for the past four years in a row, so be sure to bring your camera.

Address and opening hours

Vörösmarty Square: Budapest, Vörösmarty tér 3, 1051. Open daily 11:00 AM-9:00 PM, one hour later on weekends. Reduced hours on December 24 (10:00 AM-2:00 PM) and December 25-26 (noon-6:00 PM). Open until 3:00 AM on New Year’s Eve.

St. Stephen’s Basilica Square: Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051. Open November 15 to January 1, 11:00 AM-10:00 PM daily, except December 24 (11:00 AM-3:00 PM), December 25 and 26 (11:00 AM-8:00 PM), and December 31 (11:00 AM-3:00 AM).

2. Make merry on a Christmas cruise down the Danube

A leisurely cruise down the Danube is a lovely sight at any time of year, but it becomes truly enchanting during Christmas in Budapest. In addition to the always-illuminated parliament building, the rest of the city gets into the spirit with twinkling lights strewn through the streets. There are providers with options for drinks, live music, and even Christmas dinner to make your evening merry and bright.

Insider tip

Seating is generally first come, first served, so arrive early to snag the tables with the best views.

Address and opening hours

Cruises depart from different piers along the Danube in the city center. In December, most take place at dinnertime, departing between 6:00 and 8:00 PM.

3. Warm up at a thermal bath

Thermal baths have been a part of the culture of Budapest for centuries, and there’s no better time to take advantage than during the cold winter months. With natural hot springs, lap pools, saunas, and even cold plunges, visiting one of the many complexes around the city is one of the most relaxing things to do in Budapest during the holidays.

Insider tip

Consider what kind of experience you’d like to have. Some options, like Gellért Baths, are quieter and more attended by locals, which might be better for solo travelers. Others, like Széchenyi Spa, are popular with partiers and feature alcoholic drinks.

Address and opening hours

Széchenyi Spa: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146. Open daily, 7:00 AM-8:00 PM, except Christmas Eve (7:00 AM-1:00 PM) and Christmas Day and Boxing Day (10:00 AM-8:00 PM).

Gellért Baths: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118.Open daily, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM except Christmas Eve (9:00 AM-1:00 PM) and Christmas Day and Boxing Day (10:00 AM-8:00 PM).

4. Enter an illuminated wonderland at Lumina Park

Whether you’re traveling with kids or are simply young at heart, Lumina Park is a fantastical land filled with light and laughter. Boasting more than 200 separate light installations, interactive games, and even quizzes for adults, the park brings the magic of Budapest at Christmas time to life.

Insider tip

For maximum interactivity, bring a smartphone to scan QR codes throughout the park that unlock games.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Soó Rezső stny. 1, 1003. Open daily, 4:30-9:00 PM, last entry at 8:00 PM.

5. Explore the majestic St. Stephen’s Basilica

In addition to hosting Europe’s Most Beautiful Christmas Market, St. Stephen’s Basilica is captivating in its own right. The church is home to a magnificent organ and plays host to virtuoso players throughout December, who show off the spectacular acoustics of the space. Visitors are invited to climb to the panoramic terrace for a first-rate view of Budapest at Christmas time.

Insider tip

Check out the 3D light painting show on the facade of the Basilica every half hour between 5:30 and 10:00 PM.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051. The Basilica is open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 AM-5:45 PM and Sunday, 1:00-5:45 PM. The panoramic terrace is open daily, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM.

6. Strap on your skates at Vajdahunyad Castle

If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Budapest during the holidays, give ice skating in the shadow of Vajdahunyad Castle a whirl. The City Park Ice Rink is transformed every year for the winter months from a boating lake into the largest outdoor ice rink in Europe. The castle is a fantasy mashup of different architectural periods, lending a fairytale quality to the rink.

Insider tip

Bring cash for skate rentals, as not every vendor accepts card payments.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Olof Palme stny. 5, 1146. Open daily; hours vary.

7. Enjoy a performance of ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Hungarian State Opera House

The Hungarian State Opera House is home to the lauded Hungarian National Ballet, who keep up the tradition of performing “The Nutcracker” in the lead-up to Christmas every year. Popular with both high culture fans and children for its fantastical costumes and magical themes, this ballet is sure to get you into the festive spirit for your Christmas in Budapest.

Insider tip

People take getting dressed up for a night at the theater seriously in Budapest, so be aware that casual clothing like jeans is frowned upon.

Address and opening hours

Budapest, Andrássy út 22, 1061. “The Nutcracker” runs from November 30 until early January. Showtimes vary.

Christmas in Budapest: FAQs

Does it snow in Budapest at Christmas time?

There is a good chance of snow in Budapest at Christmas, but it’s generally a light dusting.

How is Christmas celebrated in Budapest?

Hungarians take the 24-26 of December as a national holiday, allowing people to celebrate with their family. Many attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day and mark Advent throughout December. St. Nicholas visits children with gifts on December 5, the eve of St. Nicholas’ Feast.

Is Christmas a good time to visit Budapest?

Christmas in Budapest is magical, with world-renowned Christmas markets, festive cruises, and holiday concerts galore. Additionally, the winter months tend to have fewer visitors, so popular attractions are easier to access.

What are some must-see Christmas attractions in Budapest?

Budapest goes all-out for Christmas, with performances of “The Nutcracker,” the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Europe, and the Christmas market awarded “Most Beautiful in Europe” for the last four years.

Is everything open at Christmas in Budapest?

As December 24-26 is a three-day public holiday in Hungary, many shops, restaurants, and attractions will be closed to celebrate. However, some sites, like Christmas markets and thermal baths, will remain open with reduced hours.