Experience enchanting Christmas markets and warm festivities across Hungary. From the renowned Advent Basilica in Budapest, a three-time "Best Christmas Market in Europe" winner to Debrecen, discover treasures, enjoy thermal spas, and celebrate the season. Don't miss Hungary's holiday charm!   Must see: St. Stephen's Basilica Advent Festival and Christmas Market   According to European Best Destinations and based on the votes of over 374,000 worldwide travelers, the Advent Basilica has been elected the Best Christmas Market in Europe for the third consecutive time. As the winner of the Best Christmas Market in Europe award for 2020, 2021, and 2022, the Advent Basilica is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Christmas fairs in Europe.   Where love takes your hand - with this slogan, the Advent Basilica, Budapest's uniquely beautiful Christmas fair, opens its doors again. From 17th November to 1st January 2024 in front of St. Stephen's Basilica in one of the most impressive, beautiful, and breathtaking squares of the Hungarian capital.   True to the tradition of this year's 12-year-old Advent Basilica, it promises a unique festive atmosphere around 120 domestic craft exhibitors, real gastronomic adventures, and heart-warming programs with so many more surprises. The real, authentic Christmas spirit will move again into the heart of Budapest into St. Stephen Square!  

• Dates: November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024.
• Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Special Hours: December 24: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, December 25-26: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, December 31: Craft vendors 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, food & drinks 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM, January 1, 2024: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Location: Szt. István Square in front of St. Stephen's Basilica.
• Highlights: A spacious square with an ice-skating rink, artisan gifts, and an expanded food selection, including lángos, burgers, grilled sausages, and more.

  Other notable Christmas markets in Budapest:   Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market:

• Dates: November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024.
• Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Special Hours: December 24: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, December 25-26: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, December 31/New Year's Eve: 11:00 AM to 5:00 AM, January 1, 2024: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Location: Vörösmarty tér, District V.
• Highlights: Central location, around 100 stalls, concerts, craft and playhouse for children, visit from Santa Claus on December 6, and a wide array of Hungarian foods and mulled wine.

  Christmas Fair in Óbuda (Fő tér):

• Dates: December 1 to 23, 2023.
• Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Admission: Free.
• Location: Fő tér, District III.
• Highlights: Charming main square with a tall Christmas tree, genuine handmade artifacts, traditional Hungarian dishes, children's activities, and Christmas drinks like mulled wine.

  Fashion Street Christmas Market (Deák Ferenc Street):

• Location: Fashion Street (Deák Ferenc utca) intersecting Vörösmarty Square.
• Highlights: This market features a Christmas tree installation in front of the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, offering food, pastries, pottery, ceramics, and folk textiles.

  Erzsébet Square Christmas Market:

• Location: Along the western side of Erzsébet tér.
• Highlights: Offers chimney cake (kürtőskalács), pancakes, donuts, beigli, and local cakes. Also, you can buy fur hats, scarves, and postcards.

  Whale (Bálna) Building Advent Festival and Ice Rink:

• Dates: To Be Announced Later.
• Location: Fővám tér 11-12, Pest side of the Danube.
• Highlights: Offers jazz & blues concerts, merchant stalls, and a 450 sqm ice rink with a stunning view of the Danube.

  Castle Garden Bazaar Advent Programs (Buda):

• Dates: Sundays in December 2023.
• Location: Ybl Miklós tér 2-6, District I., between Elizabeth Bridge and the Chain Bridge.
• Highlights: Features a folk craft fair, concerts, food trucks, a small ice rink, and free children's programs each Sunday.

  City Park (Városliget) Christmas Market:

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day, including holidays.
• Location: Városliget/City Park (next to Heroes’ Square).
• Highlights: Decked out for the holidays with a craft market, food and drinks, family programs, and special surprises for children. Also features a 3D light show.

  Christmas Fair at Allee Shopping Centre:

• Dates: November 20 to December 24, 2023.
• Opening Hours: Every day from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• Location: Small pedestrian street next to the Allee Shopping Mall.
• Highlights: Features various vendors offering clothing, accessories, gifts, and Hungarian specialties like honey, jams, pálinka, and mulled wine.

  More info: https://www.budapestbylocals.com/christmas-markets-in-budapest/   Christmas markets in the countryside Eger   In Hungary besides Budapest, the countryside also offers you a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive mood. Eger Christmas market is held every year on the Dobó Square and presents the most visited program series during Advent. The market opens on November 25 and ends on the 24th of December. Stalls are stuffed with mouth-watering sweets and handcrafted goods. You can even meet with the artisans and have a short conversation with them about their products to complete the authentic experience. The aroma of mulled wine and gingerbread wafts through the air and all you need is just a mug of wine to warm yourself up!   Veszprém   Veszprém, the European Capital of Culture in 2023, awaits visitors with concerts, gastronomic experiences and a lovely Christmas market over the four Advent weekends. The Christmas fair is located in the old town and it has a wide offer of  Hungarian cuisine such as  traditional fish soup, fried sausage, goulash soup, lángos and chimney cake. The market invites visitors to a magical world where everything is around Christmas.   Pécs   The time of Advent is always special in the capital of Baranya County.  The kith and kin of the city come together at the fair to taste the Christmas spirit. The scent of mulled wine, chimney cake, and roast chestnut pervades Széchenyi Square, together with the melodies of choral musicians and the lights, making the main square of the city a real casket. The smallest members of the family can visit the house of Santa Claus, admire the light paintings, and watch the candle-lighting ceremonies on Sundays with their parents. Széchenyi Square turns into a fairy tale for the time of the Advent fair which opens on the last day of November.   Szeged   Szeged celebrates Christmas Weeks at Dóm Square between 24 November and 24 December. There will be light painting, fire jugglers, and a huge ice rink. Szeged also prepared a special selfie box where visitors can commemorate their favourite Advent moments.   Vác   The Christmas market (20 November – 31 December) at the main square of Vác awaits visitors with a human-sized Bethlehem, an ice rink, and a unique Advent wreath.   Debrecen   Debrecen's Christmas Market is a magical destination for visitors and locals alike. Set against the backdrop of the city's historic center, this year's market promises an array of festive delights and heartwarming experiences. From November 25th to December 23rd, the market comes alive with the spirit of the season. Through a unique building mural project, it will also feature selected photos and stories of individuals connected to Debrecen who quietly contribute to the city’s life.

Hungary, with its captivating blend of history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty, is a must-visit country in Europe. Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Budapest, savoring traditional Hungarian dishes, or immersing yourself in the rich cultural heritage, Hungary has something to offer every traveler: Budapest - The "Paris of the East" One of the most compelling reasons to visit Hungary is its capital city, Budapest. Often referred to as the "Paris of the East" or the "Queen of the Danube," Budapest is a city that effortlessly blends old-world charm with modern vibrancy. Here are some of the highlights: Breathtaking Architecture: Budapest boasts stunning architecture, with iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Fisherman's Bastion. The city's thermal baths, including the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, offer a unique bathing experience within historic surroundings. Danube River: The Danube River splits the city into two halves, Buda and Pest, connected by several beautiful bridges. A leisurely cruise on the Danube provides breathtaking views of the cityscape and its illuminated landmarks at night. Ruin Bars: Budapest is famous for its ruin bars, which are unique watering holes set in abandoned buildings and courtyards. Szimpla Kert, the pioneer of ruin bars, is a must-visit for a taste of Budapest's nightlife. Rich History and Cultural Heritage Hungary has a rich and complex history that has left its mark on the country's culture and heritage. Visitors can explore this heritage in various ways: Historic Cities: Beyond Budapest, Hungary is home to many charming historic cities such as Eger, Pécs, and Szentendre. Each of these cities has its own unique character and history waiting to be discovered. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hungary boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the early Christian Necropolis of Pécs, the Hortobágy National Park, and the Buda Castle District in Budapest. Folk Traditions: Hungary has a vibrant tradition of folk music, dance, and crafts. Visitors can experience this cultural richness at festivals and events throughout the year. Culinary Delights Hungarian cuisine is a true reflection of the country's history and culture. It's a delightful mix of flavors, with dishes that are hearty, flavorful, and often accompanied by paprika. Don't miss trying these Hungarian classics: Goulash: A hearty soup or stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, Goulash is a Hungarian staple. Paprikás Csirke: Chicken cooked in a creamy paprika sauce served with dumplings, a comfort food favorite. Hungarian Wine: Hungary has a long tradition of winemaking, with regions like Tokaj famous for their sweet wines. Wine enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. Street Food: Budapest's food scene also includes delicious street food like lángos (deep-fried flatbread) and chimney cake (sweet, spiral-shaped pastries). Natural Beauty Hungary's landscape is diverse and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts: Lake Balaton: Known as the "Hungarian Sea," Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. It's a popular destination for swimming, sailing, and wine tasting in the surrounding vineyards. Hortobágy National Park: This UNESCO-listed national park is a vast expanse of grassland and wetlands, home to diverse wildlife and traditional Hungarian herding practices. Cave Systems: Hungary has an extensive network of caves, including the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Affordable Travel Compared to some of its Western European counterparts, Hungary offers excellent value for travelers. Accommodation, food, and transportation are generally more affordable, allowing you to enjoy your trip without breaking the bank.

  Hungary  hosts a number of rich and exciting festivals throughout the year from music and dance festivals to culture, arts, gastronomy and more. Holidays and festivals embrace the contrasts of the country itself, visitors to Hungary have the opportunity to experience small village folk and religious celebrations, as well as great international musical and cultural events featuring world-famous artists. See below a guide to festivals and summer events in 2023 in Hungary.   Music Festivals   Balaton Sound (28 June - 1 July) Balaton Sounds is the largest waterfront festival in Hungary, it is one of the biggest and most colourful outdoor electronic music festivals in Europe, hosting the most famous and exciting DJs. During the day, festival-goers can relax, sunbathe and swim in the lake and at night they can enjoy the music on several stages.   Sziget Festival 30th anniversary (9 - 14 August 2023) With more than 1,000 performances taking place each year, Sziget is proud to be one of Europe’s largest music festivals – and with household names like David Guetta, Billie Eilish, Florence + the Machine and Imagine Dragons set to grace the Danube’s leafy Óbudai island, 2023 is no exception. Billed as ‘The Island of Freedom’ Sziget will once again take over the entire island for its 30th anniversary this summer, inviting revellers to experience a different side to Budapest. Camping is included in six-day, three-day and consecutive day passes, and the regular free ferry service to and from the island makes Sziget a cost-effective way of combining a long weekend of sightseeing and accommodation with remarkable live music.   Cultural Festivals   Valley of Arts (21 - 30 July) Művészetek Völgye, or the Valley of Arts is a ten-day, all-arts festival where visitors can enjoy concerts and the beautiful surroundings of Lake Balaton and the Highlands. Instead of built stages, the Valley of Arts transforms the streets, houses and gardens of three villages (Kapolcs, Taligándörögd and Vigántpetend) into concert halls, galleries, theatres and craft centres. Nearly 2,000 programmes will be organised in this special, one-of-a-kind, close to nature festival.   Festival of Folk Arts (18 - 20 August) Located in Budapest at the Buda Castle and surrounding area, the Festival of Folk Arts is the most anticipated family event of the year, where visitors can admire the handicrafts of artisans as well as try it out themselves. This year's Festival of Folk Arts will feature nearly 1,000 artisans, hundreds of performers with full days of stage entertainment, craft demonstrations, eating and drinking and folk playhouses. Moreover, this year’s guest of honour is the Republic of Korea, so craftspeople of the country will introduce visitors to calligraphy, temple and folk painting, Korean patchwork, pyrography, ceramics and paper weaving.   Wine & Gastronomy Festivals   Hévíz Wine and Gastro Promenade (17-20 August)  For four days, Hévíz will transform into a heaven for gastronomy and wine lovers, as visitors will be able to taste countless delicacies at Hévíz Wine and Gastro Promenade. Renowned winemakers, Hungarian gastronomic offers combining innovations and traditions, craftsmen, children’s programmes and local and international performers and musicians will entertain visitors during the course of the festival.   Downtown Beer Festival (29 August - 3 September)  At the very end of the summer, the heart of the city of Budapest once again gets filled with the best beers at the Downtown Beer Festival. Ice-cold golden beer, quality street food, warm summer evenings and amazing city night atmosphere. Local breweries and international selections await visitors with more than 250 types of beers and craft specialities next to the building of Parliament.   Hosted Festivals   European Harley-Davidson 120^th Anniversary Festival (22-25 June) 2023 is the year of the 120^th anniversary of the establishment of the world-famous motor company, Harley-Davidson. This year, Budapest has the honour to join fans together to celebrate the special event. The European Harley-Davidson 120^th Anniversary Festival promises to be a unique and thrilling party of multiple dimensions. Get ready for the first-class international live music performances across five stages, motor riding opportunities, stunt shows, open-air cinema, shopping, food, and of course, the unmissable Harley-Davidson Parade.