Artisans and craftsmen, such as clay-potters and felt-makers, sell their handmade goods all around the square - click for market map - fashioned in a traditional manner using organic materials. Apparently quality is guaranteed as all goods are checked by the 'Association of the Hungarian Folk Artists' (Népművészeti Egyesületek Szövetsége).

The Budapest Christmas Fair also offers a feast of gastronomic options, visitors can taste traditional Hungarian foods like kenyérlángos (a flat bread like dough cooked in a wood oven), kürtőskalács (a cone-shaped sweet yeast cake), rétes (strudel), pecsenye (roast meats), and last but not least, the most of typical winter drinks, forralt bor (mulled wine).

Various cultural and musical events are connected to the Budapest Christmas Market, and every year there is a Nativity play performance.  The square boasts two stages; one where Váci Street begins, the other is in front of Gerbeaud House, each offering folk and world music, jazz bands, street musicians, singers, dance and puppet shows. Cultural and musical performances are held daily, between 5 and 8 pm.

Every weekend, the small park around the statue in the centre of the square turns into a 'magical realm' for kids. Children will have the chance to make handcrafts, and meet Santa on 6 December 3-4pm in the Magic Garden. 

Children can also bake and glaze gingerbread, and prepare gifts for underprivileged children, with the help of a supervising teacher. These free sessions will be between 2-6 pm on weekdays, and on weekends from 10 am to 1 pm, and then between 4 and 7 pm.

Open until 31 December 2012
16 November – 23 December - 10 am–9 pm
24 December - 10 am–2 pm
25–26 December - CHRISTMAS - Closed
27 December - midday–9 pm / only food and drink vendors
28–30 December - 10 am–9 pm - only food and drink vendors
31 December - NEW YEAR’S EVE - midday-4 am - only food and drink vendors

Address: Budapest's 5th District, Vörösmarty Square.

Click here for the official website of Budapest Christmas Fair