The study compiled data from Tripadvisor and Kayak, evaluating over a hundred cities internationally. Researchers assessed four key factors: the number and average cost of Christmas-themed tours, the language options available for these activities, and the price of accommodation during December.

By these measures, Budapest placed itself alongside major destinations like London, Vienna, and Québec City, underscoring its growing international appeal.

Combining Tradition with Thermal Waters

PrivacyJournal suggests that Budapest's key strength lies in its ability to marry the quintessential European Advent atmosphere with unique, local winter experiences.

The city’s famous Christmas markets, spanning from Vörösmarty Square to the festive fair in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica, illuminate the Danube banks with twinkling lights, offering handcrafted goods, street food, and cultural events. These markets have consistently received recognition as some of Europe's most beautiful, drawing significant international attention.

What truly sets Budapest apart, according to the ranking, is the exceptional combination of Christmas markets and its world-famous thermal baths. Iconic bathhouses like Széchenyi and Gellért welcome guests all winter long.

Several guided tours now strategically link the festive market areas with these warm, outdoor pools. The experience of soaking in the steaming thermal water, often while snowflakes drift down, is considered a bucket-list item — one that very few major international cities can match.

A European Success Story

An interesting detail from the top 10 is that nine of the spots were claimed by European cities, confirming the continent's enduring popularity for Christmas traditions. Even within this strong field, Budapest performed remarkably well, ranking ahead of other popular destinations such as Prague, Madrid, and Berlin.

This latest accolade further confirms Budapest’s standing as a premier winter destination. Its winning mix of traditional Advent charm, rich cultural offerings, and world-renowned thermal baths continues to attract more visitors annually, with 2025 projected to be another banner year.

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