1. Advent Basilica (Voted Europe's Most Beautiful)

Location: 1051 Budapest, Szent István tér (in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica)

Dates: Currently Open (Opened November 14, 2025) and runs until January 1, 2026.

What's New/Highlights: This fair has won the title of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas fair multiple times. The 3D light show projected onto the Basilica facade runs every half hour from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. It features a free-of-charge ice rink for children under 14 (with mandatory skate rental) and over 100 Hungarian artisan stalls.

Reduced Hours:
December 24 (Christmas Eve): Open with reduced hours, typically 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
December 25-26 (Christmas Day/Boxing Day): Open with reduced hours, typically 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

2. Vörösmarty Classic Xmas

Location: 1051 Budapest, Vörösmarty tér

Dates: Currently Open (Opened November 14, 2025) and runs until December 31, 2025.

Highlights: The city’s largest and oldest market, known for its focus on high-quality Hungarian craft and gastronomy. Features a festive stage with live music, and a free children's mini-train.

Reduced Hours:
December 24 (Christmas Eve): Open with reduced hours, typically 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
December 25-26 (Christmas Day/Boxing Day): Open with reduced hours, typically 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
January 1, 2026: The fair closes completely on New Year's Day, but the food/drink stalls often stay open late on New Year's Eve (Dec 31) until around 3:00 AM.

3. City Hall Ice Park & Christmas Fair

Location: 1051 Budapest, Városháza Park (City Hall Park, near Deák Ferenc tér)

Dates: Currently Open (Opened November 14, 2025) and runs until January 10, 2026.

Highlights: A family-focused festival with Budapest's largest Christmas tree and charity programs. The main attraction is the Ice Park with an ice corridor.

Reduced Hours:
The fair generally remains open with slightly varied holiday hours, but the skating rink typically has limited hours on key holidays.
 

4. Advent in Óbuda (The Local Favorite)

Location: 1033 Budapest, Óbuda, Fő tér - Szentlélek tér

Dates: Currently Open (Opened November 28, 2025) and runs until December 23, 2025.

Highlights: Known for its authentic, community-run feel and is less touristy than the central markets. It offers a large, free-of-charge outdoor ice skating rink and free concerts on weekends.

Reduced Hours:
This market closes before the holidays, ending on December 23rd, so it is NOT available on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

5. Újbuda Christmas Fair

Location: Budapest, Kőrösy József utca (the street next to Allee mall)

Dates: Currently Open (Opened around December 5, 2025) and runs until December 24, 2025.
 

Highlights: A popular market on the Buda side, offering a wide selection of street food, mulled wine, and quality craft gifts. It's a great choice for last-minute shopping.

Please note:
It closes completely on the afternoon of December 24th (Christmas Eve).

6. Buda Castle District Christmas Fair (Advent a Budai Várban)

Location: Szentháromság tér (Holy Trinity Square) at the foot of Matthias Church, Buda Castle District.

Dates: Currently Open (Opened November 28, 2025) and runs until January 4, 2026.

Vibe: Romantic and Historic. This fair is focused more on atmosphere and views. It's smaller than the Pest markets and is nestled among historic buildings and cobbled streets, offering stunning panoramic views of the entire city.

Highlights: Candle-lighting ceremonies on Sundays, quality artisan stalls, and gourmet food stands. It's the perfect spot for a romantic break from the city centre bustle.

Best For: Couples, photography, and those who want to combine market visits with sightseeing.

7. Gozsdu Udvar Christmas Fair

Location: Gozsdu Udvar (Courtyard), District VII, Jewish Quarter.

Dates: Currently Open (Opened December 6, 2025) and runs until December 30, 2025.

Vibe: Hipster and Unique. Located in the heart of Budapest's nightlife district, this fair is distinct from the traditional markets. It's often an extension of the weekend market.

Highlights: Stalls focus on unique handmade items, vintage treasures, retro design goods, and art prints. It's surrounded by ruin bars and craft cocktail spots, making it ideal for a younger, non-traditional market experience.

Best For: Finding quirky gifts, vintage lovers, and those exploring the Jewish Quarter.

8. Varázsliget (Magic Grove) in City Park

Location: City Park, near Vajdahunyad Castle and the City Park Ice Rink.

Dates: Currently Open (Opened December 5, 2025) and runs until January 1, 2026.

Vibe: Family-Focused and Whimsical. Located by the large City Park Ice Rink (which is open for general skating), this area is entirely designed for children.

Highlights: Features a carousel, mini-railway, a 'Magic Wheel' attraction, Santa's workshop, and storytelling sessions. It's a quieter spot for parents to relax while kids are entertained.

Best For: Families with young children and those looking for holiday activities near the City Park Ice Rink.

9. Fashion Street (Deák Ferenc utca)

Location: Deák Ferenc utca, connecting Vörösmarty Square to Erzsébet Square.

Dates: Currently Open (Opened November 14, 2025) and runs until December 31, 2025.

Vibe: Chic and Illuminated. While primarily a high-street shopping area (home to brands like H&M and Zara), the entire street is transformed into a glittering corridor of festive lights and decorations, with a few food and drink stands.

Highlights: Beautiful light displays and decorations—it serves as a stunning, illuminated walk between the Vörösmarty and Basilica markets. You can grab a kürtőskalács (chimney cake) or a mulled wine as you stroll.

Best For: Shoppers, light display viewing, and seamlessly connecting the two biggest markets.

10. Ferenc Tér Advent Market (The Village Fête)

Location: 1094 Budapest, Ferenc tér (Ferencváros).

Dates: Currently Open (Runs on weekends only, opened November 28, 2025) until December 21, 2025.

Vibe: Community-Run and Affordable. Often run in conjunction with the local Pancs farmers' market, this is a truly local-focused fair with deliberately affordable prices (sometimes cash-only).

Highlights: Known for folk music, family workshops, and a genuine 'village fête' atmosphere. It's where locals go for a less commercial experience.

Best For: Authentic local flavor, budget-conscious visitors, and supporting smaller, community-focused vendors.

+1. Corvin Hütte

Location: 1082 Budapest, Corvin sétány (Corvin Promenade)

Dates: Likely Open (Tentatively runs from around November 27, 2025) until December 24, 2025.

Note: The Corvin Hütte is currently open, but as a smaller neighborhood market, it may have limited or variable weekend-only hours and will close on the afternoon of December 24th.
 

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