Christmas in Budapest 2025 | Top Things to Do

Christmas in Budapest is both grand and grounded in tradition. It's the kind of place where light shows dance on the Parliament building while locals quietly sip forralt bor by the Danube. The whole city glows in a warm, golden hue, with trams wrapped in fairy lights and steam rising from its iconic thermal baths. You'll find a mix of old-world beauty and everyday intimacy. It’s festive, yes, but it still feels deeply human, like the city’s just letting you in on something special.

Why visit Budapest during Christmas?

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Visit one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas markets

Vörösmarty Square turns into a glowing maze of craft stalls, cinnamon-scented air, and steaming mulled wine. The market feels timeless with less touristy and more like a gathering of locals keeping tradition alive.

Soak in a thermal bath under falling snow

Only in Budapest can you float in a steaming outdoor pool while snowflakes drift down around you. The Széchenyi and Gellért baths stay open throughout winter. It's. soothing and a unique way to celebrate Christmas.

Watch the Danube light up for the holidays

The riverbanks shimmer with golden reflections from the Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle. Take a night cruise, and you’ll see why Budapest feels like the entire city has dressed up just for Christmas.

Hear Christmas carols echo through historic churches

Step inside St. Stephen’s Basilica or Matthias Church for candlelit concerts and carols that fill the air with a kind of quiet grandeur.

Seasonal Hungarian treats

Try warm chimney cakes (kürtőskalács), honey cookies, beigli rolls filled with poppy seeds or walnuts, hearty stuffed cabbage, and a glass of sweet Tokaji wine.

Top things to do

Visit the Budapest Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square

Held in the heart of the city from mid-November to December 31, this market is one of Europe’s oldest and most atmospheric. You’ll find local artisans, folk music, and steaming mulled wine under a canopy of lights. Entry is free, and it’s easily reached by Metro Line 1 (Vörösmarty tér stop).

Soak in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Open all year (even on Christmas Day), Széchenyi Baths are worth visiting during Christmas. Soak in one of the 18 pools as snow drifts gently overhead. The baths usually open on Dec 24 from 7am to 1pm and Dec 25 from 10am to 8pm . For something different, join a weekend Sparty which is a thermal bath party with lights and music. Don’t forget your flip-flops and towel, and book in advance to avoid queues.

Ride the Budapest Christmas Tram

Hop aboard Tram Line 2, which runs along the Danube, wrapped in over 30,000 twinkling lights. It’s one of the most scenic (and cheapest) Christmas rides in Europe, passing landmarks like the Parliament and Chain Bridge. Regular public transport tickets apply, just check the BKK festive tram schedule before you go.

See the Nutcracker at the Hungarian State Opera House

Spend an evening at the stunning Hungarian State Opera House, where you can watch Tchaikovsky’s 'The Nutcracker'. The ornate interiors, velvet seats, and world-class ballet make it one of Budapest’s most beloved Christmas traditions.

Cruise the Danube under Christmas lights

The Parliament, Buda Castle, and bridges are lit up in gold and there’s nothing quite like it. Winter cruises often serve hot drinks and carols play softly in the background. Book an evening sailing with heated indoor decks for the best experience, especially on chilly December nights.

Take in the views from Buda Castle at sunset

Cross the Chain Bridge and ride the funicular up to Buda Castle, where you get the city's best sunset views. The Christmas fair up here is smaller but beautifully local, perfect for picking up artisanal gifts or warming up with a glass of forralt bor (mulled wine). It gets windy at the top so dress in layers.

Your perfect Christmas itinerary

Christmas Eve – 24th December

Morning: Start your day with coffee and freshly baked pastries at Gerbeaud Café, a famous Budapest institution. Then wander through Vörösmarty Square, where the city’s oldest Christmas market buzzes with festive music and local crafts . It's a great spot to grab last-minute gifts before the stalls start to wind down for the evening.

Afternoon: Head to Buda Castle for sweeping views over the Danube. Stop by the Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion nearby. The pastel rooftops dusted with snow feel straight out of a storybook. For lunch, cozy up at Pest-Buda Bistro on Fortuna Street for hearty goulash soup or paprika chicken paired with local wine.

Evening: As night falls, join locals for Midnight Mass at St. Stephen’s Basilica. Afterwards, stroll along Andrássy Avenue, glowing under strings of golden lights, and maybe end the night with a quiet drink at 360 Bar, if open, overlooking the twinkling skyline.

Christmas Day – 25th December

Morning: Ease into the day at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Remember to pre-book and bring your own towel and flip-flops.

Afternoon: After your soak, head to Café New York, one of the most ornate cafés in Europe, for lunch. Then take a slow stroll through City Park, where you’ll spot families ice skating and horse-drawn carriages passing by Vajdahunyad Castle.

Evening: End your Budapest Christmas with a Danube dinner cruise, watching Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle sparkle against the night sky. Most cruises include a buffet or à la carte Hungarian dinner, live music, and a front-row seat to one of Europe’s prettiest winter skylines.

Know before you go

Weather: December in Budapest is cold, averaging -1°C to 4°C, with a good chance of snow. Pack thermal layers, gloves, and waterproof shoes for market strolls and evening walks.
Crowds: The city is busy but not overwhelming. December 23–26 sees the highest footfall around Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica, while many locals head home for family gatherings on Christmas Eve.
Opening hours: Most shops, restaurants, and attractions close early on December 24 and reopen by December 26, so plan ahead. The thermal baths, some museums, and Christmas markets stay open with reduced hours.
Budget: Expect slightly higher prices at Christmas markets and on river cruises. A good daily budget is around €80–€120, including meals, transport, and light shopping.
Getting around: Public transport runs during the holidays, though reduced on Christmas Eve night. The Budapest Card can help with unlimited rides and discounts at attractions.
Tipping: It’s customary to leave 10–15% at restaurants or cafés, even during the holidays.

Frequently asked questions about spending Christmas in Budapest

Are restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Budapest?

Most restaurants close early on December 24 but reopen on December 25. Book tables in advance, especially at hotels or fine-dining spots that stay open.

Do the Christmas markets stay open after December 24?

Yes, major markets like Vörösmarty Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica remain open until December 31 or early January, perfect for post-Christmas shopping and late-night treats.

Is public transport running during Christmas?

Yes, though with limited schedules on December 24 evening and 25 morning. Trams 2 and 47–49 still run frequently, offering scenic views of the lighting along Danube.

Can I visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths on Christmas Day?

Absolutely, the baths are open year-round. The outdoor pools are especially magical in winter, but expect longer queues and book ahead if possible.

Is Budapest expensive during Christmas?

Not overly. Prices rise slightly around December 24–26, but compared to Western Europe, Budapest remains budget-friendly for dining, accommodation, and festive experiences.

Are there any special Christmas concerts or church services?

Yes, St. Stephen’s Basilica and Matthias Church host beautiful carol and organ concerts on Christmas Eve and Day.

Can I pay by card at Christmas markets?

Most stalls accept cards, but it’s still wise to carry some Hungarian forints for smaller purchases like pastries or hot wine.