Some cities have a knack for making you feel special at Christmas... and Budapest is one of them! With its illuminated facades and Christmas markets, the Hungarian capital immediately plunged us into a winter fairytale. Strolling along the Danube, skating under the glittering tinsel, savouring a warm cinnamon bun... everything seems designed to put a smile on our faces. Every street has its own little surprise in store for us. Wondering where to start? We've selected 11 things to do in Budapest this Christmas, so that you can experience the trip as we did: with stars in your eyes!
1. What to do in Budapest at Christmas Have fun at the ice rink
There are some winter pleasures that never go out of fashion... and sliding on the ice is one of them! The városliget ice rink is a veritable Budapest institution. Nestling in the heart of the city's largest park, it offers a breathtaking view of Vajdahunyad Castle, as if in a fairytale setting.
We love this kind of atmosphere, where young and old mingle happily under the Christmas lights. Generally open from mid-November to the end of February, it welcomes skaters from morning until nightfall!
Read the article: Top 10 best cities to party in Europe
2. Discover Budapest's superb Christmas markets
In Budapest in December, everything seems to revolve around the christmas markets. On our first evening, we followed the lights into the city centre, and the magic really began!
Our first stop was Vörösmarty Square, home to one of the capital's liveliest markets. With stalls selling local crafts, Hungarian specialities and Christmas carols, the atmosphere is simply irresistible. Then we continued on to St Stephen's Basilica, a magnificent backdrop for enjoying a piping hot Kürtőskalács . Here, far from impersonal shops, everything smacks of tradition!
The article to read: Top 19 of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe
3. Find the best New Year's concert
In Budapest, New Year's Eve often means music! Every year, the city hosts a number of concerts that add a festive touch to the celebrations. We quickly realised that this is a real tradition here : the concerts on 31 December and 1 January attract locals and travellers alike!
Several emblematic venues host these performances, including the prestigious Palace of Arts and the National Opera. On the programme: classical music, opera or festive orchestras... everyone will find the ideal atmosphere to start the year in style.
4. What to do in Budapest at Christmas Treat yourself to a dinner cruise on the Danube
There's no better way to celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve than to let yourself drift gently along the river as you dine! A number of companies in Budapest organise festive cruises on the Danube, combining fine dining with panoramic views of the illuminated city.
On board, we sampled a succulent multi-course menu and enjoyed the vegetarian options. All set to Christmas tunes, of course! The route usually makes a loop between the bridges, in particular between the Marguerite Bridge and the Rákóczi Bridge. This gave us a whole new way of seeing Budapest's most beautiful monuments in their Christmas finery!
Dreaming of an unforgettable evening on the Danube? Go here to book your dinner cruise with live music and unlimited drinks while admiring the breathtaking view over Budapest.
5. Play up the temperature contrast at the Széchenyi thermal baths
If there's one experience we were looking forward to when visiting Budapest in winter, this is it! A dip in the outdoor baths of the Széchenyi Spa when the air is freezing cold... what a treat! The steam rises gently and, in a few moments, a thick mist surrounds you like a little bubble of well-being. We alternated between the hot pools, saunas and steam rooms. The hot/cold contrast is as surprising as it is pleasant.
Good to know: thermal baths are usually open at Christmas. However, 24 December is a semi-holiday in Hungary. In honour of Boxing Day, most activities stop mid-afternoon. So families can enjoy the festivities together.
6. Visit the city by Christmas tram
Do you like the unusual? Here it is! In Budapest, we love Christmas so much that even the trams are getting into the spirit. Covered in LED lights, they take you to the city's various sights. The top tram is tram line 2, which envelops you in festive lights along the Danube.
Tip from Petit Futé : the Budapest Card, which you can book here, allows you to travel by tram without spending extra, in addition to the cultural visits and other discounts included.
7. What to do in Budapest at Christmas? The charity tree in Óbuda square
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet andauthenticity, we headed for Óbuda Squarein the north of Budapest. Far from the hustle and bustle of the centre, we found a delightfully simple and warm atmosphere. There are no crowds here... just a few street food stalls and families strolling around with a discreet charm that feels good.
This is also where you'll find a bit of Hungarian Christmas tradition: the Charity Tree. Made entirely of wood, it forms a sort of small chapel where you can enter and sit down. In the evening, the coloured lights make it even more magical. And the best part? After the festive season, the wood is distributed to needy families! A wonderful tradition that reminds us that Christmas is also a time for sharing..
8. Marvel at the fireworks on New Year's Eve
Spending New Year's Eve in Budapest also means enjoying a festive atmosphere well into the night. And the results are often spectacular! We chose to climb Gellért Hill to watch the sky light up. From up there, the view over the city is magical as the fireworks explode everywhere.
Then it's on to other parts of Budapest, such as Váci utca, Erzsébet tér and the Jewish Quarter. We were told that these streets were transformed into one big open-air party, with music, good humour and plenty to eat all night long. Really? One of our fondest memories of Christmas in Budapest!
9. The light show at Saint Stephen's Basilica
St Stephen's Basilica is one of Budapest's must-sees, and it has a wonderful surprise in store for you during the festive season. Every evening, religious stories and traditional tales come to life thanks to colourful animations and spectacular 3D effects. The children love it... and they're not the only ones! The lighting effects literally transform the building, creating a magical atmosphere that amazes young and old alike. A real highlight of our stay in Budapest!
We recommend booking your guided tour of Saint Stephen's Basilica here, which will help you avoid the queue, discover its history, admire its works of art and see the relic of the Holy Right.
Good to know: the basilica houses a very special relic: the mummified right hand of Stephen I of Hungary, the country's first king. To see it light up, visitors have to... insert a coin.
10. What to do in Budapest at Christmas? The Nutcracker ballet
Every December, The Nutcracker comes to theHungarian State Opera and transforms Budapest into an enchanted stage. This ballet has become a true Christmas tradition throughout the world, and seeing it here, in this sumptuous setting, makes the experience even more special.
We took our seats in the richly decorated auditorium, eager to finally discover this famous opera. From the very first notes, the magic happens... Performances generally begin in mid-December and continue throughout the festive season. If you're in the mood for a unique cultural experience in Budapest, this is definitely an evening not to be missed!
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11. Discover Hungarian culture in a medieval atmosphere
To round off our stay in style, we plunged into an atmosphere straight out of another era. In the heart of Budapest, several restaurants offer colourful medieval evenings. On the menu: hearty meals, lively shows and the authentic decor of Hungary in days gone by!
Seated at long wooden tables, we savoured our delicious traditional Hungarian dinner while listening to the music echoing around the room. The show was total! Swordsmen, jugglers, musicians and belly dancers followed one another to laughter and applause, much to our delight. The atmosphere was joyful, friendly and slightly offbeat, making for an evening full of wonderful memories.
Where to stay in Budapest at Christmas? Our selection of the best hotels
The Buda district is the ideal place to stay in Budapest. The views are splendid! Looking for a more central location? Then the Belváros district is for you.
- Ideal for young people
The Maverick offers both double rooms and dormitories. Located in a lively district, the establishment is ideal if you like to go out at night. However, it is well isolated and therefore quiet. Book your night in Budapest here.
- The most zen & cool
Do you like a neo-hippyatmosphere? Welcome to the Shantee House in Buda. The establishment offers some classic rooms, others in dormitories... and even a yurt! Just click here to book your room in this favourite establishment, which is resolutely cool, zen, relaxed and colourful.
- The most complete
Onefam Budapest has it all: a relaxed atmosphere, quality service, comfortable beds, a bar, a leisure area and a friendly atmosphere! What more could you ask for? Particularly suited to young people or backpackers, it's a very nice place to stay in Budapest for a few days. Book here.
The article to read: Where to go for New Year's Eve? The best destinations
Hungary is an ideal destination for a cheap weekend break in Europe. It's perfect for a Christmas like no other, without breaking the bank! We stayed in Budapest for 3 days, enough time to visit the must-sees while admiring the city dressed up in its twinkling lights. When we left, all we wanted was to come back on holiday to visit the most beautiful places in Hungary!
See below for the hottest things to do in Budapest this Christmas:
