Budapest’s top Christmas fairs open tomorrow: festive charm and wallet-friendly menus await!
Budapest’s two most famous Christmas markets are opening this year with spectacular new attractions and special anniversary surprises. On November 14, the 15th Advent Bazilika at St. Stephen’s Square and the Vörösmarty Classic Xmas in the heart of the city will welcome visitors. Organisers promise that the combination of traditional Christmas charm and modern visual effects will be especially impressive this year.
Both markets continue last year’s popular initiative, ensuring that each major food stall offers an affordable dish or drink for HUF 1600. Classic favourites will also be available, including:
- Plain lángos
- Lángos with cheese and sour cream
- Sausage with bread and mustard
- Stuffed cabbage
- Mulled wine
The culinary offerings are also enhanced by themed weekends, where visitors can enjoy seasonal specialities such as goose dishes, stews, fish, Christmas desserts, and more.
Photo: Facebook/Vörösmarty Classic Xmas
The Basilica shines in a new light
The Advent Bazilika celebrates its 15th anniversary this year and is expected to remain one of the city’s most popular festive destinations. Alongside last year’s starry-light canopy and the towering Christmas tree, the market’s iconic feature—the light projections on the Basilica’s facade—has been completely renewed.
With stronger, modern lighting technology, visitors can still enjoy the favorite films from previous years, along with a new projection highlighting the Basilica’s 120-year history. Screenings begin every evening at 5:30 PM and repeat every half hour, according to the MTI press release.
One of last year’s light projections, the most spectacular features of the Basilica Advent market. Photo: Advent Bazilika / Facebook
Visitors are also greeted at the entrance by a brand-new, illuminated welcome gate and a light tunnel leading toward Bajcsy-Zsilinszky Street. New selfie points, a multilingual photo booth, and thematic signs help navigate the market. Culinary experiences are complemented by Advent Bazilika-branded dishes and takeaway containers, and for the first time, online food ordering with on-site pickup is available.
Light shows and the snow globe at Vörösmarty Square
At the Vörösmarty Classic Xmas, the centrepiece remains the transparent “snow globe” protecting the Vörösmarty statue, now featuring a dazzling new light show. The square’s lighting has been completely redesigned: the live Christmas tree and surrounding trees will each feature unique light installations.
The transparent “snow globe”, a highlight of last year’s Christmas market. Photo: Vörösmarty Classic Xmas / Facebook
On the market’s large LED wall, visitors can interact with motion-sensitive, AI-generated animations, accompanied by multilingual Vörösmarty quotes. Visitor comfort is ensured with padded seating, new selfie spots, and uniform branded dishes. Children can enjoy the free mini-train, which now includes a new “Vörösmarty Square” stop.
Festive moments in the heart of the city
The Basilica and Vörösmarty Square once again become the city’s festive hubs. Visitors can stroll through the light tunnel, try out the new selfie points, or pause with a hot drink while surrounded by the sights and scents of Christmas.
Both markets offer a mix of traditional and modern experiences, ensuring everyone can find their favourite festive moment. These locations are well worth a visit this year.
Featured image: Vörösmarty Classic Xmas / Facebook
