Budapest Christmas travel guide
Planning a Christmas holiday to remember? Budapest fits the bill, with its Christmas markets, mulled wine, gingerbread treats and spectacular cityscapes. Charter a private jet to Budapest and enjoy the unique delights of this winter wonderland.
Christmas market on Vörösmarty Square
From mid-November until the end of December, Budapest’s centrally located and charming Vörösmarty Square is a hub of cultural and edible delights. The most famous of all of Budapest’s Christmas markets boasts 12 food and drink stalls selling Hungarian specialties. Locals and tourists bond over goulash served in hollowed-out bread rolls, fish and potato dumplings, fresh flatbread doused in garlic sauce, sauerkraut and cherry soup. Cosied up on picnic benches kept warm by space heaters and the sound of Hungarian folk music, the atmosphere is most certainly merry.
Illuminated by towering Christmas lights, the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square is also home to 28 arts and craft stalls selling Christmas goods that make the perfect gift, such as bespoke winter fashions, accessories, handmade jewellery and hand-printed stationery. Budapest is also known for its natural thermal baths and hot springs, which have attracted visitors dating back to Ancient Rome. When you’ve finished browsing the market, visit Szechenyi thermal baths and relax in two open-air thermal pools or one of 15 indoor pools.
Christmas fair at Basilica
Take advantage of this Christmas fair’s pop-up cafés and devour a roll of freshly grilled sweet chimney cake while roaming its streets and vintage stores. Go ice skating around Budapest's majestic two-story-tall Christmas tree in front of the illuminated St Stephen’s Basilica. After an exciting day of Christmas shopping, enjoy a festive mug of raspberry schnapps punch or apple cider from the famous Cafe Gerbeaud.
While you’re in town, get into the festive spirit and head over to Christmas Chamber Concert Budapest, where you can catch a range of performances from classical orchestral symphonies to gypsy salon and folk (check out Budapest's Christmas concert schedule here). And be sure to board a cruise along the beautiful River Danube for an evening of fine dining and entertainment.
The best of Budapest
Budapest is brimming with cultural, artisanal and delectable treats this festive season. Head to the Hungarian State Opera House for the Budapest Nutcracker Ballet and Nutcracker Festival, both winter favourites with visitors; or spend a day at Gellert Spa, treating yourself to a treatment or two and enjoying its relaxing hot springs. To extend your Christmas stay, hop aboard Budapest’s 2018 New Year’s Eve Party Cruise for an unforgettable night of Hungarian cuisine and music.
Charter a private jet to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to kick off your trip in VIP style, benefitting from shorter boarding times, concierge services and luxury lounges and terminals. Speak to us online or give us a call on +44 (0)20 8339 8588 to arrange your bespoke private jet charter journey. For more inspiration for your festive winter break, discover another eight of the best Christmas markets in the world.
