Experiences
Budapest Christmas markets 2026: Vörösmarty tér, the basilica and where to stay
The Christmas markets on Vörösmarty tér and at St Stephen’s Basilica open on 13 November 2026. The dates, the food and the hotels we would book.
Gita Simonsen
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In short
Budapest has two big Christmas markets, ten minutes' walk apart. The market on Vörösmarty tér runs from 13 November to 31 December 2026, and the market at St Stephen's Basilica from 13 November 2026 to 1 January 2027. Both are free. Our first choice for a stay is Aria Hotel, a stone's throw from the basilica.
Our first choice: Check availability and prices at Aria Hotel Budapest
Budapest is cheaper than many other Christmas market cities in Europe, and one of the most beautiful. The markets are in Pest, on the east bank of the Danube, and pair well with thermal baths, ruin bars and views of Parliament from the Chain Bridge.
Dates 2026
Vörösmarty tér: 13 November to 31 December 2026. On Christmas Eve the market closes at 2pm.
St Stephen's Basilica: 13 November 2026 to 1 January 2027.
Óbuda, Fő tér: a smaller market on the Buda side from late November to 23 December.
Entry: free at all the markets.
Check the opening hours with the organisers before you travel.
Vörösmarty tér
Budapest's oldest and biggest Christmas market sits at the end of the Váci utca pedestrian street. Its stalls sell Hungarian crafts, decorations and food such as kürtőskalács, the sweet chimney cake baked over embers, and lángos. The market has been held here since the 1990s.
St Stephen's Basilica
The market around the basilica is the most photogenic in the city. In the evening a light show plays across the facade, and there is a small ice rink in the middle of the square. Come after dark to see the lights, ideally early in the evening before the crowds.
More to do in Budapest at Christmas
Thermal baths: The Széchenyi baths in the Városliget city park are open all year, and the outdoor pools steam in the cold.
The Chain Bridge and Parliament: Walk across the Danube one evening for views of the lit-up city.
Coffee houses: The grand old coffee houses in the centre are good places to warm up after the market.
Getting there
There are direct flights to Budapest from London and many other European cities. From the airport, the 100E bus takes you to Deák Ferenc tér, right by Vörösmarty tér. In the centre you can walk to both markets.
Hotels near the Christmas markets
Aria Hotel Budapest
Aria Hotel is a stone's throw from St Stephen's Basilica and Andrássy Avenue. It has a roof terrace, a spa with an indoor pool and Café Liszt, and breakfast is included. Guests on Hotels.com rate it 10.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Aria Hotel Budapest
Kempinski Corvinus
ES Bisztro at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus.
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Kempinski is a five-minute walk from Vörösmarty tér and the basilica. It has a spa with an indoor pool, and ES Bisztro serves Hungarian food. More than a thousand guests rate it 9.6.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus
Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Four Seasons occupies an Art Nouveau palace by the Chain Bridge, ten minutes' walk from the Christmas market. It has a spa with an indoor pool and Kollázs Brasserie & Bar. Guests rate it 9.8.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Four Seasons Gresham Palace
Frequently asked questions about Budapest Christmas markets
When is the Budapest Christmas market 2026?
The market on Vörösmarty tér runs from 13 November to 31 December 2026. The market at St Stephen's Basilica runs from 13 November 2026 to 1 January 2027.
Which Christmas market in Budapest is best?
The basilica has the light show and the ice rink, while Vörösmarty tér is the biggest and oldest. They are ten minutes' walk apart, so most visitors see both.
Is the Budapest Christmas market free?
Yes, both markets are free. You only pay for food, drink and what you buy.
Where should you stay for the Budapest Christmas markets?
Stay in Pest between Vörösmarty tér and the basilica. Aria Hotel and Kempinski are both a few minutes from the markets.