Winter in Budapest can plunge the thermometer into the negatives. However, even if your breath turns into steam, there’s plenty to help you forget the cold. Around the holidays, the city buzzes with activity both indoors and out. Whether it’s sipping mulled wine at a street market, soaking in a hot thermal bath under the snow, skating in front of a fairy-tale castle, or riding the city’s sparkling Christmas tram, December in Budapest is truly a delightful experience.
Shop at the Christmas Markets
In early December, with Christmas drawing near, most of Budapest’s squares dress up in festive lights. Vendors set up stalls as the air fills with the intoxicating scents of mulled wine and cinnamon. The best-known and biggest Christmas market is on central Vörösmarty tér. Here, vendors sell high-quality Hungarian handicrafts, while a large food terrace offers delights ranging from pulled pork to lángos (deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, garlic, and cheese). In the evenings, enjoy free concerts and dance performances, while just steps away another merry market by St Stephen’s Basilica features creative animations projected on the façade of the cathedral every half hour after sunset, set against a backdrop of a huge Christmas tree and an artificial ice-skating rink.
Celebrate Santa Claus Day
The feast day of St Nicholas on 6 December is the traditional day in Hungary when Santa Claus comes to town. Accompanied by a good angel and a dreaded horned creature named Krampusz, the night before, children shine their boots and place them on the windowsill, eagerly waiting for Santa to leave candies or toys. Consequently, bearded figures in red flood the streets of Budapest, creating a lively atmosphere. Family-friendly events take place citywide, including a temporary Santa’s workshop at City Park. Each year, the Finnish Father Christmas figure, Joulupukki, visits the Vörösmarty tér Christmas Fair, while the Santa Speedo Run raises money for local charities as hundreds jog around the city in swimsuits and Santa hats.
Ride Budapest’s Sparkling Christmas Trams
From late November until early January, tram 2 adorns itself with thousands of white and blue LED lights. It winds through beautiful sites, including the impressive Parliament, offering breathtaking views of the Danube embankments. Regular public transport tickets can be used on this glittering tram. Moreover, other trams like 41 and 19 also get festive decorations, carrying merry crowds as they traverse the city.
Go Ice Skating in City Park
Make your way to City Park to experience Europe’s largest outdoor ice-skating rink, located just steps away from the iconic Heroes’ Square, under the watchful gaze of the 19th-century Vajdahunyad Castle. The area becomes especially enchanting after sunset when the castle is beautifully illuminated. Skates can be rented for approximately 2000 Ft, and hot mulled wine or tea is perfect for warming up between laps. The rink operates daily, but do note it closes for maintenance part of each day.
Have a Soak in the Thermal Baths
Budapest boasts a plethora of thermal baths, as it sits on a rich network of hot springs. The most popular ones include Széchenyi Baths in City Park and Gellért Baths near Gellért Hill. Széchenyi is Europe’s largest spa complex, featuring 21 pools where visitors can unwind in warm water while experiencing the chill of snowy weather. Furthermore, regular Sparty late-night parties occur, especially in December. Gellért is known for its stunning art nouveau architecture and has its own charm, making it an excellent choice for relaxation.
Puzzle Your Way out of an Escape Room
Budapest is known as the home of the escape-game trend. The first escape room, Parapark, opened in 2011, and now dozens of locations exist throughout the city. Gather your team and select a theme that captivates you. Themes can range from Ancient Egypt to crime-solving or sci-fi adventures. Inside, you’ll have an hour to escape by solving logical puzzles before time runs out.
Article first published November 2018, and last updated by Kata Fári in October 2019
