Budapest’s official Christmas market and ice rink opens today – photos, video
On Friday afternoon, in the scenic Városháza Park in Budapest, Tamás Földes, CEO of Budapest Vásárcsarnokai Ltd., will ceremoniously hand over the city’s festive Christmas tree to Mayor Gergely Karácsony. Together, they will inaugurate Budapest’s official Christmas market, marking the start of the holiday season — announced Budapest Vásárcsarnokai Ltd. in a statement to MTI on Friday.
Mulled wine, winter treats, unique street food
As part of the celebrations, the Light Art Museum will illuminate the façades of the Merlin Theatre and the City Hall with stunning artistic light projections. The ice rink will open with a captivating figure skating performance, the Hungarian News Agency wrote.
Visitors to the market can indulge in mulled wine, winter treats, and unique street food delights. The market also showcases handcrafted gifts and decorations created by local artisans, offering something special for every festive shopper.
Guests will find an array of crafted goods, including ceramics, Christmas ornaments, handmade leather products, alpaca and natural material jewellery, dried flower garlands transformed into gifts, tealight holders, exclusive posters, marzipan figures, and exquisite chocolate desserts — as highlighted by Tamás Földes, the organiser of Budapest Christmas 2025.
Christmas market and ice rink
Throughout the Advent weekends, live music will set the perfect festive atmosphere alongside candlelighting ceremonies. Culinary offerings will feature mulled wine, traditional spit-roasted chimney cakes prepared using original recipes, classic Christmas dishes, soups, and premium honey delicacies.
The market, open until 31 January 2026, presents a wonderful showcase of craftsmen, bespoke jewellery makers, applied artists, and traders. To celebrate Budapest’s birthday, during the opening weekend on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, local residents can enjoy free access to the ice rink regardless of age by presenting a valid ID and proof of residency. To ensure safety, the rink will limit the number of skaters to sixty at any one time.
Budapest’s unique metro festival also kicked off today:
The handover of the city’s official Christmas tree:
Read also:
- Budapest’s top Christmas markets opened today: festive charm and wallet-friendly menus await!
- Discover the stunning beauty of Budapest aboard Ikarus buses during Advent: photos, videos, details
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