A cosy, family-friendly Christmas market is opening in Budapest: the perfect spot if you dislike crowds!

From 28 November to 23 December, the Advent in Óbuda 2025 Christmas market will take place, offering free family programmes, concerts, an ice rink, and a craft market at Fő Square and Szentlélek Square. The gastronomic selection features traditional and modern dishes, hot drinks, and unique desserts. A special highlight is Janó’s Christmas Wooden Hut, where visitors can enjoy handcrafted bejgli (Hungarian roulade), hot chocolate, and festive beverages.

Advent in Óbuda: One of Budapest’s most cherished Christmas markets returns

In a few days, the festive lights will be switched on in Óbuda, marking the opening of the Advent in Óbuda 2025 Christmas market. This popular and entirely free-to-enter event, held primarily around Fő Square and Szentlélek Square, runs from 28 November to 23 December. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 2pm–9pm, Friday 2pm–10pm, Saturday 10am–10pm, and Sunday 10am–9pm. The area is accessible from three directions: Laktanya Street, Hídfő Street, and Szentlélek Square.

The market offers a rich programme with concerts, children’s activities, fire-juggling shows, and communal candle lightings every Saturday and Sunday from the first weekend onward. Children can visit Santa’s House, photo points, and watch free puppet shows, while one of the most popular attractions among families remains the free ice rink, where skates are available to rent on site.

Gastronomic delights include classic market fare like paprika potatoes, Székely cabbage stew, and grilled sausages, alongside modern dishes, desserts, chimney cakes, bubble waffles, and a variety of mulled wines. Stalls feature selected handmade crafts, unique jewellery, natural cosmetics, and gift items. Nearby museums also join the festive spirit with Advent-themed guided tours and workshops.

Handcrafted desserts, “Dementor’s Kiss” and festive drinks at Janó’s stall

A standout feature again this year is Janó’s Christmas Wooden Hut near Szentlélek Square, offering handmade bejgli, original desserts, and playful winter drinks. According to owner János Babay, this season represents the pinnacle of year-round preparation, combining celebration with community spirit.

This year, there is special attention to serving the needs and tastes of both the older generation and Gen Z. Janó’s Christmas Hut is expanding, placing greater emphasis on comfort and convenience. Home delivery across Budapest is available through the Wolt system, offering everything from bejgli to lard bread and hot drinks. Máté Koczka joins the team this year to ensure innovative services run smoothly throughout the event. Additionally, Janó’s products, guests, and services can be seen on TV2 every Saturday and Sunday in the programme “Merry Christmas.”

A gathering point amid the Advent bustle

“For me, Advent really begins in summer, as I save new recipes and ideas for this special time,” says János Babay. “The hut is not just a simple eatery; it is a meeting point. I love it when guests share stories, ask questions, taste, and truly immerse themselves in the festive mood. My goal is for everyone who visits to feel that the scents, flavours, and stories together capture the spirit of Óbuda’s Advent.”

Central to the offering are Adam Fazekas’s artisanal bejgli and Janó’s festive desserts, based on family recipes, modern sponge cakes, jams, and chocolate. Locally made hot chocolates, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks with witty names such as “Dementor’s Kiss,” “Angel’s Embrace,” and “Krampusz” make the stall unique. Homemade tea blends and festive brandies are favourites among adults.

“We bring warmth, aromas, and kind words”

“The beauty of this market is that everyone finds a little world of their own in it,” adds János Babay. “For us, that world is built around bejgli, hot chocolate, and stories. Every evening we chat with visitors, share tales, and together create the atmosphere that keeps people returning year after year. This is more than gastronomy; it’s a shared experience that makes a winter’s evening truly memorable.”

The owner hopes many regular visitors return this year and many new guests discover the hut: “We’re eagerly awaiting the start because every opening evening has a magic of its own. When the lights go on, the ice rink opens, and the first visitors arrive, it’s a special moment. I encourage everyone to come multiple times: enjoy some skating, a concert, or a stroll, and drop by for a bejgli or a hot drink. We bring the warmth, aromas, and friendly words—the rest is taken care of by Advent itself.”

Read also:

• Budapest’s Christmas markets aren’t a cheap outing this year either
• Budapest’s biggest Christmas markets are now open: here’s what to expect and how much you’ll pay

Click for more of our articles concerning Christmas and Christmas markets in Hungary.