Christmas approaching: novelties at popular Christmas fair, ice rinks open in Budapest

Christmas, the celebration of love, peace, kindness and family, is just around the corner. What could immerse you more in the festive mood than a Christmas fair and ice skating? We bring you good news – one of Europe’s most beautiful Christmas fairs is set to open soon in Budapest, welcoming visitors with a host of new experiences! Ice rinks will also be opening their gates shortly, featuring special programmes.

Advent Bazilika

Sokszínű Vidék reported that Advent Bazilika will open soon in Budapest, inviting visitors to indulge in festive flavours, lights and scents. The Christmas fair has earned the title of Best European Christmas Market three times (in 2020, 2022 and 2023). Despite marking its 13th edition, this year’s fair promises numerous novelties. Expect plenty of concerts, light art, selfie points, a free ice rink, delicacies and a 12-metre-tall Christmas tree. The fair kicks off on the 17th of November, enchanting visitors at the square in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica until the 1st of January.

Novelties at the Christmas Fair

Additionally, a multimedia exhibition awaits visitors at the fair—a spectacular light installation beckoning you into the enchanting fairytale world of Alice in Wonderland. To enhance the market’s magical ambiance, musicians will perform four times a week on the streets. Craving a gastronomic journey? This is the ideal spot for you. The Christmas fair will showcase many Hungarian craft and gastronomic vendors, offering a variety of street food specialties, barbecue meals and traditional Hungarian delicacies. Hungarikums will take the spotlight once again, featuring chimney cake, paprika, pálinka, exquisite wines and more. Fortunately, every stand will offer meals for HUF 1,500 (EUR 3.99), allowing you to stay on a budget. Another Christmas fair is set to open on the 17th as well; details can be found HERE. Check out our list of the best Hungarian Christmas fairs and where to find them HERE.

Ice rinks in Budapest

Travelo reported that in celebration of Budapest‘s 150th birthday, the ice rink in Városliget will welcome visitors with a range of special programmes. The opening hours for this week are as follows:

• Friday (17 November)
  5 p.m.-9 p.m.
• Saturday (18 November)
  10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
• Sunday (19 November)
  10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

The ice rink in Budapest Park will open on the 1st of December, spanning 2000 square metres. During its first weekend, organisers will provide special and entertaining programmes for both children and adults.