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.