Premium Christmas Markets – 5 cities to visit in Hungary

Photo: Facebook.com/egeradvent/

Budapest might have the most famous Christmas markets in Hungary, but other well-known Hungarian cities all have something unique to offer. Here are five Christmas fairs to visit this year.

Magyarorszagom collected Hungarian cities with the best Christmas markets.

Budapest

The Budapest Advent and Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square officially opened its gates to the public on 8 November, and it will be welcoming festive-spirited visitors until 1 January. As usual, the crafts bazaar offers a wide selection of Christmas goodies.

Photo: Facebook.com/budapestchristmasfair

Foodwise, besides the traditional Hungarian chimney cake and beigli, international Christmas favourites can also be bought, such as roasted chestnut and gingerbread. There is also an enormous selection of hand-made chocolates and marzipan. Beware that the food and drinks section of the market is now located on the Duna side of the square, as opposed to previous years.

Pécs

The time of Advent is always special in the capital of Baranya county. The kith and kin of the city come together at the fair to taste the Christmas spirit. The scent of mulled wine, chimney cake, and roast chestnut pervades Széchenyi Square, together with the melodies of choral musicians and the lights, making the main square of the city a real casket.

Photo: Facebook.com/adventpecs/

The smallest members of the family can visit the house of Santa Claus, admire the light paintings, and watch the candle lighting ceremonies on Sundays with their parents. Similarly to Szeged, visitors can buy handmade products and relax for a while to really get into the Christmas spirit. Széchenyi Square turns into a fairy tale for the time of the Advent fair which opens on the last day of November.

Eger

Advent in Eger starts on 23 November and lasts until 29 December. During the Advent period, it is not only the castle that gets a winter glow-up, but visitors can enjoy Dobó Square, Gárdonyi Square, and Végvári Square in their Christmas glory. There is a free ice skating rink and an Ice Castle for the children, while mulled wine and palinka await the adults.

Photo: Facebook.com/egeradvent/

Szeged

Szeged celebrates Christmas Weeks at Dóm Square between 24 November and 24 December. There will be light painting, fire jugglers, and a huge ice rink. Szeged also prepared a special selfie box where visitors can commemorate their favourite Advent moments.

Photo: Facebook.com/szegediadvent/

Vác

The Christmas market (20 November – 31 December) at the main square of Vác awaits visitors with a human-sized Bethlehem, an ice rink, and a unique Advent wreath.