Budapest Christmas market 2026
The two Christmas markets in this guide are at Vörösmarty tér and at Szent István tér by the Basilica. Both open on 13 November 2026. Plan the castle hill in daylight and a market for the evening.
If you want the castle district done properly first, a guided walk saves time, see Buda Castle tours. The sections below give the dates and hours for 2026.
Opening hours of the two markets in 2026
Regular days first, then the holidays.
| Day | Vörösmarty tér | Basilica (Szent István tér) |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday and Sunday | 11:00–21:00 | 11:00–22:00 |
| Friday and Saturday | 11:00–22:00 | 11:00–23:00 |
| 24 December | 10:00–14:00 | 11:00–15:00 |
| 25 and 26 December | 12:00–18:00 | 11:00–20:00 |
| 29 and 30 December | 11:00–21:00 | Check on site |
| 31 December | 11:00–03:00 the next day | 11:00–03:00 the next day |
| 1 January 2027 | Check on site | 11:00–18:00 |
Vörösmarty tér runs into New Year's night, but not every stall stays until the end. Crafts and the children's carousel stay until 28 December 2026. The Basilica market runs from 13 November 2026 to 1 January 2027. Check the current hours before you go.
Our pick: Christmas markets by e-car
A private ride through the festive city for those who would rather not walk between the markets in the cold.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Budapest tours in the Christmas season
Castle district walks, city tours, river cruises and day trips from Budapest, with live prices and availability. Check dates and what each tour includes before you book.
Budapest in December
Cold days and early evenings, so dress for them.
In December the average high is 3.5 °C and the average low is -1.4 °C, with 40 mm of rain in the month. These are averages for 1991 to 2020, not a forecast, and they do not promise snow. Dress in layers, with a hat and gloves for the evening at the market. More months on Budapest weather and the best time to visit.
If you ride the funicular to the castle district, note the maintenance days: 2, 16 and 30 November and 14 and 28 December 2026. Check the calendar for your date, see the Castle Hill funicular.
Rules and tips for the markets
What applies at the Basilica market and around it.
Free entry at the Basilica market
The Basilica market is free for everyone. This applies to the market area. A visit inside the church is a separate, ticketed visit.
No cycling
Cycling and unapproved motorised vehicles are not allowed on the market grounds. There is video surveillance, and parts of the area can be closed off in an emergency.
Food and drink prices
Bring cash and a card and check prices at each stall. Prices change from year to year, so do not budget from an old season.
Plan the evening
The markets run late on Fridays and Saturdays. A good plan is the castle district by day and a market in the evening.
Combine the markets with Buda Castle
Where the hill and the markets fit in one trip.
A good winter day starts on Castle Hill, with the museums indoors and the views from the Fisherman's Bastion, then moves on to the markets. Read the details in things to do in Budapest. If you stay overnight, where to stay in Budapest covers the districts to consider.
Budapest Christmas market: frequently asked questions
When do the Budapest Christmas markets open in 2026?
Both the Vörösmarty tér market and the Basilica market open on 13 November 2026. Vörösmarty tér runs into New Year's night, the Basilica market until 1 January 2027.
What are the opening hours?
At Vörösmarty tér, Monday to Thursday and Sunday 11:00–21:00 and Friday and Saturday 11:00–22:00. At the Basilica, Monday to Thursday and Sunday 11:00–22:00 and Friday and Saturday 11:00–23:00. Holiday hours differ, see the table above.
Is the Basilica Christmas market free?
Yes, the market area is free for everyone. A visit inside the church is ticketed separately.
What is Budapest like in December?
Cold. The average high is 3.5 °C and the average low is -1.4 °C. Snow is not promised by the averages, so dress in layers.
Are the markets open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, with shorter hours: Vörösmarty tér 10:00–14:00 and the Basilica 11:00–15:00 on 24 December. On 25 and 26 December Vörösmarty tér runs 12:00–18:00 and the Basilica 11:00–20:00.