Christmas Markets in Budapest
Budapest boasts one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, buy your plane ticket and be captivated by the magical Christmas atmosphere of this city.
Budapest hosts a number of events all year round to celebrate the Hungarian culture, music, as well as fashionable parties.
This is the calendar of the main events happening in Budapest all year round.
Every year the Hungarian violinist Zoltán Mága greets the new year with the famous new year concert taking place in Budapest at the Papp László Budapest Sportarena.
The live show is performed in front of more than 10 thousand people and it is broadcasted on various TV channels, featuring the live performance of some of the greatest songs written by international composers such as Brahms, Beethoven, Erkel, Liszt, Vivaldi and much more, as well as some Hungarian folk musics and some of the world’s most successful musical themes.
The Mangalica is a very popular Hungarian breed of pigs. One pig can weight up to 300 kg. During this gastronomical festival it is possible to taste and stock up to on sausages (seasoned with paprika), as well as salami and traditional Hungarian cold cuts. The festival takes place in the Szabadság square during the second week of February. The admission is free and there is also a petting area where visitors can admire the mangalica pigs.
Every February the Opera House hosts various shows and ballet performances, some of which available at discounted prices.
The fish festival takes places at Millenáris park, where visitors can taste freshwater fishes seasoned with paprika.
March 15th is considered one of the most important national holidays commemorating the War of Independence of 1848/49 from the Habsburg Monarchy.
A cultural event of great importance, the Budapest Spring Festival takes place every year towards the end of March, hosting numerous international artists. This festival is celebrated not only in Budapest but all over Hungary.
The Vajdahunyad Castle houses the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, where every Easter kids and adults are invited to share and play the traditional spring games and admire the Easter eggs made by local artisans. Traditional artworks are also available for sale.
During this time of the year Budapest hosts various Easter markets with stands displaying eggs, lambs, chocolate rabbits, as well as many other traditional Hungarian products.
This event is dedicated to live jazz music performed by various artists, offering also the opportunity to taste some typical Hungarian wines. Moreover, the festival hosts a number of open air shows, from movie projections to theater shows.
More than 100 Museums and about 100 different programs are hosted in the Royal Garden Pavilion as well as inside the Hungarian National Museum, where folkloristic concerts are performed.
This festival is designed to celebrate bread making as well as the use of some special ingredients.
An event dedicated to brandy – or grappa – lovers, showcasing different local products.
During the shortest night of the year many museums stay open to public until dawn offering various activities such as concerts and multimedia shows.
In the stunning setting of Buda Castle every year the beer festival takes place, an event dedicated to beer where visitors can taste different types of beers characterized by various flavors and gradations.
A manifestation taking place every year at the Hungaroring. Featuring 70 laps, it is one of the world’s main Formula 1 championships. Taking part to this even is one extra reason to visit Budapest.
Summer time is the perfect time to walk along the Chain Bridge, where visitors can enjoy the numerous stalls selling local products as well as various bars and restaurants.
During summer time the Budapest zoo and the botanical garden host various concerts, offering to visitors the opportunity to enjoy these environments at night time.
Known as the Woodstock Festival on the Danube River, Sziget Festival takes place every year on Margaret Island, hosting groups of international artists performing different kinds of music: from jazz to rock, from metal to pop and even to classical music. Inside this structure – which looks like a small village – it is possible to find various groceries as well as ATMs and drugstores.
A festival dedicated to handicrafts taking place in the courtyards of the Royal Palace in Buda, showcasing a number of handmade crafts.
St. Stephen’s Day is celebrated every August 20th and it is considered the country’s most important holiday. It is dedicated to the celebration of St. Stephen, who was the first king of Hungary as well as the founder of the Hungarian Church. It is a very suggestive celebration featuring different cultural and musical events. This day-long festivity is followed by a military parade as well by majestic fireworks.
This event is dedicated to the Jewish culture, offering the opportunity to experience it in the first person and to explore and enjoy a culture that is not known by many people.
The Wine & Sparkling Wine Festival takes places in the courtyards of the Buda Castle. Visitors can enjoy local and international wine and sparkling wine tasting, as well as traditional Hungarian food tasting.
The National Gallop is the main horse race in Budapest taking place at Heroes’s Square and celebrating Hungarian traditions such as sports, culture, and gastronomy.
The Budapest Marathon is an international event hosting more than 16 thousand runners who can choose among different paths, according to their physical training and strength. The standard path is long 42 km and it passes across the whole city.
This national holiday marks the day of freedom. On this day most of the working activities stay close in memory of the 1956 Hungarian revolution.
Vörösmarty Square, located in the heart of the city, hosts the famous Christmas market featuring stalls selling handcrafts, souvenirs, and traditional gastronomic products.
December is characterized by many Christmas markets. The big and magnificent Christmas Tree and its decorations, along with the several stalls selling handmade products and gastronomic delicacies, embrace Budapest with a touch of an unforgettable atmosphere.
In order to celebrate new year’s eve, a number of concerts, musical and dancing events are organized, not to mention the fireworks scattered all over the main squares of the city.
City Card allow you to save on public transport and / or on the entrances to the main tourist attractions.
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