Things to do in Budapest in December & January 2025
Winter in Budapest is a magical experience. Whether you’re exploring Christmas markets or relaxing in thermal baths, Budapest in winter offers something for every traveller.
The city’s charm takes on a special glow during the colder months, making it one of the best European destinations for a winter escape. From vibrant markets to cultural festivals, there are endless Budapest things to do in winter. Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Budapest in winter time!
Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festivals
Christmas Markets: A Festive Wonderland
Winter in Budapest means one thing: Christmas markets. Whether you’re a lover of seasonal shopping or just want to soak in the festive atmosphere, Budapest’s Christmas markets offer a magical experience. The city’s two most famous markets are located in Vörösmarty Square and by St. Stephen’s Basilica, each with its own unique charm.
Vörösmarty Square Market
Vörösmarty Square, the heart of downtown Budapest, hosts one of the city’s most iconic Christmas markets. It’s one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Hungary, offering visitors a chance to browse through stalls filled with handmade crafts, holiday decorations, and traditional Hungarian foods.
Walking into Vörösmarty Square during the Christmas season feels like stepping into a winter fairytale. The square is adorned with fairy lights and rustic wooden stalls selling everything from embroidered tablecloths and ceramics to woollen scarves and carved wooden toys. The scents of kürtőskalács (chimney cake), lángos (deep-fried dough), and forralt bor(mulled wine) fill the air, tempting you to indulge in the rich flavours of Hungarian street food.
Be sure to visit the Advent calendar on the Gerbeaud House, where a window opens every day in December, revealing festive surprises.
St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Fair
Another unmissable Budapest winter activity is to visit St. Stephen’s Basilica, which is often hailed as one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe. The market combines traditional crafts with a more modern twist, offering ice-skating rinks and light shows that reflect onto the facade of the basilica. This market is the perfect place to sip on a hot pálinka (a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy) or nibble on some sweet treats while marvelling at the stunning architecture of Budapest’s most famous church.
If you want to avoid the crowds, visit the Óbuda Christmas Fair, where a free skating rink awaits children. Enjoy mulled wines, a bowl of Goulash or kürtőskalács (chimney cake) and handmade gifts, just a few steps from the Verdi Budapest Aquincum hotel.
Thermal Spas: The Ultimate Winter Escape
When the winter chill bites, there’s nothing quite like sinking into the warm, soothing waters of the best Thermal Spas in Budapest. The city’s natural hot springs have been drawing visitors for centuries, and today, Budapest is renowned as the “City of Spas.” The baths are open year-round, but there’s something uniquely enchanting about visiting them in winter, when steam rises into the frosty air and snow blankets the surrounding architecture.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks. Located in City Park, this massive complex is one of the largest spa facilities in Europe. The outdoor pools are heated by natural thermal waters, making them the perfect place to relax even on the coldest days. As you soak in the warm water, you can watch snowflakes fall around you, creating a surreal contrast between the warmth of the water and the chill of the air.
Inside, Széchenyi offers a variety of saunas, steam rooms, and therapeutic pools, all designed to help you unwind and rejuvenate. The baths are especially popular in winter, as both locals and tourists flock here to escape the cold and enjoy a bit of relaxation.
Gellért Thermal Bath
For a more luxurious spa experience, head to the Gellért Thermal Bath, located in the beautiful Gellért Hotel. The bath’s stunning Art Nouveau architecture, complete with mosaic tiles and stained-glass windows, creates an opulent atmosphere that feels like stepping into a bygone era. The indoor pools are heated to a blissful temperature, while the outdoor pools, though smaller than those at Széchenyi, offer equally stunning views of the surrounding hills and river.
Rudas Baths
If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, the Rudas Bath offers a more intimate and historic bathing experience. Rudas dates back to the Ottoman era and retains much of its original 16th-century Turkish bath design. The central octagonal pool, surrounded by a domed ceiling and stone columns, is particularly atmospheric in winter. Rudas also has a rooftop thermal pool with spectacular views of the Danube and the city skyline, making it a great place to enjoy the winter scenery from the warmth of the water.
Another relaxing experience is Veli Bej Bath, the oldest and largest Turkish bath in Budapest, only 20 minutes from Verdi Budapest Aquincum.
Winter Festivals and Cultural Events
Winter in Budapest is also marked by several exciting festivals that blend tradition with modern entertainment. These festivals are lively, fun, and often come with a rich array of activities, performances, and food.
Farsang: Carnival Season
The Hungarian version of Carnival, Farsang, is a centuries-old tradition that celebrates the end of winter and the arrival of spring. While it’s celebrated all over Hungary, Budapest hosts some of the biggest Farsang events, with parades, masquerade balls, and folk performances taking centre stage. The celebrations start in early January and run until the beginning of Lent.
One of the highlights of Farsang is the Busójárás, a traditional festival originating from the town of Mohács, where people dress up in elaborate costumes and masks to chase away winter. Though the main event takes place in Mohács, Budapest often hosts smaller Busójárás-inspired events that allow visitors to experience the excitement of this ancient custom.
Budapest Winter Festival
The Budapest Winter Festival showcases the city’s vibrant cultural scene with music performances, art exhibitions, and gastronomic events. From classical concerts in the city’s historic churches to modern art installations and foodie markets, the Winter Festival brings together the best of Budapest’s creative spirit.
One particularly popular feature of the Winter Festival is the Café Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival, which takes place in October and November but often overlaps with the winter season. The festival celebrates contemporary art, dance, music, and theatre, providing a dynamic mix of events for culture lovers.
Hungarian State Opera House
Don’t miss an opera or ballet performance – Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty or The Nutcracker.
Ice Skating in Budapest: City Park Ice Rink
For those who love ice skating, the Ice Rink at City Park (Városligeti Műjégpálya), near Heroes’ Square is a winter dream come true. It’s one of Europe’s largest outdoor ice rinks and transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season.
Surrounded by historic buildings and trees draped in twinkling lights, this fair also offers winter delicacies, from hot chestnuts to pastries. There’s something incredibly magical about gliding across the ice while being surrounded by Budapest’s iconic architecture.
Exploring Budapest’s Winter Markets Beyond Christmas
Advent Fairs: A Cultural Celebration
Beyond Christmas markets, Budapest hosts a range of festive Advent fairs that add a cultural dimension to the city’s winter charm. These fairs offer a rich mix of traditional music, art, and local crafts, making them a fantastic way to experience Hungarian culture during the holiday season.
Buda Castle Advent Fair
Located in the heart of Buda Castle, the Advent Fair at Szentháromság Square offers breathtaking views of the city along with a rich cultural experience. The fair celebrates Hungarian folk traditions, with live performances of Christmas carols, local artisans demonstrating their craft, and traditional food stalls offering hearty Hungarian dishes like gulyás (goulash) and pörkölt (meat stew).
Café Hopping and Indoor Cosy Spots
There’s no place like Budapest when it comes to relaxing and indulging in the cosy warmth of a café. As winter’s chill sets in, Budapest’s grand cafés are perfect spots to warm up after a frosty stroll along the Danube or a wander through the city’s historic streets.
Step into the New York Café , often dubbed “the most beautiful café in the world,” where you can sip on an espresso beneath glittering chandeliers and ornate frescoes. Or visit Café Gerbeaud , a symbol of Hungarian confectionery history, known for its decadent pastries like the Dobos torte and Gerbeaud cake.
For a more literary ambiance, head to Central Café, where Budapest’s intellectuals have gathered for over a century to discuss art, politics, and everything in between.
Each of these iconic spots offers not just coffee, but a slice of history and tradition. And if you’re craving a riverside escape, the River Bar at the Verdi Budapest Aquincum hotel is the perfect blend of modern elegance and comfort. Warm up, slow down, and enjoy the café culture in the heart of Budapest!
Walking Tours of Budapest’s Winter Wonderland
A visit to Buda Castle is a must at any time of year, but the festive months add an extra layer of charm to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it one of the top Budapest attractions in winter. The castle’s hilltop location offers panoramic views of the city, while the Fisherman’s Bastion– with its fairy-tale towers and ramparts – looks particularly enchanting when dusted with snow.
Take a stroll through the winding streets of the Castle District, where you’ll find cosy cafés and quiet squares. Be sure to stop at Matthias Church, one of the city’s most beautiful Gothic churches, which glows with a warm light during the darker winter afternoons and be sure to stay for their winter holiday concerts.
The Vajdahunyad Castle in City Park is less crowded in winter and looks magical surrounded by snow.
For a different perspective of the city, consider taking a Danube River cruise. Many companies offer special winter cruises that include dinner, live music, and the opportunity to see Budapest’s illuminated landmarks from the water. Gliding past the Parliament Building, Cain Bridge, and Buda Castle at night, while sipping on a hot drink, is a truly magical experience.
New Year’s Eve in Budapest
Ring in the New Year with unforgettable style in Budapest, where the city comes alive with vibrant celebrations and endless excitement. From festive street parties to elegant river cruises, New Year’s Eve in Budapest offers something for everyone.
Start your evening by joining the lively crowds at Vörösmarty Square, where street parties and live concerts fill the air with music and joy. As midnight approaches, gather along the Danube to witness a spectacular fireworks display, with the shimmering backdrop of Budapest’s iconic bridges and the stunning Parliament building. For a more intimate experience, hop aboard a Danube river cruise, where you can toast to the new year while enjoying breathtaking views of the city’s skyline.
Dining options abound, from traditional Hungarian feasts to gourmet tasting menus at top restaurants. If you’re looking for an exclusive celebration, check out the Verdi Budapest Aquincum New Year’s Eve packages, where you can enjoy a luxurious night of dining, live entertainment, and even after-parties to keep the night going!
Whether you’re dancing under the stars or cruising the river, New Year’s Eve in Budapest is sure to be a magical start to the year ahead. Budapest in winter is a city of contrasts: warmth amid the cold, ancient traditions alongside modern festivities, and relaxation paired with vibrant celebrations.
Whether you’re wandering through the twinkling Christmas markets, soaking in the thermal baths, or joining the festivities of Farsang, Budapest has something to offer every traveller during the winter months. So, wrap up in your cosiest winter wear, grab a cup of mulled wine, and embrace the magic of this Hungarian capital in all its frosty splendour.
