The Best Christmas Markets in Europe: Advent Basilica Christmas Market in Budapest [2024]

Let’s imagine: It is December, and Christmas is coming. Everywhere is wonderfully decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and garlands, and if you are lucky enough – it is snowy outside. So, where is the best place in the city to feel the Christmas spirit? At the Christmas markets, of course, and as we know, some of the best Christmas markets are in Central Europe. So now I will guide you to one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe – the Advent Basilica (Adventi Ünnep a Bazilikánál) – the Advent Feast at the Basilica in Budapest. Read below what you can expect at Advent Bazilika Christmas Market in Budapest and why it is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

At a Glance

The Advent Basilica Christmas Market in Budapest is a festive tradition set against the stunning background of St. Stephen’s Basilica. It began as a gathering to celebrate the Advent season, attracting locals and visitors to experience the warmth of Hungarian Christmas traditions. So, you should visit the Advent Bazilika Christmas Market in Budapest to experience the festive season in one of Europe’s most beautiful holiday places. Imagine strolling through beautifully decorated stalls, savoring traditional Hungarian treats like chimney cake (kürtőskalács) and mulled wine (forralt bor), all while being surrounded by the twinkling lights of St. Stephen’s Basilica. The market’s signature 3D light show on the Basilica’s facade is fascinating, adding a magical ambiance to the holiday spirit. It’s the perfect spot to shop for unique, handcrafted gifts and soak in the warmth of Hungarian Christmas traditions, creating memories that capture the season’s magic.

How to get to the Advent Basilica Christmas Market

Transportation

One of the most spectacular fairs in Europe is the Advent Basilica Christmas Market in Budapest. Yes, that’s true! Advent Basilica was awarded the best Christmas market in Europe 4 times during the last few years – 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024) and is open for the 14th time at St. Stephan’s Square in Budapest for a month from the middle of November to the 1st of January.

If traveling from Budapest Airport, take the 100E bus to the bus stop at Deak Ferenc ter and walk around 5 minutes to the Basilica (2200HUF ticket price). Other buses going to the area are 105, 178, 9, 914, 931, 950, trolleybuses 72, trams 47, 48, and 49 (regular single ticket price is 450HUF/ if bought from the bus driver – 650HUF). The nearest metro station is Bajcsy-Zsilinszky ut. So, getting to the Advent Bazilika Christmas market from everywhere is pretty easy. Here you can find actual information about public transport in Budapest.

Opening hours of the Advent Basilica Christmas Market

From the 15th of November 2024 to the 1st of January 2025, the Advent Basilica is waiting for you.

Monday – Thursday: 11 AM – 10 PM 

Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM

Sunday – 11 AM – 10 PM 

Christmas:

24.12.2024: 11 AM – 3 PM 

25-26.12.2024: 11 AM – 8 PM

New Year’s Eve:

31.12.2024: 11 AM – 3 AM

01.01.2025: 11 AM – 6 PM

What to do at the Advent Bazilika Christmas Market

Is there a Christmas Market in the town where you live? Do you like it? I live in Sofia (Bulgaria), and yes, we have a beautiful Christmas market (Weihnachstmarkt) in the city center. But it is definitely smaller than the one I visited in Budapest. The Advent Basilica Christmas Market offers a fantastic atmosphere with different attractions, exhibitions, and entertaining programs so that you can spend a lovely time with your friends, family, or colleagues here.

During the fair, you will find a photo exhibition, an ice rink around the tall Christmas tree in front of the Basilica, a selfie automat, a sleigh, and a light show projected to the facade of the Basilica. You can enjoy a Christmas light show every 30 minutes in the evening. Look at the facade of the Basilica, where the 3D light show presents a new story every day. 

Surprise your loved ones with artisans’s products. You will find plenty of modern artists at the fair, offering gorgeous handcrafted products. There is a stand with ceramics and Christmas decorations. Walk around, and you will see excellent Hungarian leather goods. You will find belts, backpacks, wallets, jewels, gloves, etc. There are also handmade unique felt jewelry, bags, hats, and other felt accessories. Check the interesting works like wreaths, garlands, Christmas decorations, 100% essential oils, and door decorations. Finding a lovely small gift for you or your friends and family at the Advent Feast is easy.

What to eat at the Advent Basilica Christmas Market in Budapest

In addition to the artisan exhibitors, unique culinary stands await you. Here, you will find classic fair foods, street food, BBQ dishes, and traditional Hungarian dishes. What I like about the Advent Bazilika Christmas Market in Budapest is that you have plenty of choices of traditional Hungarian dishes. It is one of my favorite things to do in a new country: I love tasting local food, and here you can find some delicious traditional options.

Try Langos – a traditional fried flatbread (we have a similar one in Bulgaria called Mekitsa). You can eat it sweet with chocolate, jam, or the most popular choice – sour cream, grated cheese, and garlic. I tried it as an afternoon breakfast – big enough before dining and very delicious.

Are you a meat lover? Sausages and salami made out of pork and Mangalitsa pig, duck delicacies, goose, smoked meats, pulled pork, bacon, leaver, paste, and other meaty delights can be found here. Try Hungary’s three main kinds of traditional sausages: the Kolbasz (with lots of paprika) and two types of Hurka (pork liver and pork blood). Make a sandwich with sausage, salad, sauces, and french fries, and you have a delicious dinner. 

Try the traditional stuffed cabbage dish with sauerkraut, filled with pork and rice or duck meat. 

You can take your dish served over a potato pancake – they look good but are not my favorite choice (actually, I think they are a bit greasy). 

Try roasted goose thigh or whole pig roasted on a skewer over an open fire.

Or if you prefer a soup to warm up on a cold day – goulash is a perfect choice. It’s made of beef and paprika, and you can take it in a bread bowl as well. Prices for the main dishes vary and yes, they are a bit expensive, but it is a Christmas Market, and you get a relatively big portion for that money.

Accompany your traditional Hungarian dish with mulled wine, and have an excellent dinner. Everywhere, you can find mulled wine, punch with different flavors, Baileys cocktails, and tea with the traditional Hungarian drink – Palinka (a strong fruit brandy). There are also non-alcoholic hot beverages, such as hot chocolate and coffee.

One of my favorite locations on the market is the Chimney Cake Shop. You can choose your chimney cake with different flavors (pastry baked over charcoal, caramelized on the outside). Try vanilla, cocoa, or cinnamon cake, and add hazelnut cream, extra toppings, and decorations. It’s the perfect dessert after your traditional Hungarian dinner at the Advent Bazilika Christmas market. 

You also have various strudel kinds to choose from, such as the Hungarian Jewish cake Flodni (walnut, poppyseed, apple, and plum jam). Many kiosks are selling roasted chestnuts, too. You can also get some traditional marzipan bonbons as a gift from Budapest for your friends. 

In conclusion, visiting Budapest during the holiday season and experiencing the Advent Basilica Christmas Market is an unforgettable adventure that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Its stunning light shows, delicious seasonal cuisine, and atmosphere brimming with festive joy make it a heartwarming celebration of culture and tradition. Whether shopping for unique gifts, indulging in traditional Hungarian flavors, or simply soaking in the magical ambiance, this Christmas market promises an experience that charms you. So, pack your warmest coats and holiday spirit, and let Budapest’s winter wonderland sweep you into the season’s magic!

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