As this is an upcoming trip, I am compiling a list of things to do in Budapest at Christmas. I will be there four days before Christmas Day and leaving on Boxing Day.
Internet Resource
Budapest Christmas Things to Do appears to be an excellent website which tells all there is needed to know about being in Budapest at Christmas! I have looked through the website and summarized some of my findings below.
Weather
The typical weather in Budapest at Christmas is 3 to 4 Celsius during the day and 0 to -2 at night.
As a comparison, where I live in central Alberta, Canada, the day time temperatures are -5 to -7C during the day and -14 to -16C at night. While -5 to -7C is a comfortable temperature to spend the day outside, -14 to -16 is not.
So I think the temperatures in Budapest are very comfortable both day and night. Although, I am guessing that because it is near the water, it will feel colder than it is. Best to wear a good winter coat, hats and mitts, a scarf and perhaps long johns or stockings. It won’t be unheard of to wear a pair of outdoor pants if you intend on spending the entire day outside. If you go to a good outdoor supply store such as MEC or Camper’s Village, they will have some excellent options which don’t look or feel like ski pants. But if you tend to get extremely cold, then wear what keeps you comfortable.
Markets
There are two markets on December 24th of note, operating from 10 to 3 and the Basilica from 10 to 2:
I just found this excellent article in the Telegraph about Christmas in Budapest.
Christmas Church Services in Budapest
I had the good fortune to visit Helsinki’s Temppeliaukion Church, a church carved out of a rock, at Christmas and it was a memorable experience for me. I didn’t understand a word, but the themes and songs were easy to hum along to and grasp. I look forward to visiting a church in Budapest for Christmas, either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Christmas Eve Church Concert in Budapest at the St. Anna’s Church begins at 6:00 and you need to book tickets ahead of time. When I took a look, the concert date was in July so it appears to be an ongoing concert. I suppose if you take a look in the future and if you desire to go on Christmas Eve, the details are all online.
Walking Tour
There are guided walking tours available on December 24th of the Buda Castle. The hours are 2pm to 4pm and the cost is EUR 10 for adults and EUR 5 for Children 0-12.
The main thermal baths are open from 6am to 2pm on December 24, and you can make reservations online.
‘City of Baths’
Chances are you plan to go to a bath house when you visit Budapest.
Information about Budapest’s bathhouses
Budapest is known as the ‘City of Baths’. The waters are natural and come for thermal hot springs, as many as 1,000 sources of this warm water which they say is good for the soul, has healing properties and just plain relaxing. The baths are open year round.
Budapest Bath Etiquette, and questions answered
- Check the dates carefully as some days are men only or women only.
- Check the clothing policy. All require bathing suits on mixed-sex days.
- Some pools require a bathing cap
- Most pools rent towels
- Some pools offer medical treatments
- Some pools offer spa-like services such as massages, pedicures
Wear flip-flops for cleanliness as well as for when the floors are slippery
Links to Budapest’s Baths here:
Food
What are the typical foods that you will encounter at Christmas in Budapest?
My mouth is watering already – well, I don’t know about the rooster testicle stew
- Chimney Cake (kürtőskalács)
- Goulash soup in a bread bowl (gulyásleves) …
- Mulled wine (forralt bor) …
- Roasted chestnut (sült gesztenye) …
- Rooster-testicle stew (kakastöke pörkölt) …
- Parlor candy (szaloncukor) …
- Spiral strudel (beigli) …
- Strudel (rétes)
I would really be looking forward to the food! What a fun adventure!
I am looking forward to seeing what they serve for Christmas.
Looks like some fun plans! Hope it turns out perfect!
Thank you, Lori. I hope it turns out perfect too!
Rooster testicle stew, LOL… who knew that was a thing. I’m a big planner when I take trips, so I can really appreciate your sharing this article.
I can’t imagine how that stew will taste…
A destination Christmas sounds like a intriguing option!
I really enjoy travelling off season. I hope it turns out well too.
It looks like you are going to have an amazing trip! It will be so magical at Christmas time. I’m looking forward to the posts when you return.
I hope to take loads of pictures and get some great ideas to share!
Way to plan ahead and very smart thinking. I’m not a fan of surprises most of the time so I would research too. I hope you have a wonderful journey to Budapest, it looks pretty awesome!
Thank you Shirley. When I have travelled without first researching I feel like I missed some important sites. Although I suppose no matter what, I can’t see it all!
Ok the rooster testicle stew made me LOL! Sounds like a fantastic trip-I hope you have a wonderful time!
Looks like lots to do! Have a great time.
Sounds like you are going to have a great Christmas holiday! However, I would skip the rooster stew haha
That is such a fun time to go and so festive. What a treat to be able to go to the service and explore those markets in a beautiful city.
Budapest for Christmas sounds awesome! My niece served in Budapest for 18 months 2 year ago and she loved it. Have a blast this Christmas and so great you’re already preparing! The food looks yummy too
Great Budapest recap. Have an amazing tkme!
It looks like a beautiful city, especially at night.
Looks like it’s going to be a great trip! Lots of good research.
The concerts would give me goosebumps!!
This sounds amazing. I hear the Christmas markets are amazing.
That would be a wonderful vacation. We enjoy learning about the local culture.
I love your pictures, I’ve been to Budapest many years ago!
Looking forward to reading about your destination Christmas adventure!
Beautiful pictures! Budapest sounds like a must-see!
I love Christmas travel and Budapest looks like the perfect destination!
Oh that sounds like a fun trip coming up. Good idea to plan ahead. Cold, but seems you are totally used to it so no biggie.
I love going to church in different places! I love to see the cultural differences!
This looks like it can be such a magical place during Christmas. Thank you so much for sharing!
I would enjoy walking tours. I like seeing the neighborhood. 🙂
I had chimney cake for the first time at the farmer’s market in San Diego a few weeks ago! Yummy! Make sure you try that one.
My time in Budapest seems like a lifetime ago. It has always seemed like a mystical place to me. Not sure why.
Enjoy!
I never would have thought to visit Budapest for Christmas but it sure seems like an epic idea. Christmas in foreign countries is always fascinating.
Wow, Budapest during Christmas seems so appealing until you say how cold it is. This Florida girl could not handle that well.
Wow that was strange. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked
submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all
that over again. Regardless, just wanted to say wonderful blog!
Sorry that you lost the comment! Thank you for the kind comment!