Once the season of fröccs and Balaton trips comes to an end, the countdown to Christmas begins and Budapest turns into a magical wonderland. The city is always great to explore, but Budapest in winter, especially in December, is extra special, and it’s no surprise tourists still visit the city even when temperatures drop.
The smell of chimney cake or kürtőskalács/chimney cake, mulled wine, and festive lights are just some of the few things to look out for in Budapest in December. There are still so many other things to do in Budapest in winter, and while some are more festive than others, they all make winter in Budapest more special and a little more bearable.
Best things to do in Budapest in Winter | December & January Activities
1. Rejuvante at a local thermal bath
Budapest is known for it’s thermal baths, and that’s all for good reason. The popular Budapest baths are over centuries old and are preserved by natural hot springs. These waters have medicinal and healing properties and were commonly used by generations to cure ailments and illnesses.
While the baths won’t take away all your sorrows, they can help you revitalize your body and offer a local experience in Budapest. You can visit the baths all year round, but they’re particularly enjoyable in winter when the weather is cold, and you can feel every ounce of your body relax from the warm water.
LOCAL TIP: If you want to get the ultimate Budapest bath experience, Szechenyi Bath and Gellert Bath are my top recommendations. For a more local experience, Lukacs Thermal Bath is a good option.
2. Go ice skating at the City Park Ice Rink
One of the best things to do in Budapest in December and throughout winter is ice skating at City Park. It’s a fun activity for groups, families, and anybody who wants to have a great time.
The ice rink is nestled right between Heroes’ Square and the Vajdahunyad Castle, so you can also visit these tourist attractions if you haven’t been. Budapest winter wouldn’t be complete without this fun-filled activity, so bring your inner child out to play and remember to have fun!
3. Lose yourself at a Christmas market
Not literally. But if you do get lost, most of the Christmas markets are in the city center, so you’ll be alright. One of the highlights of Budapest in Winter is the whimsical Christmas markets. While they may not be like world-famous Christmas markets like those of Germany, the ones in Budapest don’t disappoint.
In the spirit of Christmas, markets are open from November and run up until the dark days of the new year. You can experience the Christmas markets in Budapest in various places such as :
- Vörösmarty Square
- Deák Ferenc utca/Fashion Street
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- Corvin Hütte Christmas Fair
- Winter Wonderland, Rooftop Terrace, WestEnd Mall
- Várkert Bazaar (Castle Garden), Buda
The Christmas markets are all beautiful and offer an immersive experience. You can find homemade goodies to take home with you, lots of local dishes to eat and drink, and even advent programs such as light shows, folk dances, and small festive concerts.
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4. Explore St Stephens Basilica
If you’re looking for cool things to do in Budapest in winter and any time of the year, exploring St Basilica is one of them. This Neo-Renaissance structure isn’t only a notable site in Budapest but also a wonderful place to visit in winter. Visiting the Christmas market in it’s square, but going inside the cathedral and climbing up to the roof for a wonderful city view is unmatched.
From here, you can see the square and beautiful city of Budapest adorned with the advent of the festive season.
If you’re visiting Budapest for a couple of days, you may want to hang around this area because it’s located near several hotels, bars, and restaurants. Some of the best brunch places in Buda are just a few minutes walk from the basilica and can offer a delightful change from Christmas delights such as langos and paprika-filled sausages.
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5. Ride the Ferris Wheel
While you can always ride the Ferris wheel any time of the year, it’s particularly special in December when you catch views of the advent all around the city. Picture this: lit buildings and streets that can be seen from up above in a private cabin on a Ferris wheel.
It’s wonderful to experience at least once when you spend winter in Budapest, and after your ride, you can join the people on the streets walking toward the markets for their enchanting smell of mulled wines, chocolates, and hot sausages.
6. Ride the Christmas Light Tram
Budapest’s Tam No.2 is known to be one of the scenic routes in Budapest, but did you also know it’s also a Budapest winter highlight? When December comes strolling in, so do the wheels of the beautifully lit advent tram. It still takes it’s original route but is just more full of Christmas spirit during this time of the year.
But there’s more!
The Christmas Light Tram isn’t just one tram; there are several! You can also hop on Tram 14M, 19, 49, 47, 42-50 and 69.
Some of these trains go past several attractions that may already be on your list of places to see in Budapest. If you’re lucky, you might even see a Santa trolley bus.
7. Attend a local festival
Even in winter, Budapest still has many ongoing festivals. You can attend more Christmas-themed festivals, such as the one at Városháza Park downtown. Though it’s not as big of an event as the Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square, which isn’t too far away, this festival is still worthy of a visit and great for a Budapest winter activity.
The festival involves a craft fair, food and drinks, of course, and even an ice rink! It also provides a more Hungarian experience, so you’ll have a wonderful understanding of what Christmas in Budapest is like.
Get more details about this event here.
8. Try the best hot chocolate in town
This is a personal favorite that I believe everybody can enjoy. What’s winter without delicious sweet treats to make us a little happier? When it comes to where and what to eat in Budapest in December and throughout winter, Rengeteg-romkafe is the place to go!
This super quirky hot chocolate spot is located near Ngugati Train Station and is run by the sweetest Hungarian man. His cafe has a wide collection of dolls, old toys, and books that you can keep yourself entertained with while you wait for your chocolate.
The best part about having this chocolate is that you can say what you’re in the mood for, and he’ll make you some personalized hot chocolate.
9. Sample some Hungarian dishes
If you going to be in Budapest in winter, even for a few days, it’s worth trying out some authentic dishes. And no, I’m not just talking about goulash and langos, but more traditional dishes like töpörtyű & pörc and halászlé. If you couldn’t read that, you’re not alone!
I’m surprised I can still survive here without knowing any Hungarian, but if I may help you out there, those dishes translate into fried fastback and fisherman’s soup. And while the latter doesn’t sound too healthy, the former is more promising.
But don’t take my word for it. Visit a local restaurant or the Christmas market to try some local cuisine. Hungarian food is hearty and definitely comfort food, so what better time to enjoy it than in winter?
10. Admire the lights at Lumina Park
Another staple for winter in Budapest is seeing the advent or festive lights in as many places as possible. If you’ve been to Budapest during the warmer seasons, you’ve probably already been to Margeret Island. It’s one of the most popular places to visit, and it really comes alive in December and January.
So, if you’re in Budapest in winter, get your warmest jacket and head straight to the island of a thousand lights. Lumina Park isn’t only unique to winter in Budapest but also in other cities such as Sofia and Prague, to name a few.
More fun activities for winter in Budapest
- Visit the local Budapest Jazz Club
- Attend a show at the opera
- Visit Buda Castle for charming city views
- Attend a local concert
- Visit museums with seasonal exhibitions
- Attend Budapest Art Week
- Try local delicacies at the Great Market Hall
- Have dinner in a seasonal Igloo
- Treat yourself to a fancy night in a luxury hotel
- Go on a Danube River Cruise
- Make your own pub crawl and keep warm.
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Budapest in Winter good-to-know
Here are a few things you may be wondering about visiting Budapest in winter.
Is it worth going to Budapest in winter?
Yes! Budapest is a must-visit all year round. Winter in Budapest comes with its own unique charm with Christmas markets nestled in parks, festive lights all around, mulled wine, hot chimney cake, and, of course, enjoying Budapest staples like thermal baths, ruin bars, pub crawling, and exploring the beautiful architecture of the city.
Is Budapest fun in December?
Yes, Budapest is a lot of fun in December. While it’s pretty cold and sometimes windy, there’s still lots to do in December. You can visit Christmas markets, go on walking tours, visit thermal baths, go pub crawling, or enjoy a drink
What is winter like in Budapest?
Budapest in winter is cold and windy, with an average temperature of 4 ° Celsius. So bring a thick coat, thick socks, boots, gloves, sweaters, and some good items to layer. Don’t forget your swimwear for when you visit the thermal baths.
Is Budapest colder than London?
Yes, Budapest in winter is colder than London. The weather is also drier, with slim chances of snow because it’s been about 13 years since it snowed heavily in Budapest.
You’re a lifesaver! Thank you! This is so helpful 🙏🏾
Hey! So glad you it helped. Wishing you a great time in Budapest!