Christmas Fair
The Budapest Christmas Market is said to be amongst the ten best Christmas markets in Europe. The 'spectacular fair' takes place in the heart of the city every year from mid-November until the end of December. It's the 14th time the fair is organised at Vörösmarty Square, this year the award-winning 'Paint Up! Visualpower Group' will light-paint the facade of 100 year old Gerbaud Coffee House several times a day from 30 November until 23 December.
Artisans and craftsmen, such as clay-potters and felt-makers, sell their handmade goods all around the square - click for market map - fashioned in a traditional manner using organic materials. Apparently quality is guaranteed as all goods are checked by the 'Association of the Hungarian Folk Artists' (Népművészeti Egyesületek Szövetsége).
The Budapest Christmas Fair also offers a feast of gastronomic options, visitors can taste traditional Hungarian foods like kenyérlángos (a flat bread like dough cooked in a wood oven), kürtőskalács (a cone-shaped sweet yeast cake), rétes (strudel), pecsenye (roast meats), and last but not least, the most of typical winter drinks, forralt bor (mulled wine).
Various cultural and musical events are connected to the Budapest Christmas Market, and every year there is a Nativity play performance. The square boasts two stages; one where Váci Street begins, the other is in front of Gerbeaud House, each offering folk and world music, jazz bands, street musicians, singers, dance and puppet shows. Cultural and musical performances are held daily, between 5 and 8 pm.
Every weekend, the small park around the statue in the centre of the square turns into a 'magical realm' for kids. Children will have the chance to make handcrafts, and meet Santa on 6 December 3-4pm in the Magic Garden.
Open: 16 November until 31 December 2012, Budapest's 5th District, Vörösmarty Square.
16 November 23 December - 10 am9 pm
24 December - 10 am2 pm
2526 December - CHRISTMAS - Closed
27 December - midday9 pm / only food and drink vendors
2830 December - 10 am9 pm - only food and drink vendors
31 December - NEW YEARS EVE - midday-4 am - only food and drink vendors
See Christmas Fair map here