Seeing Budapest in December feels like a real fairytale. Everywhere, you can see beautiful Christmas decorations, wonderful markets full of holiday treats and a lively atmosphere. If you enjoy history, food or just want to have a good time in winter, you’ll find lots to do in Budapest. Here, we’ll share the best activities and places to see in Budapest in December.

1. Check out the Christmas markets across Europe.

One reason Budapest is special in December is its beautiful Christmas markets. All over the city, you’ll find Christmas markets selling handmade items, typical Hungarian dishes and mulled wine. The pleasant smell of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon makes this time of year special for walking with someone special or just spending time alone.

You’ll find some of the best Christmas Market in Vörösmarty Square which is in the heart of Budapest. Imagine of all the lovely stalls and enjoy bites of chimney cake and langos. People come to this market to enjoy the local cuisine and to buy excellent handmade ornaments as well as traditional ceramics.

You won’t want to miss the Christmas Market at St. Stephen’s Basilica—there are chances to ice skate and see the lovely lights. Sharing the rink with the bright illumination of the basilica is truly enchanting. If you’d like a different, non-crowded atmosphere, check out the Óbuda Advent Market in the historical Óbuda neighborhood. At this market, visitors can link with locals, enjoy local music and play their traditional games.

2. Experience the relaxation of the Baths firsthand.

The old traditional thermal baths are something Budapest is known for and having a relaxing soak is a great way to feel warmer when it’s cold outside on December days. Dotted around the city are numerous bathhouses, all of which mix peaceful soaking with a touch of Istanbul’s past.

Have a relaxing time in the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Europe’s biggest medicinal bath. Let the impressive design calm your mind while you are in the spa. Swimming in the outdoor pool during winter feels wonderful because the air and water are at such different temperatures.

If you want a real taste of Budapest’s culture, visit the Gellért Thermal Bath, whose design is set in the Art Nouveau style. Enjoy a relaxing massage or give Hungarian thermal bath rituals a try, both based on health traditions going back for centuries. With its rich interiors and colorful tiles and windows, your bathroom becomes a grand cultural space.

3. Study the history of the Buda Castle District.

On your trip, be sure to visit the Buda Castle District which you won’t want to miss. Go to the various historical locations and see the city’s best panoramas from Castle Hill. The neighborhood looks especially enchanting in December because it often snows over the rooftops.

One of your first stops should be the Buda Castle which is recognized by UNESCO. Go outside to see the beautiful courtyards, view the Hungarian National Gallery and enjoy the sight of Matthias Church with its vividly tiled roof.

Explore the area by walking its lovely cobblestone streets and visiting the Fisherman’s Bastion. This structure’s design offers visitors spectacular views of the river and Buda, with the city really shining when the lights of Pest can be seen across the water at sunset.

4. Go to see the Nutcracker Ballet live.

At this time of year, taking part in ballet gives an important sense of purpose. Celebrating Christmas with The Nutcracker is a favorite tradition in Budapest because of the beautiful dance performances.

Get tickets for seeing The Nutcracker at either the Hungarian State Opera House or the Erkel Theatre. See Tchaikovsky’s classic music turn into a captivating winter experience on stage. These beautiful and echoing halls make the opera event an unforgettable experience.

5. Sample dishes from Hungary’s kitchen.

You haven’t experienced Budapest fully until you’ve tried some Hungarian cuisine. December is a great month to try delicious, thick meals that reflect Quebec’s rich heritage of food. Start your meal with goulash soup, as it’s a tasty spicy stew and cabbage rolls which are a traditional comfort dish.

Enjoy traditionally cooked and passed-down Hungarian dishes in a classic Hungarian restaurant. Try the Hungarian sweet delight known as chimney cake, as well as the many layers of somlói galuska. Local wine or a taste of pálinka will add to your cultural experience during your meal.

6. Having fun ice skating in City Park

Take the chance to ice skate in the beautiful City Park. At the City Park Ice Rink, you will find some of Europe’s largest outdoor ice rinks and have fun skating together. With the enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle beside it, the park gives a wonderful place for enjoying winter activities.

Tie on a pair of skates and beautifully glide through the area as you look at the view around you. The indoor skating space is kept clean and is open to both people trying it out and those who skate often. Once you finish your sessions, go nearby and enjoy a cup of tasty hot chocolate or mulled wine before absorbing the holiday mood.

7. Travel along the Danube as you go.

Explore Budapest from the Danube River by going on a cruise. See Budapest’s illuminated places such as the Hungarian Parliament Building and Gellért Hill, as you slide underneath the Chain Bridge.

Decide if you want to go on a cruise during the day or have a completely different experience at night. On a romantic night, you could join a dinner cruise that includes music or visit some of Budapest’s sights on a shorter boat trip. The twinkling lights from the city reflected in the water offer a perfect way to complete your winter trip.

Conclusion

In December, Budapest provides both holiday cheer and a look at its rich cultural life. Check out the Christmas markets, relax in the hot springs and see the Old Town known as Buda Castle District. Experience the magic of ballet and have some lovely food from Hungary. Skate in City Park and cruise up or down the Danube River for a nice experience. If you’re visiting for a single weekend or longer, Budapest in December offers something wonderful to everyone, making it the perfect place for your winter holiday.