English
If you happen to be traveling through North, East or Central Europe during November and December, you’ll find markets and Christmas fairs that fulfill the continent with an unparalleled charm. These kind markets are especially traditional in countries like Germany, Austria, Hungary and Poland, among others, but the one celebrated in the Hungarian capital, is undoubtedly one of the best.
Photo via NaturesFan1226
From the 15th of November to the 31st of December the famous Vörösmarty Square in Budapest, located on the Pest side, will host its known Christmas Fair. This is an event in which you’ll have the chance to eat, shop and enjoy experiencing some of the traditions of this Central European country. The square will be filled with several wooden stalls selling all kinds of traditional Christmas items.
If you like traditional Christmas food, you’ll get exactly what you want in Budapest, since the city is famous for having some of the most delicious dishes in Europe: lángos, a fried bread topped with a many ingredients of your choice; kürtöskalács: a delicious baked pastry, töki pompos, small bread dumplings baked, or simply grilled meats, sausages, strudels or chestnuts, are just some of the culinary delights that you’ll find at this market. You can accompany all these treats with a delicious mulled wine, which is, by the way, extremely popular during this season.
The fair is the perfect place to buy traditional Hungarian souvenirs; here you’ll find all kinds of objects of various sizes and prices, which you can later use as decoration in your house or in your apartment in Budapest. From religious objects to handmade Christmas items, this market is a big hit among locals and foreigners. In addition, you have the quality certificate of the Association of Hungarian Artists, so you don’t need to worry about tricky deals.
As an important part of this event, there is a giant Advent calendar located on the facade of the famous Gerbeaud building and, as it is already traditional, every day when a new door is opened, several street performances will liven up the crowd in the square. There are also many activities for children at the market; they’ll have the chance to sit on Hungarian Santa ´s lap and ask him their Christmas wishes as well as participating in craft workshops and watch Puppet Theater.
Furthermore, the whole square will be illuminated by a light brought from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, which promotes the peace message of this part of the year. There are also several places to make donations to charity, as this is one of the hardest times of the year for the most disadvantaged people in Budapest. The Christmas spirit reigns in Vörösmarty Square in Budapest for more than six weeks, an event not to be missed if you happen to visit the Hungarian capital between November and December.
aleixgwilliam
Spend your holidays in Budapest apartments with the whole family and visit its famous Christmas market. This is a second to none event in Europe, where you’ll enjoy exquisite food and the most charming holiday atmosphere. Don’t forget to buy a handmade souvenir, you won’t regret it.
