St Nicholas Day: children put out polished boots overnight for sweets. Expect Mikulás figures at the markets.
24 December · Christmas Eve
Markets close early (Vörösmarty 10:00–14:00, Basilica 11:00–15:00); shops shut around midday and the city goes quiet.
25–26 December
Public holidays. Many restaurants and museums close; the Basilica and Vörösmarty markets reopen with shorter hours.
31 December · New Year’s Eve
Both central markets stay open until 03:00, and the streets of Pest fill with crowds. Expect noise and fireworks from private parties.
The Nutcracker at the Opera
The Hungarian State Opera on Andrássy út stages The Nutcracker throughout December 2026, from 1 to 31 December, with 11:00 matinees on many days. Tickets sell fast.
Book ahead
Good to know
Baths in the cold
Outdoor pools at Széchenyi stay open all winter. Walk quickly between changing rooms and water, and keep a hat on.
Go early or late
Weekday afternoons are calmest at the markets; Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest.
Prices at the markets
Market food is priced for visitors. Chimney cake costs roughly 2,800–3,300 HUF; check prices before ordering.
Gellért remains closed
The Gellért bath is closed for renovation through 2026; choose Rudas, Széchenyi, Lukács or Veli Bej instead.