Budapest Christmas market voted best in Europe for the second time

The Advent Feast at the Basilica came ahead of the Christmas markets in Basel and Metz in the European Best Destinations’ poll for 2022

Budapest’s Advent Feast at the Basilica has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe for the second time in three years. The annual fair arranged in front of St Stephen’s Basilica topped the European Best Destinations travel website’s poll ahead of Basel, Switzerland and Metz, France, with 25,000 votes from respondents in 163 countries. 

Hungary’s most spectacular Christmas market came second in last year’s poll after winning the highest recognition for the first time in 2020. 

In love and safety 

The 11^th annual Advent Feast at the Basilica is open from 19 November until 1 January under the motto “In love and safety”. True to the slogan, Covid-19 precautions are in place, including an immunity card requirement for visitors and contactless shopping. 

The Christmas market features a photo exhibition, an ice rink, a selfie automat, around 100 artisan and gastronomic vendors, and a 3D light show projected onto the facade of St Stephen’s Basilica every day at 4.30 pm. True to Yuletide traditions, each advent Sunday a new candle will be lit on a shared advent wreath, with live music accompanying the ceremonies. 

Living up to the Christmas spirit of love and caring for the less fortunate, organizers have invited several charity organisations to their programmes. The social dimension of this year’s market is also exemplified by an affordable fixed-price meal and mulled wine coupons included in local newspapers. 

You can view the top Christmas markets of 2022 by visiting the European Best Destinations website. 

Illuminated trams spreading the Christmas spirit

To make Christmas a truly moveable feast, and not one confined to select locations, BKV municipally-owned public transport company has launched a fleet of six illuminated retro trams and a cogwheel train along different lines in the capital.  The Budapest-Szentendre local train is also decorated with festive lights.

The 60 year-old streetcars Christmas, decorated with more than 3.5 kilometres of LED lights in total, are running from 1 December until 6 January 2022.