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Home > Budapest Travel Blog > Christmas Markets In Budapest

Christmas Markets In Budapest

Winter markets are a big events that begin in November and are known for their long history and widespread popularity. The markets are an essential component of the Christmas celebrations in Budapest. They are characterized by unique clusters of wooden chalets that sell individualized holiday goodies such as mulled wine, gingerbread, sausages, and specialties from a variety of Hungarian areas. Hop On Hop Off has compiled a list of the foods and drinks that you really must sample during the winter markets. 

Any visitor can be transported to their own personal memories of a traditional Hungarian Christmas market with only a sniff of the mulled wine and incense that linger in the air. The enjoyment of a punch or a hot wine while standing outside in the winter weather, bundled up as much as possible of course, and watching people go by while sipping on the beverage is one of life's greatest pleasures. 

Beverages

One of the most popular beverages served at the Hungarian winter markets is mulled wine. Due to the overwhelming demand, several stores now stock specially designed and painted mugs for the wine. The use of one of these cups requires a refundable deposit, which you can choose to get back when you return the cup or simply retain as a memento of your trip. In Hungary, mulled wine is known as forralt bor, and it is essentially red wine heated with spices, lemon, and sugar. Cinnamon and cloves are the two spices that are most commonly used in all versions, however some recipes also include aniseed or vanilla. The addition of sugar that has been caramelized with rum results in a variant of the mulled wine that can be prepared. In addition to serving alcoholic beverages, it is usual practice to also provide non-alcoholic herbal teas and hot fruit punches for guests who do not particularly enjoy drinking alcoholic beverages. 

Food

Aside from the traditional staples of any Hungarian winter market (sausages), Christmas markets offer several special delights that are particularly pertinent to this time of year. These include roasted chestnuts, roasted chestnuts, roasted chestnuts, roasted chestnuts, roasted chestnuts, 

Gingerbread, also known as mézeskalács, is often considered to be the most popular Christmas treat. It has just the right amount of sweetness, and the spiciness is just right. The texture of gingerbread can range from soft to hard, and in modern times it is common to find it molded into the shape of a heart, a star, or a pine tree and decorated with icing to convey a message.

Where can you find these markets? Take a look at the most popular Budapest Christmas markets close to the Basilica, where you will be able to find a small ice skating part of the market as well, and also the market on Vörösmarty square.

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