Are Christmas Markets Open in Budapest in January?

Short answer: mostly no — and this catches a lot of visitors off guard.

In Budapest, the majority of smaller, local Christmas markets close on the last Sunday of Advent, which is usually a few days before Christmas itself. These are the more neighborhood-style markets, and once Advent ends, so does the festive setup.

The two main Christmas markets —St. Stephen’s Basilica and Vörösmarty Square — stay open a bit longer, but only until January 1st. After New Year’s Day, both markets close completely. If you arrive after that, you won’t be able to visit them at all.

There is one exception. A smaller Christmas market at Deák Ferenc Square, sponsored by the Budapest Town Hall, usually remains open until around January 10th. It’s pleasant and festive, but it’s important to be honest: it’s much smaller and quieter than the main markets and doesn’t fully represent the classic Budapest Christmas market experience.

So if your main goal is to experience real Christmas vibes — bustling stalls, mulled wine, lights, music, and that cozy winter atmosphere — January is too late.

The best time to visit Budapest for Christmas markets is mid-November through the end of December. That’s when everything is open, lively, and at its most atmospheric.

The good news is that Christmas lights usually stay up until around January 10th, so early January still has some visual sparkle in the evenings. Just don’t expect full Christmas markets — at that point, the city has already shifted into its quieter winter mode.

Bottom line

• Christmas markets? Mid-November to December = yes

• January? Mostly closed, with one small exception

• Christmas lights? Usually until early January

If Christmas markets are a must for you, plan your trip before the end of December. If not, January can still be lovely — just different, calmer, and more wintery.