Christmas markets and winter experiences await all over the country

At this time, the downtown Debrecen is dressed up in a fairy-tale setting. Stroll through the Debrecen Advent Market and discover works by local artists and unique handcrafted gifts. The festive atmosphere is heightened by photo spots, an ice rink, light trams, and a Santa train, while the city's historic streets entice visitors to the market with light globes, a light Christmas tree, a baroque carousel, and a miniature Christmas railway. Numerous concerts and cultural programmes ensure a rich and enjoyable experience. On 13 December, Debrecen dresses up in ice: the Ice Flower Carnival enchants visitors with its special atmosphere.

+Tip: After the tumult of the fair, you can relax at Aquaticum Aquapark, where water slides, a wellness section, saunas, and baby-friendly services await visitors.

The lights of Miskolc also shine brightly during the festive season. The Miskolc Advent event features concerts, stage productions, and animated programmes. Europe's most beautiful Advent tram also rolls out onto the tracks: the tram, bathed in light, is not only the pride of Miskolc, but also an eight-time European champion, captivating all its passengers. The Santa Claus Train will once again whisk visitors away to the Fairy Tale Kingdom in Lillafüred, where actors from the Miskolc National Theatre will hold musical performances in igloo tents. The laughter of elves will accompany passengers as they arrive in the park, where Santa Claus himself will welcome visitors of all ages.

+Tip: If you want to recharge your batteries, try Ellipsum Spa in Miskolctapolca.

The Eger Advent programme series offers genuine family entertainment. Visitors can enjoy an authentic Advent atmosphere amid the fairytale-like backdrop of the Baroque city centre: magnificent decorative lighting, spectacular installations and the aromas of mulled wine and cinnamon-spiced delicacies make for an unforgettable stroll. The legendary Dobó Square, Gárdonyi Square and Végvári Vitézek Square are bathed in enchanting light, made even more magical by the magnificently illuminated Eger Castle. The hustle and bustle of the market is not only spectacular, but also a mouth-watering experience: local gastronomic delights, delicacies prepared especially for the occasion, and special wines will tempt everyone. Concerts, dance performances, and children's shows complete the festivities. The Magical Ice Palace next to the City Hall welcomes the little ones with interactive programmes, where face painting, glitter tattoos, and other special activities guarantee fun.

+Tip: Refresh yourself in Eger’s 400-year-old Turkish bath, enjoy the pleasant medicinal water or have a traditional hammam massage. 

Szeged also joins in the festive spirit. The main location of the Szeged Christmas Weeks is Dóm Square, where artisans and vendors offer countless Christmas gift ideas, while caterers treat visitors to mulled wine, chimney cake, and other delicacies. Activities await children in the fairy-tale nook, and the popular straw maze is once again set up in the middle of the square. There will be no shortage of spectacular entertainment either: on Fridays, an exciting fire juggler show will add colour to Dóm Square, and on Sundays, candle lighting will create a festive atmosphere. Meanwhile, the 50-metre Ferris wheel opposite the Votive Church offers unparalleled views of the city bathed in light.

+Tip: After the market, Anna Thermal Bath and Spa offers wonderful refreshment with its medicinal pools, aroma cabin, steam cabin, experience shower, and various saunas. Another excellent choice is Napfényfürdő Aquapolis, where a series of experience pools, a slide park and an exclusive spa area guarantee carefree relaxation.

Not only the city, but also the Royal Palace of Gödöllő is bathed in festive lights in December, so visitors are immersed in an intimate Advent atmosphere from the moment they arrive. The Christmas market in the heart of Gödöllő offers cozy relaxation and a pleasant way to get in the mood for the holidays. Queen Elizabeth's light garden can be seen again this year in the Palace gardens, creating a magical spectacle with hundreds of thousands of bulbs, 12 kilometres of fairy lights, and a 30-metre Ferris wheel. New light sculptures await visitors in the park, and interactive photo points can be discovered as you walk around. A series of concerts within the Palace walls will create the Advent spirit, and on 28 December, a full day of family programmes will evoke the world of royal Christmases. An unmissable part of Advent in Gödöllő is the Christmas House, which offers festive ornaments and inspiration for anyone who loves the magic of Christmas in a way that is unique in the country.

The Pécs Advent Craft and Fairy Tale Market will welcome everyone again in 2025 with a festive atmosphere and numerous recreational opportunities. The market offers exciting experiences with new programmes and new venues: more than twenty catering outlets and over thirty craft vendors will welcome visitors. The city's rich cultural heritage makes an Advent stroll even more special: the soft lights of the cathedral and the light installations of the iconic mosque are particularly evocative. A variety of concerts in the main square ensure an intimate, festive atmosphere, while the diverse programmes offered in the Zsolnay Quarter are also worth exploring.

During Advent, a special atmosphere pervades downtown Veszprém: the scent of cinnamon, gingerbread, and freshly prepared food fills Kossuth Street, where you are surrounded by glimmering lights as you stroll. At the Fragrant Advent stalls, you can choose from a selection of unique handcrafted gifts, while concerts and children's programmes ensure a carefree festive experience. The culinary offerings are plentiful: visitors can sample classic favourites such as oven-baked lángos, hamburgers, hot dogs, fried sausages, and marrow on toast, or indulge in sweet treats. Chimney cake, churros, retro sweets, homemade Transylvanian chocolates, Christmas tree candy, and dried fruits enhance the Advent experience.

The Esztergom Advent Market on Széchenyi Square offers intimate festive experiences over four weekends. Visitors can browse craft stalls, enjoy a rich gastronomic selection, open-air concerts, and a variety of children's programmes. This year, the city's main square will once again feature a nearly 500-square-metre ice rink, where skating enthusiasts can indulge in their favourite winter sport. On Saturdays and Sundays, three iconic buildings in Esztergom: the City Hall, the Post Office, and the District Court will be dressed in spectacular Christmas lights. Besides the market, numerous other cultural and family programmes, concerts, and surprises await visitors all over the city. In addition to the city's archetypal building, the Esztergom Basilica, the Hungarian Museum of Environmental Protection and Water Management, known as the Danube Museum for short, is also worth visiting.

The Sopron Advent welcomes visitors to the picturesque Main Square in the Castle District, where the Nativity scene, festive light displays, and spectacular decorations create an idyllic festive setting. A favourite attraction of the square is the free sightseeing land train, which takes passengers on a fabulous journey through the charming streets of Sopron. Children can choose between a carousel and museum activities, while adults can enjoy free Advent concerts at the Blessed Mary Benedictiner Church. The weather will not interfere with the festivities, as heated tents ensure comfort and undisturbed good time.

So set off again this year and explore the wonders of Advent in Hungary. Every city tells a different story, but they all invite you to slow down, tune in, and experience the true magic of the festive season.