Fifteen years of history: How Advent Basilica became a tradition

For the past fifteen years Szent István Square has been bathed in light every November, and this year is no exception. Voted Europe's Most Beautiful Christmas Market four times, the Basilica Advent welcomes visitors between 14 November and 1 January with spectacular 3D projections, a magnificent Christmas tree, and renewed gastro and musical programmes.

Over the past decade and a half, Advent Basilica, held at Szent István Square, has grown from a simple Advent market into an internationally renowned festive fair lasting several weeks. In 2019, the event won the title of "Europe's Most Beautiful Christmas Market" in the European Best Destinations poll, which significantly strengthened Budapest's position on the continent's map of winter tourism. It was awarded this recognition several times in subsequent years, not only maintaining its status but also becoming an iconic component of the capital's festive season. In 2024, Advent Basilica was voted "Best European Christmas Market of All Time" for the first and only time. Over the years, the visual offer has been continuously expanded: artistic light projections, a decorated Christmas tree, and themed gastronomic weekends have all contributed to making the market not only a commercial venue but also a cultural and community experience. By 2025, the event series will have reached its 15th anniversary, welcoming visitors with new features and a revamped layout.

One of the most iconic elements of the Advent market is the light show projected onto the façade of the Basilica. Both Hungarian and foreign visitors agree that it has been one of the most impressive features of Advent Basilica since its inception and has probably played a major part in the event winning this prestigious award four times already. This year, the 3D projections will start every evening at 5:30 p.m., and visitors can look forward to even more spectacular light shows. In addition to the popular films from previous years, a brand-new anniversary film will also be shown, recounting the history of the Basilica.

Exciting visual features year after year

In the past fifteen years, the programmes and attractions have expanded every year. This year, a massive light net sparkling like a huge Christmas jewel adorns the square, and a new Christmas tree has also arrived at the market. The nearly 12-metre-tall, beautifully decorated fir tree is decked out with a light net that symbolizes the starry sky. Around the Christmas tree, the organisers have rearranged the space compared to previous years: this time, the stage is located here, where several cultural performances will take place every week, enhancing the Advent atmosphere. The stage also serves as a selfie spot, as you can sit in the Santa chair placed there during breaks between shows and take a photo.

Over the past decade and a half, the range of programmes and attractions has grown annually. This year, a magnificent network of lights decorates the square like a huge Christmas jewel, and a new Christmas tree has also arrived. The light net, which starts from the topper of the beautifully decorated 12-meter-high fir tree, symbolizes the starry sky. The organisers have rearranged the space around the Christmas tree to relocate here the stage, where cultural productions complementing the Advent atmosphere will be performed several times a week. The stage also serves as a selfie spot, as anyone can sit and take a photo in the Santa Claus chair placed here during the breaks between performances.

Authentic fair experiences

Of course, a market would be nothing without local craft exhibitors, so this year again there are plenty of potters, leatherworkers, and goldsmiths, familiar as well as new faces to meet. There are nearly a hundred artisan stalls to choose from.

There is no shortage of delicious treats either: besides authentic winter flavours, Hungarian specialties and real culinary thrills will delight not only the spirits but also the taste buds of foodies. The first weekend features goose dishes, the second weekend focuses on pork and knuckle specialties, the third weekend on fish dishes, the fourth offers sweet delicacies, the fifth treats you to stew and goulash specialties, the sixth serves you stuffed cabbage, and dishes with alcohol are in the centre on the seventh weekend; then on the closing day, 1st of January, the lucky new year will kick off with lentil soup.

What would it be without music?

The Advent fair also delights visitors with exciting performers. Among the regulars is Osso, a talented young musician who has played at numerous venues in Budapest and around the country over the past ten years. Asztrid evokes love with her indie-pop-folk blend and emotional songs, while the Oti Acoustic duo cover mostly blues and pop in a vocal-bass guitar lineup, shaped to their own style with bass guitar improvisation. Another impressive duo is Some PPL, originated in North Macedonia but formed in Budapest and based here. Song Factory appeals to audiences with Hungarian and international pop, rock, and jazz songs, as well as gospel, spirituals, and film scores. On 19 December, the South African Children's Choir will bring the magical melodies and rhythms of their homeland to Budapest, combining traditional African harmonies and modern choral music in their songs – an impressive experience for all ages.

When is it most beautiful?

The market is exciting during the day, but it reveals its true magic after dark. Concerts start at 5 p.m., the lights come on at 5:30 p.m., and on Advent Sundays, candle lighting at the monumental wreath erected in the middle of the square completes the experience. If you feel like walking on, check out the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square or stroll along Andrássy Avenue dressed in lights. This year, Budapest is truly a festive map where all roads lead to light.