Largest and Most Beautiful Rural Advent Markets in Hungary

Although in many European countries Christmas markets have been canceled due to the epidemic, the Advent markets in Hungary have opened. In Budapest, the markets in Vörösmarty Square and in front of the Basilica have been open for a week; however, one may visit these only with a vaccination certificate. The Christmas markets await visitors with a variety of programs, including a theater for children and adults, fire jugglers, light murals, and a Ferris wheel, and also in the rural towns there is an abundant selection of Christmas markets.

This article was originally published on our sister-site, Ungarn Heute.

Last year, all Christmas markets were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic in Hungary. This year, however, they were already opened in many cities, although the fourth corona wave is raging all over Europe, as well as in Hungary. This article is a selection of the classic markets in the most beautiful cities of the country. But before one sets out, finding out about the current covid rules of the various events is advised.

At the Advent market of Baja, you can buy horn cakes, bread cakes, sweets, snuff, handmade chocolate, honey, mulled wine, hot chocolate, tea, and other specialties from the various wooden huts.

The festive lights will also be switched on in Cegléd. From 11.26.2021 to 12.31.2021, a series of Advent concerts, family and children’s programs, and a Christmas market will be held in Szabadság Square.

The Debrecen Christmas Market expects nearly 100 caterers and vendors from Nov. 26 to Dec. 23. In addition, this year the fair will be held on a new, larger site, which includes several new venues in addition to the well-known Kossuth Square. According to the current regulations, the Christmas market can be visited without a COVID immunization card.

The Győr Advent Market opens at the end of November and is one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Central Europe. Széchenyi Square is beautifully illuminated and offers numerous entertainment and shopping opportunities.

Miskolc offers a community experience on St. Stephen’s Square, with a huge Advent calendar and wreath, and the smell of gingerbread. On St. Stephen’s Square and its surroundings, there are numerous traders offering their wares, homemade Christmas cakes, delicious food, and hot drinks.

From November 26 there will be new programs and venues in Pécs, open until December 23. The Pécs Advent Market will feature more than twenty gastronomic establishments and over thirty handicraft businesses. A visit to the Pécs Advent Market 2021 is free of charge, taking into account the epidemiological regulations, but an immunization card is required for the stage programs. This year’s Pécs Advent Market comes up with several innovations, as the event, which will be held mainly outdoors, will offer local producers the opportunity to sell their handicraft products on the occasion of the Advent festivities. In addition, numerous activities for families are offered on Széchenyi Square and in the city center. The National Theater of Pécs is a new venue for the Advent festivities with Advent balcony concerts.

The special feature of the Advent season in Pécs will be the former mosque on the main square, which will be decorated every evening with festive, animated light murals, and the adjacent town hall building will also be decorated with unique decorations. During the Advent season, an atmospheric theatrical program for children and adults will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition, András Dániel and several well-known writers will read Christmas stories for children every weekend.

On November 26, the big Christmas market will open in the center of Szeged, which after a year’s break will be traditionally held in four places once again. In Széchenyi Square, the Ferris wheel will move to a gastronomic courtyard at the end of the month. However, there will be no flea market there- the vendors will all offer their goods in Dóm Square. The city’s Christmas tree will be set up in Klauzal Square. A candle will be lit on the giant Advent wreath every Sunday. Dance workshops, demonstrations, fire jugglers, and light murals are also planned.

Székesfehérvár has also prepared a diverse program of events. This year, the city center will be illuminated between November 27 and December 24. The Municipal Administration and the Diocese have coordinated the events this year, with candlelight on Saturdays in the Advent courtyard in the garden of the Bishop’s Palace, musical performances on Sundays on the stage in Városház Square, and children’s performances on weekdays. There will be something special for all age groups: The garden of the Bishop’s Palace will be decorated with twinkling lights in the evening, a train will run around the common Christmas tree and in the streets, the streets smelling of mulled wine.

In Szombathely, the Christmas tree has already been put up, and on November 19 the Advent Market was opened on the main square, where children and adults are welcome until December 23. This year, 40 vendors, mainly restaurateurs and retailers from Szombathely, will participate. There will also be a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and Ludovicus, the new mascot of the city, a Roman legion goose, which combines the Roman past, the cult of St. Martin, and fun.

In Szolnok, 40 huts in Hild Square offer a variety of gift ideas as well as cultural and entertainment shows. There are street musicians, Santa Claus programs, demonstrations, as well as well-known artists. Together with the Advent Village on Kossuth Square, there will be a total of about 60 tree houses, where visitors can stroll through.

In Vác, March 15th Square will be illuminated with fairy lights. An ice rink, a human-sized nativity scene, child-friendly activities, an artisan market, and a range of culinary delights await visitors.

Source: Hello Vidék

Featured image via Gábor Kiss/MTI