Budapest’s two largest Christmas markets once again welcome visitors with a wide range of products – and rather high prices. Although the organisers claim only moderate price increases, a more substantial meal still doesn’t look like a wallet-friendly option.
In mid-November, Budapest’s two most popular Christmas markets opened their doors once again: Vörösmarty Classic Xmas in Vörösmarty Square and Advent Basilica in St Stephen’s Square.
The range of goods hasn’t changed significantly this year either: chimney cake, mulled wine and handmade crafts continue to dominate the scene. Although the organisers say prices have risen by less than inflation, hvg.hu reports that visitors will still have to dig deep into their pockets.
Classic and extreme flavours dominate the Basilica
At the Basilica, the base price of lángos is 2,400 forints, while the classic cheese–sour cream–bacon version costs almost double that at 4,500 forints, and the Nutella version comes to 3,800 forints. The selection also includes less traditional options such as Hungarian-style, salami-and-cheese and pulled pork lángos.
Traditional flavours of chimney cake – vanilla, gingerbread, walnut, cinnamon, cocoa and coconut – each cost 2,800 forints. The more unusual cheese or sausage versions cost 3,500 forints, while the Oreo-and-whipped-cream-filled chimney cake comes to 4,500 forints.
Those sticking to sweets will also find a dedicated Nutella stall: Nutella churros cost 3,500 forints and a pancake 3,200 forints. A variety of gummy sweets and pastries tempt children too: a macaron costs 1,500 forints, while 100 grams of roasted chestnuts cost 2,800 forints.
Prices are similar in Vörösmarty Square
Prices aren’t any lower in Vörösmarty Square either: among the classic dishes, pork knuckle “Pékné style” and duck burgers both cost 6,700 forints, and the same price applies to two servings of stuffed cabbage. Goulash soup served in a bread bowl costs 5,700 forints, and a 30-centimetre barbecue beef rib comes to 8,300 forints.
An XXL portion of shashlik costs 5,200 forints, while one of the priciest dishes is the salmon with salad at 9,500 forints. The most affordable option is a 1,600-forint menu containing Székely lecsó sausage, bread and mustard.
Drinks, crafts and a blacksmith’s workshop await visitors
Drink prices follow the usual market levels: mulled wine costs 1,500 forints, punch 1,560 forints. Whipped-cream hot chocolate is 1,900 forints, the alcoholic version 3,500 forints, and even a bottle of mineral water costs 1,000 forints.
There are, however, some more reasonably priced options among the craft stalls. Alongside leather goods and ceramics, there is even an impressive blacksmith’s workshop in Vörösmarty Square, offering a unique experience for visitors.
Christmas markets open for longer than usual
This year, both Christmas markets will remain open longer than usual. Advent Basilica welcomes visitors from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays from 11 am to 10 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 11 pm.
Vörösmarty Classic Xmas closes an hour earlier: from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays it is open from 11 am to 9 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 am to 10 pm.
In Belgium, under pressure from the wokers and left-liberal politicians, the name Christmas Market was changed to Winter Market! Everything linked to our Christian traditions was banished! Pork was banned in schools and replaced with Halal! Parents who did not agree with this were told that their child would have to eat a vegetarian dish! Slowly but surely, the followers of Allah, supported by politicians who betray their own people, are taking over the country and its institutions!Recently, there was a commotion because a public transport bus driver left his bus in the middle of the road to roll out his carpet in a bus shelter! After photos and videos of this appeared on X, left-wing journalists wrote that the responsible authorities should investigate what exactly had happened! So an infringement that was clearly visible had to be investigated again first! However, the transport company’s work regulations clearly state that drivers are not allowed to pray while working! The poor man who, according to left-wing pressure groups, was a victim of discrimination and racism was suspended for four days! If a Catholic driver was to pray the Lord’s Prayer during his shift and leave his bus parked in the middle of a public road, he would be fired immediately.