Why Budapest is the Perfect City to Celebrate the Holidays

It's the most wonderful time of the year and if you are planning to grab your passport and head abroad for a little holiday festivities then you may want to purchase a ticket to Budapest. While London or Germany may be the European destinations that first spring to mind when you think of Christmas celebrations, don't overlook the ways in which this Eastern European City of Lights can get you in the holiday spirit. There are Christmas events happening every day throughout the month of December that would make even the Grinch's heart grow three sizes. If you want to liven up your holiday there's no better place to do it than in the "Heart of Europe".

Ice skating isn't just for Charlie Brown and his gang; however, if you'd like to recreate the Peanuts' Christmas scene you should do so at Városliget, the City Park, where this summertime lake is turned into an ice skating rink during the winter months. Behind the ice rink, the stunning Vajdahunyad Castle creates a scenic backdrop for your own personal ice capades and some unforgettable vacation photos. Come rain or shine, lace up those skates and head out onto Europe's largest outdoor ice rink for a winter treat.

The city is alive with the holiday spirit thanks to Christmas markets popping up all around the city. St. Stephen's Basilica is already one of the prime spots for visitors to check out, so why not visit the square where vendors are selling handmade ornaments and jewelry, knitted accessories and a variety of sweet and savory treats? Don't forget to take a spin around the ice rink and check out the Christmas laser projection on the basilica that's set to festive holiday classics every hour daily between 4:30pm and 10pm.

If the idea of winter has you already feeling chilled to the bones, then it's time to warm up with a nice glass of mulled wine, or what the Hungarians call forralt bor ("boiled wine"). Luckily, you'll be able to find mulled wine vendors along the streets of the city. So when a day of sightseeing or Christmas shopping on Váci Utca has you feeling just a wee bit chilled, a mug of forralt bor is the cure. If this doesn't revive your spirits, we don't know what will.

One of the most popular and oldest Christmas markets in the city can be found in Vösömarty Square in District V near the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest. It opens early in November, which gives people a little more time to feed their holiday spirit while imbibing on mulled wine and delicious desserts. Pick up one-of-a-kind gifts from merchants selling everything from woodcarvings and embroidery. Indulge in homemade sausages and Langos while listening to carolers. This market truly harkens back to old holiday traditions rather than the commercial appeal of Christmas.

If you see a line forming around a small hutch that smells of sugar and pastry dough, then chances are good that you've found a chimney cake stand. Kürtöskalács or chimney cakes are hollow cylindrical desserts made from sugarcoated dough and often sprinkled with various toppings such as vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate. This dough is wrapped around a wooden cylinder where it is then cooked over a fire. The result is a cake that is crispy on the inside but warm and doughy on the inside (similar in texture to a funnel cake). In many of the Christmas markets you'll also find these delicacies filled with ice cream, whipped cream or Nutella.

Budapest knows exactly what you need to wind down this holiday season. Give your mind and body the gift of a little TLC and visit some of the famous thermal baths. Szechenyi Bath is one of the most popular locations in the city not only because it's one of the largest one-air hot spring spas in Europe, but also because it's open all year long (even on Christmas day). Enjoy watching the snow fall while swimming or relaxing in one of their steaming baths. Along with relaxing in a variety of both indoor and outdoor thermal baths, Szechenyi Bath also offers a beauty salon, sauna, and steam rooms, and a massage parlor to treat yourself this Christmas.

While chimney cakes and chestnut desserts often get the limelight this holiday season, these aren't the only desserts to add to your list of must-try sweets. Beigli is traditional sweet bread often filled with minced walnut or poppy seed. You'll find that poppy seed (called mákos) is a popular ingredient in many holiday-themed desserts. If you take a walk through the Christmas markets, you'll also find intricately and beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies in the shape of reindeer, ornaments and Christmas trees (some of them are almost too beautiful to eat….almost).

While you can certainly find an array of homemade and unique items at the Christmas markets in the city, if you are looking for a little mainstream shopping to snag some last-minute deals and presents for loved ones, then head to one of the most popular streets in the city center. On Váci Street, you'll find an array of brand and designer stores, as well as souvenir and gift shops. During the holidays, Váci Street comes alive with a towering Christmas tree and rows of decorations and lights sure to get you in the spirit. Start at the Christmas market near Vörösmarty Square and work your way down to the Great Market Hall near the Liberty Bridge.

Riding around the city has never been more festive than during the holiday season when some of the most popular tram routes get a Christmas makeover. From November 29th until January 6th, several of the trams will be decked out in 40,000 colorful blinking LED lights, making them hard to miss! The most popular Christmas line is Tram 2, which offers spectacular views of the banks of the Danube near Parliament. Check out the full tram schedule here so you don't miss your ride on Budapest's Christmas express.

Nestled in the Jewish Quarter, also recognized as the party district of the city center, is the lively Gozsdu Court, which offers the weekly Gouba Designer & Antique Market. While this market is open every Sunday all year, from the end of November until December 23rd this bar-lined street turns into a winter market every Wednesday through Sunday. There you'll find vintage, retro and antique accessories, clothes and home decor while enjoying the musical interludes of street performers and musicians. There will even be a special appearance from Santa Claus and his reindeer at the beginning of December. After a little shopping, you're in the perfect location to grab a drink (or two).

Who says that wintertime has to be all about sweaters and boots? At Lukacs Bath every Saturday night during the winter you can don your bikini and flip-flops and enjoy a rocking evening at one of Budapest's year-round spa parties, also known as "Szecska" or "sparties." Experience the city's lively nightlife while relaxing in the warm thermal baths, where you'll enjoy a live DJ, laser show and cocktails. You can even choose to ring in the New Year at one of these Magic Bath parties (we just can't promise that these healing thermal baths will prevent a hangover).

The Hungarian Children's Railway, which was the former Hungarian Pioneer Railway, is an attraction that more travelers should know about when visiting Budapest. After all, it's a railway run entirely by children (with the supervision of adults, of course). It's not just an amazing way to explore the beauty of the Buda Hills but also a way to meet Santa Claus himself on December 6th and 7th, as he passes around fruits and sweets for all the visitors on board. You'll also find Santa's helpers delighting children in song and dance just outside the station. This is your ticket to Budapest's own Polar Express.

Maybe the last thing on your mind this holiday season is getting outside and running, especially in your Speedo. However, if you decide not to lace up those jogging sneakers and participate in the 15th annual Santa Speedo Run you can at least head to Goszdu Court on December 9th at 2 pm (or 1 pm if you wish to participate) to cheer on the runners. The race lasts only 30 minutes (which is certainly long enough given the scantily clad conditions) and is about 3.5 km (2.17 miles) long. Don't forget your Santa hat!

If you've been a good boy or girl this year you may want to head to City Park near Heroes' Square to visit Santa's workshop. After all, December 6th is the feast day for Saint Nicholas, or "Mikulás" in Hungarian. The night before, children place one shined boot on the windowsill and awaken to find chocolate and other sweets nestled in their boots. Throughout the first couple of weeks of December, you'll be able to find Saint Nick right outside City Park, ready to listen to what your child (or you) may want for Christmas.

The holidays are truly the time of the year to kick back and enjoy delicious foods and drinks with reckless abandon and Budapest offers up a smorgasbord of holiday goodies. Not sure where to start? Well, there are a variety of Christmas Market Tours and Tastings to help you out. If you want to learn a little more about the history of these markets and the traditional foods then partake in a guided tour, where you can enjoy mulled wine, tantalizing eats and beautiful decorations while learning about the city's legends and Christmas festivities.

If you've spent the evening hopping from one ruin pub to another may we suggest winding down at the Rudas Thermal Bath? This medieval Turkish spa located on the Buda side isn't just open throughout the Christmas season; it's also open until 4 am on Fridays and Saturdays. So, if you fancy a night on the town drinking mulled wine followed by a little relaxation, Rudas Spa has you covered. Enjoy a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, which will reward you with incredible views of the Elizabeth and Liberty Bridges, as well as illuminated Pest.

If you consider yourself a snow bunny who would rather enjoy the wintry outdoors than stay inside, then might we suggest a little horseback riding through the snowy trails? Horseback riding has played an integral part of the country's history and today you can find some of the most skilled and talented riders living in Hungary. Now you can become a part of the country's rich history while enjoying the city's quiet, wintry beauty. There are a variety of horseback riding schools and services in and around the city that offer the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside while on horseback.

It wouldn't be a vacation without taking photos of your trip and nothing makes a vacation during the winter more festive than finding some picturesque spots to snap photos of yourself or your family. If you are fortunate enough to visit the city while it's blanketed in snow, trek up to Buda Castle or the Fisherman's Bastion for incredible snow-laden views of the whole city. It's also a memorable spot to pop the question if you're planning to do that this holiday season.

If you're traveling with little ones, you'll find fun for the whole family at the winter festival held at the Palace of the Arts, located near the Rakoczi Bridge on the Pest side. Here you'll find the Müpa Melody Wheel, which is the world's largest interactive music box, as well as an ice rink and events specifically tailored for children of all ages. There are also a variety of concerts, musical events and circus performers, which can all be enjoyed while sipping a warm cup of mulled wine (for those old enough to imbibe). This festival is open daily throughout the month of December from 10am until 6pm.

The holidays are all about indulging, so why not enjoy a lovely Christmas dinner while cruising along the Danube? Choose from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day cruises, where you can enjoy a buffet-style dinner or a 4-course a la carte dinner menu, along with drinks and live music. If your evenings are already chock full of holiday excitement, you can also choose an afternoon lunch cruise to see the city by day. Those wishing to enjoy a tipple while observing Budapest at night can also enjoy a wine or cocktail cruise.

Jack Frost will most certainly be nipping at your nose if you visit Budapest in December, so why not enjoy some chestnuts roasting on an open (coal) fire? You'll find that once the winter season hits, roasted chestnuts can easily be found in just about every square of the city. Just follow the smell of flaming chestnuts and you'll find these delicious delicacies wrapped in small paper bags. It's the perfect snack for a romantic holiday walk around the city.

Celebrate Christmas Roman-style with the Budapest Saturnalia festival, which is aptly held at the Aquincum Museum in District III. Saturn, the god of agriculture and time, is celebrated through this festival of lights that leads up to the winter solstice on December 23rd. You can enjoy a guided tour of the museum while learning more about the ancient roots of Christmas. You'll also find a variety of antique gifts, workshops and children's programs.

No trip to Budapest would be complete without walking across the Danube to see the magnificent Buda Castle. While you're over there, visit the Várkert Bazaar (at the foothills of the castle) where you'll enjoy a variety of festive programs held on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas to celebrate the Advent. Another great family-friendly spot, Várkert Bazaar offers live theatrical performances, ornament making and even Christmas tree decorating in the neo-Renaissance Garden on December 23rd. You'll also find a variety of street food vendors offering everything from Kobe sausages and Langos to waffles and burgers.

Budapest is steeped with a rich musical history, and they even have their very own theatre district that's been dubbed "Budapest's Broadway". Enjoy the beloved classic, "The Nutcracker", where sugar plum fairies and toy soldiers come to life. Though renovations on the stunning Opera House won't be complete until 2019, the Nutcracker ballet will still be performed at the Opera House's second venue, the Erkel Theater.