So far, one of the best things about Budapest is the Christmas Markets. While there are a few big ones, you can also find random pockets of booths on side streets, or along main streets. On December 6, we decided to venture out and experience our first full Christmas Market at the Christmas Fair and Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Square. It is one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe and tourists come from all over to experience it.
On the way to the Christmas Fair we ended up walking through Fashion Street that was completely decked out in lights, music, a giant light tree, and people. When you first get to Fashion Street, you are welcomed by a lighted sign and a large bear (courtesy of Lindt Chocolate who has a store at at the entrance of the street).
As you walk down the street, above you are lighted objects fit for Fashion Street such as a present, a shoe, a bag, and an umbrella.
Us on Fashion Street
Buildings are lit up and some even have spotlights and color changing walls.
As you walk further down the street, to your right is is the Christmas Fair and Winter Festival, filled with booths galore. There are booths selling handmade Hungarian goodies and crafts like ceramic dish ware, leather goods, baked goods, hand woven fabric, crocheted/knitted scarfs and hats, wind chimes, glass work, porcelain, jewlery, and so much more. Along with the booths are food vendors selling mulled wine, goulash (there is one Robert wants to try that is beef and boar goulash), Lángos (traditional Hungarian fried dough), chimney cakes, and other delectables.
In the center of one side of the Market is a large Christmas tree. The other trees in the square have baubles made from lights hanging from the branches.
We did not buy anything during this trip, but we did make notes of booths we wanted to revisit and potentially buy things from.
Walking along we stopped by a strip of booths on Károly krt. to finally try the much talked about chimney cakes. Chimney cakes are made by taking a long strip of dough and wrapping it around a large dowel, and then cooking/roasting the dough over fire while rotating it.
We got a Vanilla and
a Cinnamon to try
On our way back to the flat we stumbled on a small market on a side street and decided to walk down. For the past few days I have been looking for a knitted hat because it was getting really cold and we were still waiting for our winter clothes. I found a delightful little booth run by an old Hungarian lady, who spoke no English, selling hats and scarfs that she makes herself. I found a great hat and my ears were no longer cold. (Sadly, I forgot to take a picture of the booth and old lady)
Christmas markets are so much fun, not only for shopping, but just walking around and seeing the sights and smells. We have two more large markets that we want to visit before the season is over.
