What better way to crown the 2024 year than going to an end-of-the-year getaway? December is here, with so many beautiful European Christmas markets opening their doors weeks ago. Of course, from the Best Parking airport parking perspective, it’s not Christmas without a great round-up of Christmas markets! While we had the pleasure of visiting some of them, we learned about others from our friends, acquaintances, and guests and enjoyed looking at their beautiful photos. But why are we talking about this?
Well, our car park in December is still filled with excited travelers, many of them traveling to charming little towns in Europe from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport to discover the gingerbread-scented Christmas markets. What is really great is that you can get almost anywhere in a couple of hours (or even less) by plane from Budapest. Our Best Parking airport parking service in Vecses is just the thing you are looking for if you want to keep your car safe while you enjoy Europe’s most beautiful Christmas fairs.
Below, we’ve put together a list of the 10 most beautiful Christmas market destinations we’ve heard the most about. So if you fancy a trip, we hope you will find some inspiration in the list below!
Come to the Best Parking airport car park! Security camera-equipped, permanently staffed, fenced-guarded parking service in Vecses, right next to the Liszt Ferenc International Airport! Book your parking space online in advance and benefit from our free return airport shuttle service!
10 European Christmas markets from the Best Parking airport car park
Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the Christmas markets we have selected for our 2024 list! For each of these markets, we have tried to be concise but informative. What you will definitely find is the exact location, duration, and characteristics of the Christmas markets, as well as exactly how to get to each one from Budapest Airport. Are you ready? Here are some of the most beautiful Christmas markets, recommended by the Best Parking airport parking service!
1. Vienna, Austria
Duration: 15 November to 26 December
Unsurprisingly, the Vienna Christmas Fair is one of the must-see events on our list. It is one of the closest Christmas markets abroad, and let’s face it, one of the most beautiful. While you should no doubt expect the crowds, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend, the experience will most certainly make up for it. The market itself takes place in the square in front of the mayor’s office (Rathausplatz) every year. The fantastic festive lighting highlights the grand buildings of the city center, the masterpieces of Habsburg architecture, and the charming little streets and cafés.
Frankly, it’s hard to imagine a more elegant background for a Christmas market. Of course, there is no Christmas market without a treat. The smell of spiced mulled wine in pretty cups, gingerbread, and freshly baked pretzels will be sure to get you in the festive mood. Not to mention the countless handcrafted products that will make the perfect centerpiece for this year’s Christmas dinner table.
How can you get to the Vienna Christmas Market?
There are several daily flights to Vienna from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport. You can choose from Austrian Airlines, Luxair, ALL NIPPON, Air Canada, and TAP Portugal.
Budapest – Vienna flight time: 1 hour 0 minutes
2. Berlin, Germany
Duration: There are more than 80 Christmas markets in Berlin, each with its own duration and different opening hours.
If you fly a little further away, Berlin’s Christmas markets are also well worth a long weekend! And if you are looking for really trendy and stylish Christmas gifts, you will surely find anything that is a struggle to find at other Christmas markets in Europe. Modern artwork, handmade souvenirs, and of course delicious snacks and treats await you. Among the venues is Spandau, the largest Christmas market in Berlin.
You should also visit the Weihnachtszauber fair, located on Gendarmenmarkt Square. Here you will be amazed by the many handicraft products. And if you are looking for a bit of exercise in the evening, don’t miss Winter World on Potsdamer Platz. From ice skating to curling, you can try yourself at a myriad of winter sports.
How can you get to the Berlin Christmas Market?
From Budapest to Berlin you can fly with Wizzair, Eurowings, and Ryanair.
Budapest – Berlin flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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3. Prague, Czech Republic
Duration: 30 November to 26 December
The Prague Christmas Market is like a Christmas postcard. From 30 November to 26 December, the streets, small cottages, and squares surrounded by historic buildings are decorated beautifully. It is definitely worth arriving hungry, as you can choose from a heavenly selection of snacks. From hot dogs served in soft bread rolls with sauerkraut, one of the most famous Czech winter dishes, the smoked and simmering pork knuckles are also available here!
The small stalls in the square offer delicious delicacies, as well as beautiful handcrafted souvenirs and Christmas decorations. And while you are here, take a stroll through Prague’s historic center, where you’ll find a wealth of sights, famous buildings, and even more cozy restaurants and pubs to keep you warm.
How can you get to the Prague Christmas Market?
Ryanair operates several flights a week from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport to Prague.
Budapest – Prague flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
4. Brussels, Belgium
Duration: 29 November to 5 January
There is no Christmas without sweets, I’m sure you will agree with us on that. Well, if you are one of those sweet tooths, then there is less better destination for you than Belgium, drenched in chocolate! Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a great place to visit at any time of the year, and even more so at Christmas! Set amongst the grand, beautiful buildings of the city center, the Brussels Christmas market is a great way to discover the best of Belgium’s world-famous confectionery.
The fair itself is located in the Grand Palace area, where festive lights and an ice-skating rink will keep fair-goers in good spirits. Try the waffles and, of course, don’t even hesitate to try the fantastic Belgian chocolate! So if you want a real gourmet Christmas, head to Brussels!
How can you get to the Brussels Christmas Market?
There are several direct flights a day from Budapest to Brussels. You can choose from flights with Wizzair, Brussels Airlines, TAP Portugal, Etihad Airways, Air Canada, and United Airways.
Budapest – Brussels flight time: 2 hours 5 minutes
5. Copenhagen, Denmark
Duration: 15 November to 5 January
For a truly wintery Christmas experience, head to the snow-covered north! Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, is a great destination if you want to experience the magic of Christmas in a truly Nordic and special setting. The city’s biggest Christmas market is in the Tivoli Gardens, but you will also find smaller fairs in other parts of the city.
The Copenhagen Christmas Market has an ice skating rink and a Ferris wheel. Also, the carved wooden toys and handcrafted Christmas decorations will surely amaze you. Don’t miss out on the famous Danish glogg, a cinnamon-flavoured mulled wine to warm you up in the cold outside.
How can you get to the Copenhagen Christmas Market?
There are three airlines with regular flights from Budapest to the Danish capital. This means you can book flights with Wizz Air, Norwegian Air, and Ryanair.
Budapest – Copenhagen flight time: 2 hours 0 minutes
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6. Basel, Switzerland
Duration: 23 November to 23 December
Switzerland’s biggest and most famous Christmas market is in Basel. At this time of year, the city comes alive with festive lights. No wonder, with its delicious aromas and beautifully decorated cottages, it has become one of Europe’s most loved Christmas markets.
You will find everything from hot fruity punch to Swiss gastronomic specialties. Try the Lackerli, a local specialty of gingerbread, and of course don’t forget about the raclette, as Switzerland is famous not only for its chocolate but also for its delicious cheeses.
How can you get to the Basel Christmas Market?
From Budapest, Easyjet Switzerland and Wizz Air fly to the fabulous Swiss city of Basel.
Budapest – Basel flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes
7. Edinburgh, Scotland
Duration: 15 November to 4 January
Scotland is the land of rugged landscapes, historic buildings, castles, and natural beauty but over the Christmas period, it is even more special. One of the jewels of Edinburgh’s Christmas Market is the ice-skating rink in the shape of a cautionary circle, Santa’s Cottage, and the Christmas Maze, where you can meet Santa’s little helpers. You will find fabulous wooden toys, souvenirs inspired by the magical world of Harry Potter, Christmas decorations, and, of course, mulled wine and lots of goodies here.
There are screenings, performances, and programs showcasing local talent. If you have time while you are in Edinburgh, be sure to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens. Here you will find more beautiful Christmas lights and a holiday atmosphere.
How can you get to the Edinburgh Christmas Market?
From Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport, you can take a Ryanair flight to Edinburgh to experience the real Scottish Christmas spirit.
Budapest – Edinburgh flight time: 3 hours 5 minutes
8. Warsaw, Poland
Duration: 29 November to 6 January
Poland is not to be left out of our list of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. We would like to recommend the Warsaw Christmas Market in particular! You will find the market at the foot of the Old Town’s ramparts, where colorful little houses sell beautiful souvenirs and amazing goods. The stalls selling handmade decorations and gifts create a fantastic Christmas atmosphere, not to mention the smell of gingerbread and spicy mulled wine.
If you forgot your favorite knitted hat at home, you are likely to find your next one here. You can buy beautiful knitted and crocheted scarves, hats, gloves, and woolen sweaters. Christmas concerts and choir performances add to the fantastic atmosphere, but you should also check out the nearby skating rink.
How can you get to the Warsaw Christmas Market?
There are several daily flights from Budapest to Warsaw. In particular, you can fly to Warsaw with LOT, Wizz Air, SAS, and Egyptair.
Budapest – Warsaw flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Enjoy hassle-free travel this holiday season! Choose the Best Parking Budapest airport parking service, where we not only take care of your car’s safety but also your comfort! Book your parking space online and leave your car with us while you travel abroad!
9. Transylvanian Christmas Markets: Târgu Mureș
Duration: from 5 to 31 December
Our list would not be complete without the Christmas markets of Transylvania. The main reason is that you can now fly from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport not only to Târgu Mures but also to Cluj-Napoca and Brașov. Well, all three cities get into the festive spirit at this time of year, with a number of Christmas markets popping up in the main squares. In Târgu Mureș, for example, you can get a taste of the Transylvanian Christmas markets at the Theatre Square.
Here, local artisan sellers and local producers offer their high-quality goods. The Christmas tree in the center of the square is surrounded by decorated booths, where the smell of steaming chimney cakes and mulled wine makes you stay just a little bit longer. From the Theatre Square, walk to the city’s emblematic Flower Clock, where another beautiful Christmas tree stands. It’s also worth doing a detour to the castle, where charming cafés and restaurants with their decorative lighting and delicious dishes will amaze you.
How to get to the Târgu Mures Christmas Market?
There are flights from Budapest to Târgu Mures every day of the week, operated by Wizz Air.
Budapest – Tirgu Mures flight time: 1 hour 0 minutes
10. Transylvanian Christmas Markets: Cluj-Napoca
Duration: 22 November to 1 January
Last but not least, let’s visit one more Christmas market in Transylvania. There are actually two Christmas markets in Cluj Napoca’s city center. The main Christmas market, located next to St. Michael’s Church, offers stage performers, stuffed cabbage, langos, chimney cakes, delicious hams and cheeses, handmade chocolates, cakes, and, of course, spicy drinks. Little ones won’t be bored either, as they can use VR goggles to experience what it’s like to ride in Santa’s sleigh pulled by the reindeer.
While this is the city’s main Christmas fair, a few meters further along University Street you’ll find a smaller and much more intimate Christmas fair. Here, too, decorated little houses await hungry, thirsty fairgoers looking for special Christmas decorations. But the crowds are much smaller, so this market offers a much more intimate, relaxed experience. Sip on a heavenly mulled gin, taste the pistachio hot chocolate with whipped cream, and top it off with a locally baked chimney cake. This way you can surely return home with the sweetest memories possible!
How can you get to the Cluj Christmas Market?
From Budapest, you can fly to Cluj-Napoca with Aeroexpress Regional.
Budapest – Cluj Napoca flight time: 1 hour 0 minutes
Discover Europe’s most beautiful Christmas fairs from the Best Parking airport car park
As you have seen, there are countless Christmas markets open across Europe in December and even early January. While some, such as the Christmas markets in Vienna and Brussels, are certainly more crowded, smaller markets in places like Transylvania and smaller towns across Europe offer a more intimate and relaxing way to feel the Christmas holiday vibes. Luckily, you can easily get from Budapest airport to any of the cities on this list, as we have shared with you that most cities are connected to Budapest by airlines offering several flights a week or a day.
Now all that’s left is to book your parking space at the Best Parking Budapest airport car park and get on your way! While you are traveling, we will take care of your car so you can travel as comfortably and easily as possible during the holidays! Book your parking space online and ask about our additional services! Remember, when you book with us, we provide a free round-trip airport shuttle service at any time of the day! We look forward to seeing you!