Advent Basilica, Budapest

Held on St Stephen's Square in front of the Basilica, Advent Basilica has been voted among Europe's best and most beautiful Christmas markets more than once. The Basilica's façade becomes a canvas for a 3D light-projection show that runs every half-hour through the evening, there is a free children's ice rink out front, and more than a hundred stalls sell Hungarian craft and food. Budapest remains one of Europe's better-value city breaks, so mulled wine, chimney cake and dinner cost noticeably less than in Vienna or Strasbourg. Its 2026 dates are not yet announced at the time of writing; it typically runs from mid-November into early January — confirm on the official Budapest market site. The light show runs every 30 minutes between 5:30pm and 10pm. Pair it with the larger Vörösmarty Square market a short walk away.