Budapest is actually two cities, Buda and Pest, one on each side of the Danube River, which divides this capital from Hungary. The history of this city dates back to Roman times, but Buda and Pest were not united into one city until 1873. The city has beautiful art nouveau architecture, panoramic views from spectacular bridges, and yes, thermal baths. See the Parliament buildings, the old Royal Palace and its museums, and the many pubs and gardens of Budapest.
During your visit in December, the gardens won’t be in their best summer, of course, but the bare trees do have a certain minimalist appeal. It is a unique place to visit in Europe, regardless of the time of year.
Budapest weather in December
Winter in Budapest is variable and unpredictable, and December is no exception. While it’s cold, December is also snowy with storms that sometimes bring up to 15 inches of precipitation in a single day.
- Average high: 37 degrees Fahrenheit (3 degrees Celsius)
- Low Average: 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 degree Celsius)
During the last half of December, the cold weather begins to prepare for winter. It snows often, but is usually light and build-up is rare. If you find bracing moderate cold and light snow like sparkling icing in town, you’ll love Budapest in December.
What to pack
You won’t need to pack for wide temperature swings; It’s all winter, all the time. Focus on layers that work with a variety of pieces. Some good ideas are jeans, colored jeans, wool or cotton sweaters that can be worn under a cardigan, opaque tights if you plan to wear a skirt or dress, ankle boots comfortable enough to walk for many hours, socks, wool or scarf cashmere, gloves and a medium weight coat. If you are traveling from most areas of the United States, these clothes are generally the same as what you would need at home in December.
The basic trick is to have layers with multiple uses. Bring a felt hat, a knitted hat, or a beret if you like to wear hats; You will have many opportunities for them in Budapest at this time of year.
December events in Budapest
As in all countries that celebrate Christmas, the end of the month holidays dominate the special events in December. If you are in Budapest during December, you will experience Christmas in a decidedly European way. Don’t forget to go out at night to see the impressive architecture of Budapest and the bridges over the Danube illuminated in a Christmas dress. It will be a holiday to remember and one with many interesting photographs.
- Budapest Christmas Market – This is a great place to find Hungarian Christmas gifts and it’s a lot of fun to wander around. It works throughout December. Visit the Great Market Hall for more Hungarian Christmas gift options.
- Saint Nicholas Day: On December 6, Saint Nicholas visits children with sweets and small gifts.
- New Year’s Eve : celebrations fill Budapest on December 31st. Parties, galas and river cruises are traditionally included in the event schedule for this night of celebration.
- The Nutcracker Ballet – The regular winter performance at the Hungarian State Opera, which is also the headquarters of the National Ballet Institute, requires booking a ticket in advance.
December Travel Tips
- Christmas in Hungary is celebrated from December 24 to 26. Expect most of the little shops, cafes, and attractions to be closed.
- Budapest’s trams are covered in colorful lights during the winter months, making a stroll along the river on Tram 2 a perfect holiday activity in December. Take tram 2 along the Danube to enjoy the most beautiful sites in the city. The trams are lit with blue and white lights from early December to early February.
- If you’re in Budapest for New Year’s Eve, consider ringing in the new year on a river cruise. You will get a great view of the fireworks. Many also offer unlimited drinks and live music from a DJ.
- Budapest looks like a fairytale city throughout December as it is lit up with over 1 million light bulbs. For the most festive route, walk around Vörösmarty Square (also the location of the city’s most famous Christmas market), Váci utca, Erzsébet Square, Oktogon, and Liszt Ferenc Square.
