December in Budapest: mulled wine, Christmas fairs and magical tram rides! Winter has arrived to Budapest, the city shows us its new and magical face in December, which is a month of Christmas markets, beautifully decorated streets, mulled wine, ice-skating and the famous Christmas light tram that can only be experienced in Budapest. We suggest you to dress in warm clothing and get ready to enjoy the Advent season in this beautiful city. Perhaps one of the major attractions to visit this time is the famous Christmas markets, where you can find tasty culinary delights such as goulash, roasts, grilled sausages and if you have a sweet tooth, chimney cake for dessert. Start you tour with a mulled wine and make sure you check out every stall and their carefully selected craft products. There are several Christmas markets in town, one of the most famous is the Budapest Advent and Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square. Another Christmas fair we recommend you to visit is the one at the Basilica, which offers special 3D light paintings on its facade for the visitor. These colourful lights are projected several times during the evenings. They are considered the largest 3D light paintings with different religious stories. Each scene is projected every half an hour and it lasts for a few minutes. Last year more than 800 thousand visitors attended the artistic exposition and this year the organisers are expecting a million people. St. Stephen’s Basilica 1051 Budapest, Szent István tér 1. Go to profile In December even the tram gets decorated for the special season. The Tram 2 that offers a magnificent view rolling along the Danube, is decorated with 40 thousand led lights for the delight of the tourist. You can enjoy a ride with the regular ticket that is costs 350 Forints one way. One thing everyone should try during winter time in Budapest is ice-skating in the City Park. It is one of Europe’s largest outdoor ice rink with a spectacular view to the Vajdahunyad Castle that is awaiting you and your family and friends this winter. You can purchase your ticket online to avoid the queue, which costs 1500 Forints per person and in case you don’t have the equipment you can rent it for an additional 2500 Forints. Vajdahunyad Castle Budapest 1146 Budapest, Vajdahunyad vár Go to profile If you would like to warm up after your outdoor ice skating experience we suggest you to go to the nearby Széchenyi Baths, which is also located at the City Park. This emblematic neo baroque palace was built in 1913, however it is only open during the winter since 1963. It has medicinal natural hot spring waters in 18 pools, furthermore it offers 10 saunas / steam rooms, various massage therapies, facial treatments, and more. We recommend you to book your massage in advance. Széchenyi Thermal Bath 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 9-11. Go to profile Photo: Pixabay