With its border position in Western Hungary, Győr is a perfect day trip from Budapest, Vienna or Bratislava. I spent a weekend here and was surprised by how lively it was for a relatively small city.
If you’re planning a winter visit, it’s worth spending a few hours at the Gyor Christmas Market. Dates and opening times are below.
Gyor Christmas Market 2024
Dates – Unconfirmed
Gyor Christmas Market dates: 24th November to 23rd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in September. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.
Source: Dates are obtained directly from the local council’s website, available here.
Plan Your Visit
Location and Times
Location: Széchenyi Square. Additional events at Dunakapu Square, Baross Street and Megyeháza Square.
Opening times: 11am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Travel and Accommodation
Public transport: Bus stop: Teleki László, behind the National Theatre.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Dunakapu tér underground car park is the nearest parking.
Where to stay: Hotel Domus Collis is located 1 minute from Széchenyi Square.
Amenities and Attractions
Admission: Free.
Santa: Yes.
Nativity scene: Széchenyi Square.
Ice skating: No.
Rides: Ferris wheel, dodgem cars and carousel at Dunakapu Square.
Little railway: Széchenyi Square.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Food specialities: Kürtőskalács (chimney cake), goulash, poppy seed pastries, Hungarian cakes and Fröccs, a Hungarian drink made by mixing wine and soda water.
Accessibility
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes.
Convenient Hotels
Gyor’s city centre is relatively compact and getting around is easy, either by walking or on public transport. The Hotel Domus Collis is a nice hotel in this central area, and the rooms are stylish but affordable.
From twinkling lights to festive foods, we love seeing your holiday adventures. Use #UltimateChristmasMarkets to share your moments with us!
Christmas in Gyor
Winter is a great time to explore the city’s Baroque architecture and cosy cafes without the usual crowds. Don’t forget to head over to Pannonhalma Abbey, one of the most famous sights in the region.
Local Specialties
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) – Famous in Hungary and popular at markets across the region.
- Forralt bor (Mulled Wine) – Made with Hungarian wine.
- Lángos (Deep-fried flatbread) – Lángos is delicious smothered in garlic butter, cheese and sour cream.
- Halászlé (Fisherman’s Soup) – A spicy paprika flavoured soup.
- Mákos guba – An interesting poppy seed bread pudding dessert that you might find in a restaurant.
- Pálinka – A traditional fruit brandy in Hungary, often made with plum or apricot.
- Mézeskalács – Decorated gingerbread cookies.
- Kolbász – Grilled Hungarian sausage typically served with bread and mustard.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Magyar kézműves ékszerek – Jewellery made using materials like silver and enamel
- Fa játékok – Wooden toys carved by local woodworkers.
- Hímzett Textíliák – Flore or folk embroidered textiles like tablecloths and clothing.
- Paprika – Available in decorative tins or bags.
- Szaloncukor – Christmas candy wrapped in colourful foils.
- Craft Beer – Take home a gift box of the local craft beer.
Travel Information
It can be difficult to find visitor information about Gyor. Visit Hungary has some information, giving you an overview of what to expect.
Sustainability Tips
- Eco-Friendly Hotels – Book a hotel working towards sustainability that uses renewable energy.
- Food Waste – When travelling, it can be tempting to try many different foods. To avoid food waste, try ordering a smaller portion or sharing it with a companion.
- Ethical Consumption – Purchase durable goods and only what you truly need.
- Sustainable Diet – Order meals that use plant-based ingredients. Many traditional Hungarian specialties are vegetarian.
- Transport – To get around Gyor, use public transport or walk, especially since the city centre is well-suited for pedestrians and the distances between attractions are usually short.
Worth Visiting?
I visited Győr once and found it was enough to get a good overview of the city. I spent most of my time exploring the main squares and riverfront areas. It’s nice to walk around, stopping in boutique stores and little cafes. The soda water fountain is a cute photo spot and a nice reminder of the history of soda water siphons, first produced here by a local inventor.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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