Szeged Christmas Market 2024: A Beautiful Winter City

The town is known for its impressive Votive Church, Art Nouveau architecture and thermal baths, which draw visitors throughout the year. The Szeged Christmas Market is one of the winter highlights.

Read on for confirmed 2024 dates and information for planning a visit.

Szeged Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Confirmed

Szeged Christmas Market dates: 29th November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed).

Update: Dates were announced in February. Sign up for our newsletter for future updates.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the tourist office, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Dóm Square. Smaller events are at Dugonics Square and Klauzál Square.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 9pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Public transport: Train: Aradi Vértanúk Tere. Tram: Somogyi utca. Trolley buses are also available.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. Parkolóautomata-28 is the nearest parking garage.
Where to stay: Art Hotel Szeged is 2 minutes from Dóm Square.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: No switch on date announced.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Dóm Square.
Ferris wheel: Dóm Square.
Reason to visit: Giant Ferris wheel, light show and beautiful architecture.

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: Spicy fish soup, chimney cake, paprika-seasoned dishes, honey biscuits.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.

Convenient Hotels

You could stay anywhere in the historic centre and be close to the festivities. I stayed at Art Hotel Szeged, which is modern, central and reasonably priced. I would definitely stay there again, but there are many really nice places to choose from.

Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.

Christmas in Szeged

Seasonal entertainment takes place in the main square, Dóm Square, in the open air. Music and folklore performances are presented alongside puppet shows, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Simultaneously, the antiquities fair in Dugonics Square has a trove of treasures, linking the holidays with Hungarian history and collectibles.

Local Specialties

• Halászlé (Fisherman’s soup) – Although Hungary is landlocked, fish dishes are common in Szeged. Traditionally cooked over an open flame, this spicy soup combines river fish with a rich paprika-laden broth.
• Töltött káposzta (Stuffed cabbage) – A savoury mix of minced pork, rice, and spices, all rolled into fermented cabbage leaves.
• Kürtőskalács (Chimney cake) – The sweet, cinnamon-scented aroma of rolled and grilled dough is hard to miss.
• Mézeskalács (Honey gingerbread) – Decorated honey-spiced cookies made in shapes like hearts and stars.
• Forralt bor (Mulled wine) – The classic festive hot drink.
• Pálinka Distilled from various fruits, pálinka is a Hungarian spirit that’s not for the faint-hearted.
• Sült gesztenye (Roasted chestnuts) – Available fresh from street stalls.
• Lángos – A personal favourite! The Hungarian deep-fried flatbread-style dish is usually topped with garlic sauce, cheese and sour cream.
• Szegedi Paprikás Csirke (Szeged Paprika Chicken) – Traditional creamy chicken stew, abundant in locally produced paprika and served with nokedli, a kind of Hungarian dumplings.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Szegedi Paprika (Szeged Paprika) – The famous spice is recognised for its vibrant red colour and distinctive taste. It is available in various grades, including sweet, hot, and smoked, and it’s often packaged in beautifully designed tins or bags.
• Magyar Szeszgyár és Finomító (Hungarian Spirit Factory and Refinery Products) – Local spirits like pálinka and Unicum are found here, distilled from Hungarian fruits and herbs. Unicum is awful.
• Hímzett Textíliák (Embroidered Textiles) – Embroidery is a time-honoured Hungarian craft. Traditional Hungarian motifs can be found on tablecloths, napkins, and clothing.
• Fa Játékok (Wooden Toys) – Woodworkers offer a selection of handmade wooden toys from puzzles to traditional figurines.
• Mézeskalács Díszek (Honey Gingerbread Ornaments) While gingerbread is nice to eat, these are typically sold as ornaments for Christmas trees.
• Hagyományos Magyar Hangszerek (Traditional Hungarian Instruments) – You might find traditional Hungarian instruments, like flutes or the cimbalom.
• Nemezelt Tárgyak (Felt Crafts) – Felt crafting is a well-established Hungarian folk art. You can find everything from slippers to decorative items.

Sustainability Tips

• Choose Eco-Friendly Hotels – Book accommodation that prioritises environmental responsibility, such as those using renewable energy sources.
• Reduce Food Waste – Consider sharing portions with friends or choosing smaller servings.
• Ethical Consumption – When shopping for gifts or souvenirs be mindful of the necessity and longevity of what you’re buying.
• Sustainable Diet – Try some of Hungary’s excellent plant-based and vegetarian dishes.
• Transport – Make the most of public transport or consider walking or cycling. The city has bike-sharing schemes and pedestrian-friendly zones in the city centre. Take the train if travelling from Budapest.

Worth Visiting?

I lived in Budapest for several years and found it easy to head down to Szeged for a few days. I loved the architecture and stopped by a couple of the local museums. The food was excellent, especially some of the traditional coffee houses. It’s also a relatively affordable place to visit. Szeged is amazing and well worth visiting.

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.