Historic Hungarian success: the Advent Basilica was the first in Europe to receive this recognition.
In 2023, the Advent Bazilika has already brought the Hungarians a feat of success by being voted the best Christmas market in Europe for the fourth time in the European Best Destination online poll. Then with the most votes of all time, among other things
It preceded events in London, Vienna, Brussels and Prague in the competition.
The result was unprecedented in the history of European Christmas markets: never before had any festive event managed to win the prestigious award four times, which the Advent Basilica also earned for the third time in a row since 2021, after first place in 2019.
In 2024, the Advent Basilica did not enter the competition for Christmas markets, but one year after the historic success of 2023, it was announced on the online interface of the American Forbes that the professionals of the European Best Destination travel portal, which organizes the 15-year competition among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, are the most prestigious the Advent Basilica is recognized with an award, thus definitively placing the Hungarian event above the European competition.
The best European Christmas market of all time awaits visitors with a renewed layout and many novelties:
this year, a new Christmas tree has arrived at the fair, and a net of lights that looks like a grandiose Christmas jewel decorates the space. The net of light starting from the top decoration of the 12-meter-tall, beautifully decorated pine tree symbolizes the starry sky.
In the area in front of the Christmas tree, their live musical productions are performed several times a week, and this is where the Santa Claus chair is located, which anyone can try out and take a photo of during the breaks of the performances.
Every day from 5:30 p.m. every half hour, visitors can enjoy one of the most impressive program elements of the Advent Basilica, the light painting projected on the facade of the Basilica. During the breaks of the 3D screenings, enterprising people can create a unique pattern from the event's selfie point on the facade of the building - to then take a photo and post it along with the selfie machine's Christmas messages in 48 languages.
On Szent István Square in front of the Basilica, the wonderful Nativity scene takes its rightful place, and here the monumental Advent wreath decorates the square, the candles of which will be lit on Sundays as intimate moments of the Advent season.
The area of the Advent Basilica will be home to selected domestic exhibitors this year as well, including craft and gastronomic vendors. As in previous years, the organizers have ensured that this year there is a range of food and drinks suitable for all budgets.
Without exception, one dish from that week is available daily at each kitchen, which can be purchased by visitors for a fixed price of HUF 1,600. In addition, during the thematic gastro weekends of the fair, you can choose from nearly 50 dishes that are available at a maximum consumer price of HUF 2,500.
Featured image: Advent Basilica
