Christmas is a magical time of year. Spend your days strolling down lightly snow-dusted cobblestone streets, enjoying fresh cinnamon pasty and sipping warm wine. Cinnamon pastry and warm wine? Yes, warm wine. This is Christmas in Hungary!
Christmas Time in Pápa Hungary
Travel only an hour and a half outside of Budapest and discover the quaint town of Pápa, Hungary. Pápa is home to a month long Christmas market, dotting the thin walking area on Kossuth Lajos utca.
Only 33,000 people large, this baroque village has been on the map since the ninth century. Steeped in history, and pure charm, the town is a magical Christmas destination.
Traditional Hungarian Goodies to Eat and Drink
Christmas not only brings snow and frigid temperatures to Pápa, but a very small Christmas market offering traditional Hungarian holiday sweets and drinks. From any street, alley or store-front in downtown Pápa, the sweet smell of kürtös kalács fill the air. These cylinder shaped pastries, which are baked over hot coals in the streets, are covered with sugar, cinnamon, walnuts or almonds. The sweet, crisp exterior of these sweet treats is in perfect contrast to the soft and fluffy interior.
As you saunter across the ancient streets of Pápa, stop at one of the small booths in the Christmas market and enjoy a glass of warm mulled wine. A true holiday tradition in Hungary, mulled wine is always enjoyed at Christmas time. Warm wine is the perfect companion along the snow-dusted streets.
Order a hot chocolate and you will be surprised when you take your first sip. Instead of thin, watery-chocolate, you will find your mug full of smooth, thick hot chocolate pudding. Rich and delicious, this hot chocolate drink will leave you feeling warm and full.
Christmas Shopping in Pápa
Shop the many small boutiques in downtown Pápa, or the outside booths along the small Christmas market. Pápa offers traditonal Hungarian products and merchandise from all over Europe, at extremely affordable prices.
Leather coats from Italy and art from Germany, are the perfect Christmas gifts to buy in Pápa.
Christmas Trees
If you find yourself celebrating Christmas in Pápa, Hungary, don’t expect to purchase your Christmas tree early. Christmas trees are available one week before Christmas and can be purchased in the farmer’s market square.
Christmas in Pápa is truly magical. Whether just visiting during the season, or celebrating the holiday, enjoy the charm and beauty of Pápa.
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