Looking to visit these cities for the first time over Christmas for 8 to 10 days. We have flexibility on when to leave (can leave as early as 12/20). Considering this trip over Christmas as we thought it would be a unique experience during the holiday and a chance to experience the Christmas markets. In looking at the various sites, it looks like the Christmas markets in Budapest are open until 12/30/12, and the markets in Prague are open until 01/06/13. Vienna's markets close 12/23/12, so I've concluded we won't be able to see their markets. I would appreciate help on the following: 1. Does it matter if we start in Prague and finish with Budapest (or vice versa) ignoring airfare differences? Since the markets in Prague close later, my thought is to end w Prague. Good/bad? 2. Is the experience of the Christmas markets different before or after 12/24? Do the markets fizzle after 12/24 even if they stay open until 12/30 or 01/06? 3. Should we delay the start of the trip to 12/24 (flying from the US we'd arrive 12/25 if we depart 12/24) to avoid a lack of stores/tours/restaurants open on 12/24 or 12/25? If not, which is the best city to be in on 12/24 and 12/25 for activity? Thank you in advance for your help!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15602 posts
Friends of mine went to Budapest a couple years ago for a long weekend over Christmas. They found that everything closed pretty early on the 24th and stayed closed on the 25th and 26th too. There was little to do but walk around outside or go into the churches. There were one or two coffee shops open, but most, along with all the restaurants, were closed.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte
2 posts
Thanks for your reply!
Perhaps I will consider leaving on Dec 25th (arrives into Europe on Dec 26th) to avoid the shop closures, etc. Does anyone know if shops close on Dec 26th for boxing day? Thank you in advance!
Posted by
Hamilton
84 posts
We did this same trip a few years ago from Dec 20 to Jan 3, going Bud, Vienna, Prague based on when the markets closed. We timed it to be in Vienna on Dec 24-25 as there was the most going on there on those days (finding dinner was tough but we ate at the markets). I would leave the 20th to make it in time for the markets as they are great. You can visit the Budapest markets first - we really enjoyed them. Try for 2-3 days there (markets, hot springs, Terror House - whatever else interests you), then go to Vienna for 3 days, then Prague for 2-3 days. If you can be in Vienna on the 24th you can visit the market in front of city hall, maybe one other that day, and then on Dec 25 the one at Schonbrunn Palace should still be on (goes to the 26th). Museums and others sites in Vienna are likely open the 26th, but you can easily check this online. Then you can go to Prague on Dec 27 and hit their markets (which in my opinion are not very good, but the city is nice). We have been to Xmas markets in 5 countries and have found that they do not die down after the 24th, they go pretty strong until their closing date. Definitely try to go early enough to visit the markets if you can.