Prague & Budapest at Christmas time

I was in Prague for Christmas of 2003 and Budapest for Christmas 2004. Both cities have Christmas markets - Prague's is in the The Old Town Square; Budapest's is in Vorosmarty, Vigado, or Erzsebet Square (ter)...somewhere in that area on the Pest side. I'm not sure when they are set up, but I think they are usually up and running for several weeks before Christmas. They both have decorations, gifts, nibbles, and mulled wine. Prague's X-mas market is (or was when I was there)much larger than Budapest's, plus they had an outdoor skating rink set up between Wenceslas Square and The Old Town. Prague has numerous free concerts in churches around town and many of the cafes and restaurants have outdoor heaters so that even if it's cold (and it was extremely cold when I was there) you can sit outside and people-watch. Prague was really dressed up for Christmas and seems to be a very popular Christmas destination; it was surprisingly crowded, but still beautiful and enjoyable. Budapest seemed less set up for Christmas and holiday travelers, but was charming and much more relaxed. I think the thermal baths are open even in the winter, but since I didn't want to deal with bathing suits, I didn't look into it. (After all I've read since then, I really regret it:( ) They are both amazing, beautiful cities with lots to offer, have a great time!

We did Budapest, Vienna and Prague in Xmas 2008. Vienna had the best markets, then Buda, then Prague, in my opinion. The Prague markets do not begin until 3 Dec 2011. Definitely go to Szechenyi baths in Budapest. http://www.christmasmarkets.com/

We visited Prague last Christmas. There were several Christmas markets. The biggest one at Old Town Square. Absolutely awesome setting with Tyn church spires in the background. We stayed in hotel Attic few steps from the Market. We booked it through www.pragueexperience.com Also included in the price was dinner river cruise, 4 hours walking tour with a guide, ride from and to the airport (or in our case railroad station). The best way to get to Karlovy Vary is by bus. Student Agency Yellow Bus. We stayed there in hotel Palatin. Be prepared. It was snowing almost all the time we were there.

Hi, Budapest has quite a big and nice Christmas Market it usually starts at the end of November (in 2011 it was the 29th I think) and it lasts for a month. It is located very centrally in Vörösmarty square just next to Váci utca shopping street. The weather is changeable but there's a chance of rain or if your lucky snow. The christmas lightings around town are very pretty especially on Andrássy út and in the smaller streets around the down town like Zrínyi utca. About a guide I might be able help, write me a prive message.