The Christmas markets have arrived and started to appear across the city - the main one being on Vorosmarty Ter, in the city centre and next to the top cafe in the city called Gerbeaud which is akin to having tea at the Ritz. There is a massive Christmas tree in the middle of the square and then everything happens around it
It is a great concept, with local food and drink to sample as you look at the various trade and craft stores that are there offering traditional
Hungarian clothes (some great hats), toys, Palinka (yuck), jewellery (complete with working blacksmiths) - the secret is to to buy a mug of Forallt Bor (mulled wine) which you pay a deposit on, or keep, and then to wander about having a look at what is available/on offer, stopping to get the mug refilled at relevant moments and then stuffing your face with barbecued meat, stuffed cabbage, Langlos, Turkey 'pizzas' and various other local delicacies.
Not great to get there in the middle of the afternoon as it is rammed with people - both Hungarians and tourists but definitely a must if you find yourself in the city at this time of year.
Possibly the most amusing thing on display was the 5 Street dance Santas - very, very good and clearly doing well out of the crowds with their display
Away from the market, the streets have started to get the Christmas lights turned on with the main boulevards wrapping the trees with sparkling lights which is pretty spectacular whilst Vaci Utca (Oxford Street equivalent) has some very tasteful lights - no Disney characters in sight!!
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