The Churchyard Market is back in Debrecen this December, bringing local farmers and artisans face-to-face with shoppers at two easy-to-reach spots on two consecutive Saturdays. Expect neighborhood vibes, good prices, and a straightforward way to stock up on handmade goods and farm-fresh produce right before New Year’s.
When and where
The market runs in two locations on two Saturdays every month. For December 2025, the first date is December 20 in the inner courtyard of the Great Church Congregation Center in the city center. Vendors open at 8:00 and pack up at 11:30. A week later, on December 27 from 8:00 to 12:00, the market shifts to Somlyai Street’s community square in Kerekestelep, a residential neighborhood in Debrecen. Both dates make it simple to pick up last-minute holiday food or New Year’s gifts from people who actually grow and make what they sell.
What to expect
It’s a classic churchyard-style market: small-scale producers, skilled makers, and an honest, seasonal selection sold at friendly prices. You’ll find farm goods and crafts from people who live nearby, with weekends timed so central shoppers and Kerekestelep locals both get their turn. The downtown venue in the Great Church Congregation Center’s courtyard lands every third Saturday of the month, while Kerekestelep’s community square hosts the fourth Saturday, creating a reliable rhythm through the year. December’s dates fall perfectly for festive pantry restocks and gifting.
How to plan your visit
– December 20: Leány Street Churchyard Market, Debrecen, 8:00–11:30, inner courtyard of the Great Church Congregation Center in the heart of downtown.
– December 27: Kerekestelep Churchyard Market, Debrecen, 8:00–12:00, Somlyai Street community square.
Arrive early for the best selection. Bring cash, bags, and a little patience—these are friendly, neighborly markets where a chat is part of the experience.
Stay nearby
Debrecen has a wide range of stays if you’re making a weekend of it. Close to the action in the old town, the Centrum Hotel Debrecen Superior offers 65 rooms and sits just 50 meters from the Reformed Great Church (Nagytemplom) and the main square that hosts cultural events. Many of the city’s key sights, offices, and institutions are a short walk away, making it ideal for market-goers who want to wander after shopping.
If you prefer a homier feel, several small, family-run guesthouses promise calm surroundings with an on-site restaurant and a first-class inn vibe. You’ll also find intimate pensions with seven rooms in Debrecen’s garden district—about a 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive to both the city center and the Great Forest. Public transport links are strong, so getting to the markets is easy.
Travelers arriving by train or coach can choose a guesthouse just 300 meters from both stations. Expect exclusive double and triple rooms, each with a private bathroom, in a low-rise, inner-courtyard building from 2006. There’s dining on-site and a limited number of closed parking spots. Another solid option is the three-star Centrum Panzió, tucked into a quiet, family-friendly, park-like downtown location with an outdoor playground, roughly 500 meters from the Great Church.
Students and budget travelers might look at the Campus Hotel, part of the University of Debrecen’s network of dorms and student accommodation. The university currently offers 4,983 dorm places, including 922 in the modern Campus Hotel. An additional 1,700 spots have been refurbished over the last five years, and 600 places are in buildings erected within the last decade and still in good condition.
Green escapes and spa breaks
The Auguszta Apartment Hotel and Student Hostel sits in the Great Forest’s green belt, within the Debrecen Clinics area. It was built to serve the long-term needs of international medical students and, when capacity allows, operates as a hotel year-round—great for guests wanting nature and calm near the university’s medical campus.
For a proper hideaway, head 6 km out of town to the Erdőspuszta Club Hotel. This four-star retreat stands amid a romantic pine forest, perfect for both active and relaxed downtime. It’s close to city attractions yet blissfully quiet, with facilities geared to families, conference groups, and anyone craving a reset. The adjacent 12-hectare Arbo Tanya offers horse programs—trail riding, arena lessons, show jumping, carriage rides, and even horse-drawn sleigh rides in winter—plus a petting zoo and a fishing lake.
City convenience
If you want a simple base near the markets, EURO PANZIÓ sits on a quiet street close to downtown. You can walk to the city center, thermal and adventure baths, stadium, sports pool, the University of Debrecen, and the clinics in just a few minutes. Another option along Highway 47 offers budget-friendly rooms with cable TV, Wi‑Fi, and private bathrooms, plus a secure courtyard car park that guests can use free of charge. They can arrange meals, host events, and even organize oven-based show cookouts for groups.
Why it matters
The Churchyard Market does more than sell food and crafts. It keeps money circulating locally, supports small producers, and lets shoppers buy from the people who make and grow what’s on their table. With two dates and two neighborhoods on the calendar—December 20 downtown and December 27 in Kerekestelep—Debrecen wraps the year with a grounded, good-humored celebration of local life. Bring a tote. Leave with a full one. And maybe book a night—Debrecen has plenty of places to stay.
