Budapest’s City Park (Városliget) Hosts Secret Market Design Fairs

Discover Secret Market design fairs in Budapest’s City Park: Széchenyi Thermal Bath showcases Hungarian creators, Advent workshops, family programs, and museum highlights—free entry, gifts with stories, culture all December.
when: 2025.12.06., Saturday
where: 1146 Budapest, Állatkerti körút 9-11, 14. kerület - Zugló

Step into a spark of imagination in Budapest’s City Park as the 2025 Secret Market design fairs take over Városliget. The series opens the doors to a world of creators, pushing the boundaries of design and creativity. Meet standout Hungarian and international designers, join hands-on workshops, and let the makers’ community sweep you into its orbit. It’s all about finding fresh ideas, learning new techniques, and picking up gifts that carry a story.

December 6: Second Advent Fair

On Saturday, December 6, the Secret Market returns for its second Advent edition at one of Budapest’s most iconic venues: the Széchenyi Thermal Bath’s Marble Hall. Here, Hungarian bathing culture meets exciting homegrown design in a setting that’s as elegant as the lineup. From 10:00 to 18:00, browse unique pieces from local creators, sort your holiday gifting, or treat yourself to something one of a kind. Entry is free. Address: Állatkerti körút 9–11., 1146 Budapest. The location alone is an experience—the historic bath’s refined interiors make every find feel special.

Dry Flower Advent Workshop

Also on December 6 in Budapest, the Dry Flower Advent Workshop turns seasonal making into a cozy ritual. Expect a full-on festive mood as the host demonstrates how to craft Téli mese (Winter Tale) Christmas tree ornaments from a medley of pods and spices, and how to build wreaths from beautiful dried flowers. You’ll create your own pieces step by step with guidance throughout. If you opt for ornaments, you can complete eight during the session—think tiny mouse, little squirrel, dachshund, small boat, and hedgehogs in various combinations. Advance registration is required.

December 13: Third Advent Fair

One week later, the third Advent Secret Market keeps the celebration going at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath’s Marble Hall, 10:00–18:00, with free entry. The concept stays crystal clear: the elegance of Budapest’s spa heritage meets the most intriguing Hungarian design. Come for thoughtful gift ideas from local designers and leave with pieces that feel both modern and rooted in tradition. The atmosphere and venue make it a day you’ll remember long after the wrapping paper’s gone.

December 20: Fourth Advent Fair

The final Advent fair of the year lands on Saturday, December 20, again at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath’s Marble Hall, 10:00–18:00, free to enter. This is the last chance of 2025 to discover and shop directly from Hungarian creators at Secret Market. Swing by for late gifts, or stock up on design-forward items to carry you into the New Year. The organizers reserve the right to change times and programs, so keep an eye out for updates.

More December in the Park

Városliget hums with culture all month. From December 2–7 and then weekly cycles through December 30–January 4, the Museum of Fine Arts offers rotating highlights: masterpieces from antiquity to today, exhibitions, guided tours, and family programs. The Museum of Ethnography runs exhibitions, curator tours, and family activities December 2–7, 9–14, 16–21, 23–28, and December 30–January 4.

On December 6, lace up for Santa-themed orienteering at the Liget (for Liget+ members) by the Music Playground next to the House of Music Hungary (Magyar Zene Háza), Olof Palme sétány 3–5, 1146 Budapest. The park also stages full Advent weekends: December 6–7 (Advent weekend two), December 13–14 (three), and December 20–21 (four), each packed with seasonal programs.

Into 2026: Culture Keeps Going

The Museum of Fine Arts continues its weekly program series into the new year with sessions January 6–11, 13–18, 20–25, and January 27–February 1, then February cycles on February 3–8, 10–15, 17–22, and February 24–March 1. Exhibitions, guided tours, and family events stay in full swing at the Museum of Ethnography across these dates as well.

Budapest’s Secret Market series and Városliget’s museum-heavy calendar make December a playground for design lovers, families, and culture fans. Entry to the Secret Market fairs is free—just bring curiosity and a tote bag. Organizers reserve the right to change schedules and programs.

2025, adminboss

Pros
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Free entry to the Secret Market fairs means you can browse high-quality design without committing cash upfront
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Super family-friendly vibe: hands-on workshops, museum family programs, and festive park weekends make it easy to keep kids engaged
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Held inside the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath’s Marble Hall—iconic setting that doubles as a must-see Budapest landmark
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Easy to combine with other big-name sights in City Park (House of Music Hungary, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Ethnography), so you get a full day in one area
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English is commonly used with vendors and at museums, and you can get by fine without Hungarian
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Getting there is straightforward: Metro M1 (yellow line) to Széchenyi fürdő, plentiful trams/buses, and taxis/ride-hail are cheap by U.S. standards; driving/parking is possible but not essential
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Compared with holiday craft markets in Germany or Austria, this feels more design-forward and local-creator focused, with a unique spa-hall ambience - The “Secret Market” brand isn’t widely known internationally, so it may not be on typical tourist radars
Cons
Workshop instructions may lean on Hungarian; English help varies and advance registration is required
Dates are specific (Advent Saturdays) and schedules can change, so tight itineraries risk a miss
Smaller than mega Christmas markets elsewhere, so if you expect rows of food stalls and big entertainment, this is more boutique than blockbuster

Places to stay near Budapest’s City Park (Városliget) Hosts Secret Market Design Fairs



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