What will the Advent markets be like in Pécs? Program and important information in one place 

Advent in Hungary: we have tips for the best Advent cities in the country!

Experience the unique Christmas markets. Pécs will provide a magical experience, thanks to the city’s historic appearance and the picturesque streets full of Christmas lights.

Adults and children, lovers of crafts and ceramics, will find fun at the markets. But sweet tooths will also get their fill, as they can taste a number of local specialties.

Christmas markets in Pécs

All the events associated with the pre-Christmas period in the city of Pécs take place mainly around the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, which, with its four towers, is one of the city’s prominent landmarks.

Thanks to its excellent acoustics, unforgettable live public music productions of all possible genres are held there (not only) during the pre-Christmas period, most often classical music concerts.

Christmas markets create a magical festive atmosphere in the ancient city center, which has recently been thoroughly reconstructed. An approximately sixty-six-foot-high Christmas tree decorated with a flood of sparkling lights, a nativity scene, handmade gifts for the joy of young and old, sweets, lots of delicacies, a unique musical and children’s program, and, of course, popular drinks to warm up for Christmas are all part of the festive atmosphere in Pécs.

The most significant market in central Széchenyi Square boasts the most essential and best-preserved Turkish monument – the Gazi Kasim Pasha Mosque.

Advent Markets on Széchenyi Square

What can you look forward to?

• Traditional Hungarian delicacies, such as goulash, langos, trdelnik and sweet desserts full of rich flavors; you can also enjoy mulled wine or punch  
• Crafts and gifts from the hands of local and distant artists; you can buy handmade decorations, ceramics, candles, and local products
• Holiday music and performances performed by singers, actors, and local schools; there will also be carols or folk dances
• Christmas decorations and a light show which will be lit up with thousands of lights, complementing the beautifully decorated Christmas tree
• Children’s program in the form of creative workshops, a nativity scene with live animals, and a meeting with Santa Claus, who will bring joy and perhaps even small gifts to young visitors
• Historically atmospheric, as the markets take place in the very heart of the city with ancient monuments and Renaissance buildings that add charm to the Advent experience

When and where will everything take place?

Széchenyi Square in Pécs will be transformed into a festive setting, with almost sixty vendors offering handicraft products and food. A variety of advent activities will await those preparing for the holidays until December 23.

The program includes Christmas crafts, a playhouse, an Advent show, and ceramics painting. The center of Pécs will become a real jewel box: walking through the glittering ‘Advent gates,’ visitors will certainly be captivated by the festive atmosphere.

What are the Christmas markets in Pécs like? You can visit them now via the following video.

Christmas Market Pécs, Hungary - 2023. Karácsonyi vásár, Pécs 4K Music: Every Night - UniCum Laude

Christmas Market Program in Pécs

In Pécs, you can look forward to a wide variety of cultural programs at Christmas, from a craft show to the switching on of Christmas lights to performances by local ensembles. 

On December 6, Santa Claus will visit the Christmas Market to bring joy to the children. Then, on December 21, the holy family—Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus—will be depicted in an Advent procession from Dóm Square to Széchenyi Square. This event will be followed by vibrant, fiery acrobatic performances to celebrate the winter solstice.

On weekdays, the Pécs Rotary Club will host Advent charity performances, while on weekends, Advent concerts can be heard in the Cathedral and in Pécs’s Catholic churches.

On Saturdays, representatives of different denominations will light the city’s Advent wreath on Széchenyi Square.

In the spirit of environmental awareness, guests can sip their drinks from heat-resistant reusable cups with unique festive straps. In addition to the selfie points on Kossuth Square, a 6.5-foot-high 3D reindeer installation on Jókai Square invites visitors to take photos and a reindeer sleigh in front of the Santa Claus Workshop.

---

Taste Local Specialties – you won’t regret it!

Hungarian food is a reflection of Hungary’s continental climate (cold winters, hot summers), its countryside fare, and the influences of neighboring countries and ethnic minorities.

For example, while Hungarians have been eating some form of goulash for hundreds of years, dishes like stuffed peppers, schnitzel, and cholent have gradually seeped into the mainstream thanks to Ottoman, Austrian, and Jewish influences, respectively.

Taste some of the delicious Hungarian meals during your visit:

• Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake): You’ll find this spiral-shaped pastry at all of Hungary’s markets. It’s traditionally rolled in sugar and cinnamon after being cooked on a spit. More interesting toppings include coconut and chocolate.
• Lángos: Deep-fried dough usually served with sour cream and grated cheese. This savory treat is a crowd-pleaser and is easily found at many stalls. It offers variations that might include sausage or ham, but it’s primarily a vegetarian dish.
• Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage): Tightly wrapped cabbage leaves filled with minced meat and rice are usually served warm. This hearty dish is ideal for cold weather, and the tomato-based sauce gives it a tangy kick. Try this at one of the restaurants in the city centre.
• Palacsinta: These Hungarian pancakes often contain jam, Nutella, or sweet cottage cheese. They’re a quick snack that allows you to continue exploring the market with minimal interruption.
• Gulyás (Goulash): A spicy beef and vegetable soup, this dish is a staple in Hungarian cuisine. The Pecs version frequently incorporates local spices and ingredients.

Conclusion

Pecs offers a distinctive festive experience with traditional Hungarian crafts and festive foods that stand out from the usual offerings.

Just a short journey from Budapest, it’s both accessible and affordable. I think it’s a lovely city worth visiting for a few days.