Christmas is a time that whether we like it or not, whether we�re Christians, Muslims, Jews or atheists, it always connects us with our childhood and that unstoppable pleasure of giving others a small gift or something which brings them happiness, even if it�s a short one, but that feels affection further than itself. Maybe from there there�s emerges the tradition of Christmas markets, and Budapest has the most beautiful and entertaining one in the whole of Eastern Europe.

Known as the Christmas market of Vörösmarty Square, it begins every year close to the 20th of November, for those who go shopping early and don�t leave everything until the last minute. The closing date is the 29th of December, because there�s always someone who left buying presents until late and waits until the new year to give them. Its opening hours are from 10am until 8pm except on the 24th, because that day, for those who have forgotten it�s Christmas Eve, all 100 stands in the market are open until 2am in case anyone had forgotten to buy gifts.

In any case, it�s always beautiful, whether you go to buy gifts or not, to walk around this market which offers never ending objects for the delight of the ones with weak will to buy. Such is its fame that �s become a classic spot for tourists, especially because of the singular aesthetics of this place, which is amplified with the pretty wooden stands styled like small chalets. Here they exhibit the most typical Hungarian crafts, curiosities, some interesting antiques, local artist�s works and all sorts of objects, which I assure you you won�t find anywhere else.

However, not everything that you find here are objects, there are also the food stalls of typical food at unique prices, with dishes that would delight gourmets. If you still haven�t tried �Lángos�, bread cooked with a potato dough, I recommend it, because here you�ll find the most delicious and traditional ones in Budapest. There are also the wonderful apple strudel made in traditional Hungarian ovens. And to beat the cold, nothing better than a �forrait�, a warm punch made with wine, cinnamon and herbs which is served in a cup which you can take with you a souvenir of Budapest and its Christmas Market.

Also, there are musicians and cultural activities every day with different presentations. So don�t think that if you went one day you saw it all, the opposite, there will always be new surprises to enjoy, so you can walk, see, eat and, of course, shop. Everywhere you can find stimulants that will make this visit a very special one.

For those who travel with their family, this is the ideal place to visit as a group, because apart from everything that we�ve explained for the adults, there are special entertainment programmes for the children, so nobody will get bored in this market.

Nancy Guzman

In order not to miss this wonderful panorama, rent apartments in Budapest and have fun walking and buying at the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square . After, with your shopping finished, you can go to the thermal baths to relax and carry on enjoying this charming and enigmatic city.

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Translated by: aleixgwilliam
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Joanna Newsom though just 28 years old, has a talent that seems to come from another planet. Her voice is one of the most curious and strange in the world of music today, and garners her rave reviews.  Friends who’ve seen her live report tingling, chills and say she makes them go into an almost hypnotic state with her indie folk ballads based mostly on instruments like piano, the harpsichord or harp.

Newsom was born into a musical family and since childhood has been interested in music. Her father played guitar and her mother was a concert pianist. She convinced them to let her study the harp, and also studied theater and learned to recite long poems. Many of her songs are written with epic lyrics that don’t rely on typical pop structures, rather, they tell stories that can last several minutes (“Have One on Me” is 11 minutes long and “Emily” 12.)

The American artist recorded the EPs and Walnut Whales and Yarn and Glue to use as demos and to sell at shows, and surprisingly, they were a very effective calling card, which landed her international tours and a record with Drag City record label.  The release of the record “The Milk-Eyed Mender” was an unexpected indie hit in 2004 and she toured with famous artists such as Devendra Banhart and Vetiver.

In February this year, Newsom presented “Have One On Me” her latest production.  The album is a departure from her previous work and she explores new sounds and instruments. It was very well received by fans around the world. Now Joanna is doing various shows and  will be in Hungary to give a show on January 29th in the Művészetek Palotája.

If you want to attend the event by one of the most famous and interesting harpists in the world you can rent apartments in Budapest and attend a show that will send shivers down your spine.

More information: www.mupa.hu

Palotája Művészetek: Komor Marcell u. 1., Budapest 1095, Hungary