Vaccinated, maskless crowds enjoy Christmas markets in Budapest

FILE PHOTO: People visit a Christmas market amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in downtown Budapest, Hungary, December 7, 2021. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Traditional Christmas markets have opened in Budapest's main squares only for people vaccinated against COVID-19, but have drawn many tourists and locals alike even as central Europe battles a renewed surge of the coronavirus.

There were no festive outdoor markets in Budapest a year ago as Hungary was in complete lockdown against the virus, before any vaccines were available.