Christmas is just around the corner

The colourful Christmas lights and decorations, the irresistible aromas of many salty and sweet delicacies and warm drinks, the beauty of handmade items, lovely music, and above all, the eyes of children and adults filled with joy and expectations. This is a typical Bratislava Christmas.

* Please note, that starting the 24th of December until the 26th of December shops, restaurants and other services will be closed due to the national holiday.

Since 1925, Christmas in Bratislava cannot do without its iconic Christmas tree standing in the city center. The tree, a several meters high beauty, is already standing on the Main Square. The Christmas tree on Main Square is joined by another one on Hviezdoslav Square in the historic centre of the city.

The streets of Bratislava will again be filled with people, good mood and joyous atmosphere. Dozens of stands will tip over with refreshments and traditional and handmade products. The food stands will offer returnable glasses and compostable dishes, some are also ready to accept card payments. Waste-sorting bins guarantee sustainability. The Christmas markets on the Main and Hviezdoslavovo Square will be opened until January 6. with the exception of closing for the holiday from December 24 to 26. Get your Christmas gifts here or in the local shops scattered in the city center.

The Christmas atmosphere will spread throughout the whole Bratislava. The city-wide program, taking place mainly on the Franciscan Square and Klarisky will offer a variety of Christmas events. You can look forward to Advent concerts, quizzes, bazaars, readings, theater performances and exhibitions to name a few.

The holidays in the city will also have a charitable dimension. Popular barter exchanges will be held in Klarisky, and clothes, toys and books that visitors do not exchange will go to people in need.

The Christmas atmosphere will be complemented this year by the Christmas Forest on Primate’s Square. Children from Bratislava primary, art and special primary schools will decorate the Christmas trees in the square with their own original decorations made of natural materials. They will later go to various charities, homeless people shelters and families in need.

Not only citizens of the old Pressburg but also today’s Bratislava love to give. Helping those in need was not just a matter of the then-etiquette, it was part of the identity of local residents. Those who could share were obliged to do so, otherwise they would be target of public scorn. However, almost every citizen liked to do so, often on a large scale and not only during Advent and Christmastime. Luckily, today’s Bratislava residents are no different.

There is also a safe zone here for families with children, handicaped and elderly.

If you prefer a late back setting for your Christmas market visit, the cozy “Christmas market on Dulák” is returning to Dulovo Square. Make sure to pop until December 22.

The Christas markets are brought to Bratislava by Bratislava Cultural and Information Center.