Christmas market attractions

Christmas returns to the capital of Slovakia in full force. After two years marked by the pandemic, the popular Christmas markets are coming to the city centre once again.

Advent concerts, Christmas markets, children’s programs, Christmas tram, guided city walks and exhibitions, bazaars and quizzes – this is a rich program awaiting you in the historic center of the city. The most anticipated part of the pre-Christmas program is the Christmas market. The market has a long tradition – it dates back to the 1990s. The market stands are open for about a month and you can find them all over the city.

A varied offer of Christmas specialties of Slovak and international cuisine, a large selection of Christmas gifts, and stands of non-profit organizations await you on the Main Square. Those longing culture can look forward to a rich cultural program from Thursday to Sunday at Franciscan Square.

The assortment of Christmas specialities is really rich, grab some Roma-style roasted pork, roasted sausages, bread with pork grease and onions, pies, goose and cabbage potato pancakes, cabbage soup, mulled wine, punch, grog. Those with a sweet tooth can look forward to small pastries, wafers, gingerbread, honey or Christmas mead. Decorative and everyday goods made of wood, glass, leather, wicker, husks and beeswax will also make their comeback.

A novelty of this year’s Christmas markets organized by the Bratislava municipality are items from the Bratislava Icons collection, like sweatshirts with a special design of the Bratislava pavement inspired by the work of three Slovak artists – Miroslav Cipár, Ľudovít Fulla and Milan Dobeš. In addition, you can choose from a trio of glasses with the design of the iconic Michael’s Tower, the Salvator pharmacy or Maria Theresa.

Let yourself be swayed by the unique Advent atmosphere under the tallest Christmas tree in the city at the Hviezdoslav Square. At the local Christmas markets, you will find dozens of stalls with a varied offer of Christmas specialties, traditional Slovak and international cuisine, a large selection of Christmas gifts, but also themed entertainment. Make sure to try goose, potato pancakes, strudel, mulled wine, mead or punch.

From December 1 to 19, the popular event Christmas Days in Incheba will bring the magical atmosphere of Christmas, varied offer of original gifts, beautiful handmade products, specialties for the holiday table and traditional crafts and the wooden puppet theatre once again. Do you want to do your Christmas shopping in a relaxed atmosphere? Make sure to pop in.

The offer at Incheba, Petržalka, is truly varied. Classic and practical gifts such as clothes, shoes, home decor, cosmetics, books, accessories for pets, as well as luxurious leather products, furs or jewelery along with handicraft products await all Christmas shoppers. Marvel at lace, felt, wire, straw, wood products, beeswax candles and beautiful natural Christmas decorations that are brought to you by the Association of Historic Crafts Guilds, which will also showcase the skills and wit of master craftsmen. Feeling hungry after all the shopping? Try some of the tempting specialties and buy some for the Christmas and pre-Christmas table. Every Saturday at three in the afternoon the stage welcomes the fabulous wooden puppet theatre with a story about the Devil and Kate – a great entertainment for children and grownups alike.

Looking for Christmas gifts for the whole family? The Eurovea complex is the right place to go. At M. R. Štefánik Square near the Danube embankment, you can find homemade sausages, skewers, grilled cheeses, potato pancakes, langos (deep fried flatbread) and homemade potato pancakes. There will be mulled wine, mead and many other drinks that will definitely warm you up.

There is yet another Christmas market by the Danube. The winter edition of the popular Tyršák is filled with not only good food and aperitifs, but also local crafts and design, and sustainable shopping options. You can look forward not only to excellent food and drink, but also to an exhibition of Velvet Revolution photographs, producers of folk art products from various corners of Slovakia, and a thrift shop-like bazaar with clothes promoting sustainable shopping. Enjoy Christmas atmosphere on one of covered and heated terraces.

Heading from Tyrš embarkment, make sure to pop in Petržalka’s Republic Square to enjoy a true Christmas atmosphere. Even though Christmas markets here are much more intimate, they do not lack in a friendly atmosphere, beautiful light decorations and attractions, such as a Christmas photo wall. A diverse cultural and charitable program is just a cherry on the top.

After three years, the Christmas market returns to Dula Square in Ružinov once again, offering a cozy atmosphere. The local market with a unique Christmas atmosphere complements the offer of city-wide Christmas markets in the Old Town. Unobtrusive and especially varied music interlaced with traditional Christmas carols add a unique feel to the varied and high-quality gastronomy in the many stalls here.

Enjoying Advent and the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets is a favorite activity of the residents and visitors of today’s Bratislava. Good punch, mulled wine, beautiful art, carols, drama art and dance on stages will get you into the Christmas mood in no time.