Bratislava Christmas (source: BKIS Lucia Benedigová)
TRAVEL
More Christmas markets open
Last weekend saw the opening of several Christmas markets in towns throughout Slovakia, including Bratislava, Trnava, Žilina, Prešov. Now, at the beginning of December, more will join in on the festive fun. In addition to traditional specialities, the markets in Nitra, Trenčín, Košice, Dunajská Streda, and Bytča will offer a cultural programme, gifts and more. Click on individual towns for more information.
Moreover, there will be one-off Christmas markets and events in Humenné, Revúca, Modra, Vranov nad Topľou, Bratislava's Lamač borough. Throughout the month, the towns of Zvolen, Topoľčany, and Poprad will hold concerts, performances, and programmes for children, with Christmas markets next weekend.
Christmas market in Prešov. (source: TASR)
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Saint Nicholas festivities
Ahead of the traditional December 6 celebrations, several towns throughout Slovakia have prepared unique ways to celebrate Saint Nicholas Day.
On Saturday in Poprad, Saint Nicholas will wander around towns accompanied by a devil and an angel, giving small presents to children. Historical trains will operate several special routes, one between Prievidza and Horná Štubňa (registration necessary), another one between Trenčianska Teplá and Trenčianske Teplice, and the popular forest railway in Čierny Balog, with one route to Vydrovo and the other to Dobroč (reservation in advance recommended, more information in the link above). On Sunday, you can help with dog walking in a shelter in Zvolen, spend an afternoon with Saint Nicholas in Stará Ľubovňa or in the picturesque Orava Castle.
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ART
Meet legendary Perinbaba
Perinbaba (The Feather Fairy) is a traditional Slovak fairy tale that airs on Christmas Eve every year. But how about instead of watching it on TV, you can see it as a musical? The story is about a boy saved by Perinbaba from being taken by Death. For love, he later decides to return to the world of mortals where he faces Death's intrigues again. The theatrical performance will be held on Friday in the town of Sereď, on Saturday in Žilina, and on Sunday in Brezno. For more information and tickets, click here, here and here.
Perinbaba by Juraj Jakubisko (source: Courtesy of Slovak Film Institute)
SPORT
Charity run
Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated with other people in mind. That is why the city of Košice will host a charity run on Sunday. The proceeds will be donated to NGO Svetielko Pomoci (Light of Help) to help children with cancer. Although the registration for the run has been closed, you can visit the city centre and cheer for the runners. For more information, click here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Get yourself a new model kit
On Saturday, the Ružinov Culture House will hold an event dedicated to all plastic model afficionados. Whether you collect plastic aircraft models, model cars, railway models, paper crafts, Lego sets, or miniatures, this event is for you. The event called Hobby Bratislava will take place between 8:00 to 12:00, admission is €1.
Renaissance fair in Bratislava
Throughout December, Bratislava Castle will host a special event that will show you how people in the Middle Ages lived, worked and what they ate. Food and drinks will be prepared according to historical recipes, and the work of writers, falconers and minters showcased. In addition, you will be able to try a mediaeval carousel and buy products from craftsmen. More information can be found here.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
December 8-10 - Christmas markets open in Pezinok, Hriňová, Stará Turá, Leopoldov, Modra, Spišská Nová Ves, Levoča, Muráň
December 10, 14, 15, 16 - The Perinbaba musical will perform in Bojnice, Rimavská Sobota, Trebišov and Námestovo, respectively.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: A hike to Kamzík from Rača, public ice skating, and more in this week's edition of 3 things to do for free story.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: The LORDS OF THE SOUND orchestra will performs Hans Zimmer's iconic pieces, visit Design Week, and don't forget the Christmas Cverna Market offering the best products from its studios.
WHAT TO COOK: Oplátky are a favourite among Slovak Christmas foods, here's how to make them.
WHAT TO READ: Slovaks in the USA to Slovaks at home: Be more patient, optimistic and don't envy others.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
