Christmas markets on the Main Square in Bratislava. (source: SME)
CHRISTMAS
More Christmas markets open
Last weekend saw the opening of the Christmas markets in Bratislava. Now, more are about to join in on the festive fun. In addition to traditional delicacies, the markets in Nitra, Trnava, Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Košice, Prešov, Martin offer a cultural programme, handcrafted gifts and more. Click on individual towns for more information.
Also, more towns will hold Christmas and Advent oriented events every weekend, including Dunajská Streda, Piešťany, Trenčianske Teplice.
Towns Prievidza, Poprad and Zvolen will hold various cultural events, including concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings throughout December. They will also hold Christmas markets for several days later in the month.
TIP: Prices of Christmas market delicacies up compared to last year. Here's what to expect.
Christmas market in Prešov last year. (source: TASR)
Festive Bratislava from above
Being under a big Christmas tree, enjoying the festive time at a Christmas market can be magical. But how about experiencing it from a bird's-eye view? The Bratislava City Museum has decided to once again extend opening hours of the Old Town Hall Tower until the end of December and have a look at the market below, as well as have a panoramic view of the entire city. In addition the opening hours of the St. Michael's Tower will also be extended. This is the first time this has been done. Find out more here.
The Bratislava Christmas Market in the Hlavné Námestie square from the Old Town Hall Tower. (source: SME - Marko Erd)
SPORT
Night and charity runs
The fact that temperatures hover just a few degrees above zero does not mean you should drop running. On Saturday, the town of Humenné, eastern Slovakia, will hold a special night run with several courses for various age groups. Click here for more details.
Also, on Sunday, the city of Košice will hold the 11th edition of the St. Nicholas Charity Run. About 1,200 people dressed as St. Nicholas are expected to descend on the city centre to help those in need. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the non-profit organization Svetielko Pomoci that help children with cancer. More details here.
Participants of a previous edition of the St. Nicholas charity run. (source: TASR)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
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. Admission s free, more information can be found here.
Night wanderings
Every weekend between November and March, the Victoria's Gardens in Stará Ľubovňa, northeastern Slovakia, are open to everyone seeking romantic wanderings after sunset. The views are especially splendid when the night sky is clear. If you are a more adventurous type, you can also try your luck in a dark labyrinth. Admission to the Victoria's Gardens is free, there is a fee for entering the labyrinth. Find out more here.
The labyrinth in the premises of the Victoria's Gardens in Stará Ľubovňa. (source: TASR)
Christmas night light
Have you ever seen a 7-metre tall Christmas tree made from gingerbread? Or walked through an 18-metre long tunnel of light? All of this and more can be experienced below the picturesque Smolenice Castle in the premises of the Nektaria honeymaker. There lies Včelárska Záhrada (Apicultural Garden), which has been lit with thousands of lights. The garden is open every weekend until the end of December. The tickets can only be bought online here.
Where to go ice-skating
Public ice-skating is in full swing once again, with more and more towns opening rinks for everyone to enjoy this activity, usually on the weekends. Here is a where you go ice-skating: Bánovce nad Bebravou, Bratislava (here, here, here and here) Košice (here and here), Poprad, Trenčín, Levoča, Nitra, Banská Bystrica, Prešov, Kežmarok, Humenné, Liptovský Mikuláš, Pezinok, Dunajská Streda.
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
December 5-7: St. Nicholas fair in Martin
December 5-7: St. Nicholas fair in Liptovský Mikuláš
December 5-22: Christmas Market in Ružomberok
December 5-23: Christmas Market in Trenčín
December 6: St. Nicholas procession in Pezinok
December 7: Cooking Christmas kapustnica competition in Ružomberok
December 13-14: Christmas Market in Rimavská Sobota
December 13-15: Christmas Market in Pezinok
December 13-23: Christmas Market in Prievidza
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Don't miss these concerts that take place this weekend.
WHAT TO READ: Have you ever dreamt of owning a palace? One in the heart of Bratislava could be yours—if you happen to have a spare million or two.
WHAT TO LEARN: The painter who captured parts of Bratislava no longer existing.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO: Pohoda comes out swinging after disastrous conclusion to 2024 edition. First performers announced for summer 2025 festivals.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
