The Christmas tram in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
TRAVEL
Bethlehem light is back in Slovakia
A symbol of unity, hope and love, the Peace Light of Bethlehem is back in Slovakia for the 34th time. While it was already given to President Zuzana Čaputová by Scouts, this Saturday will see them delivering to towns throughout the country by train. If you wan, click here to find a map with arrival times in your place of residence and light a candle for yourself.
Where to find new Christmas markets
This weekend Christmas markets will open in following places: Turzovka, Malacky, Klenovec, Bardejov, Senec, Dolný Kubín, Lučenec, Námestovo, Považská Bystrica. Click on individual towns to find out more about the events.
Christmas themed public transport
The coming holidays can be so hectic that some do not even get to enjoy the atmosphere. That is why several public transport companies in towns across Slovakia have decided to set out a special service. While Bratislava has a Christmas tram operating a route around the city centre, towns of Martin, Trenčín and Nitra have a Christmas bus line for the holidays, with Žilina having a Christmas trolleybus. Enjoy your ride!
The Christmas tram in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
TIP: The 10 largest ski resorts in Slovakia and prices. The biggest ski resort isn't in the popular High Tatras.
Haven for bikers
Rajec, a charming hilly region in the north of central Slovakia primarily visited by tourists for a pampering spa experience in the antique-style Aphrodite House in Rajecké Teplice. It has invested resources to build its name not only as a spa town but also as a haven for all bikers that can be enjoyed even in winter. Find out more here.
TIP: New rules in High Tatras ahead of new ski mountaineering season.
ART
Christmas concerts of the first Slovak Pop Idol
Singer and the first Slovak Pop Idol Katarína Koščová celebrates the closing weeks of a year by touring Slovak towns with a pure Christmas songlist, including traditional Slovak carols as well as several hit songs known around the world. If you happen to be in Poprad, eastern Slovakia on Friday, and in Partizánska Ľupča, Liptov region, on Sunday, you can attend her concert. Find out more here.
Katarína Koščová is a Slovak singer from Prešov. She is the first winner of the Slovak version of Pop Idol. (source: Vlastimil Slávik)
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
Learn to ice skate
This Saturday between 14:45 and 15:45 at the local ice stadium, the town of Spišská Nová Ves, eastern Slovakia, is holding an event called Hokejka a puk (Hockey stick and puck) for kids under 12 who want to learn to ice skate and get acquainted with the ice and ice hockey. Helmet is mandatory, but can be rented. Admission is €3 for person.
Celebrate solstice
Before Christmas came about, there were winter solstice celebrations. On this occasion, the towns of Hlohovec and Bojnice are hosting special events. In the former, the M. R. Štefánik Planetarium together with the Hlohovec Manor, where the event will take place on Saturday, have prepared workshops, lectures, inflatable models of celestial bodies, telescopes and more.
In the case of the latter, Bojnice will offer a two-day event with a rich cultural programme full of concerts, Christmas tree decorating, market, falconry exhibition and special fire.
Toy swap
If you happen to have unused toys lying around in your home, why not bring them to a toy swap taking place this Saturday at the Klarisky Church in the Bratislava centre and trade them for some new-to-you ones? The idea is to bring clean, functional and undamaged toys, books and board games for children aged 6-14, but with one exception - due to hygienic reasons, plush toys will not be accepted. In addition to the toy swap, children will be able to make their own decorations. Admission is free, the event starts at 09:00.
Watch the night sky
On Friday, Trebišov Museum in eastern Slovakia is holding a stargazing event. While at first autumn constellations will be visible, as the night proceeds, winter constellations will appear as well, including the planets Jupiter and Saturn. As the Moon will not interfere, the conditions are great. Admission is free.
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: You don't want to miss the Korben Dallas concert and these two other tips for activities.
WHAT TO EXPLORE IN BRATISLAVA: One last chance to experience mediaeval markets in Bratislava Castle and be sure to visit Christmas SAShE market for plentiful ideas for gifts.
WHAT TO LEARN ABOUT SLOVAK: If this is your first Slovak Christmas, you might want to learn a little of the holiday lingo.
WHAT TO READ: He hated studying, but a film made him an astrophysicist. Starmus festival founder wants to inspire others.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
