Christmas in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
HOLIDAYS
Christmas markets are here
With November coming to an end, towns around Slovakia are about to open Christmas markets, with several in Bratislava actually this weekend, and more joining in the following weeks. Check the dates further down in the article.
In addition to holding a market in the historic city centre, individual Bratislava boroughs will hold their own markets. So if you miss the lighting of the Christmas tree in Hlavné Námestie square on Friday evening, you can visit the market in Námestie Republiky square in Petržalka to the witness lighting of the tree there. Ružinov has already opened their market on the Dulovo Námestie square several days ago.
Christmas markets on the Main Square in Bratislava. (source: TASR)
ART
Movie soundtracks with candlelight
Imagine listening to music by legendary movie composers such as Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Ludovico Einaudi, Ennio Morricone and more, while looking at the light of hundreds of candles. This is what awaits you at the Dóm Umienia (House of Art) venue in Košice on Sunday evening. Iconic pieces of music will be interpreted by a cellist and pianist. Grab your tickets here.
MISCELLANEOUS FUN
A celebration of board games
Now that there is not to do outside due to low temperatures, how about hunker down inside and play board games? If you're the type, do not miss this two-day celebration of board games. Called HRAtislava, a clever pun using the Slovak word 'hra' meaning game and Bratislava, the event will allow you to try modern classics as well as many of the hottest games on the market. It's best experienced with like-minded friends. HRAtislava will take place over the weekend in the capital's Vivo! shopping centre, admission starts at €5.
Participants of the Hratislava board game event. (source: TASR)
Help those in need
Unfortunately, not every child will be able to get a toy as a Christmas present, especially those in socially disadvantaged families and in orphanages. That is why three civic associations are organising a charity collection of toys and books in the Centro shopping centre in Nitra. If you happen to have some toys and books in good condition, meaning in a condition you would be happy with if received as a present, you can donate them throughout Saturday in the shopping centre. More details available here.
A festival for the adventurous souls
The end of November once again sees the town of Nitra hosting the traditional Vysoké Hory Nitra festival dedicated to travelling and mountains. On Saturday, you can treat yourself with film screening, talks and discussions with film makers, climbers, travellers, and adventurers. Find out more here.
A Lego city
No matter the age, Lego is a toy for everyone. The Tihányi Manor House in Banská Bystrica is holding an exhibition of various objection built from the Lego bricks. In addition to a city filled with various moving models such as ferris wheel and train, you can look forward to models from movies and comics, miniatures from real buildings not only from Banská Bystrica but from other parts of Slovakia as well. Find out more here.
A Harry Potter Lego set. (source: TASR)
A wine festival
Wine lovers, rejoice. This Saturday, 32 wineries scattered across towns in Bratislava Region, including Svätý Jur, Pezinok, Šenkvice and more, will take part in the Chute Malých Karpát (The Tastes of the Little Carpathians) festival. If you're looking for a slow day with friends, this is a good option. Admission is €35, shuttle service will be available. Find out more 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.
Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
MORE AND UPCOMING EVENTS
November 22-24: The Svetlo Noci Vianočnej (The Christmas Night Light) event in Smolenice.
November 24: Plastic model exhibition and bazaar in Poprad.
November 29-December 22: The Advent market in Trnava
November 29-December 31: The Christmas market in Žilina
November 29-December 31: The Christmas market in Nitra
November 29-January 1: The Christmas market in Banská Bystrica
November 30-December 22: The Christmas market in Piešťany (only during weekends)
December 1-31: The Christmas market in Košice
BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT TO DO FOR FREE: Tune into the festive atmosphere with two Christmas carol concerts.
WHAT TO READ: Hoping for a world that wouldn’t need to be reminded of the importance of science.
WHAT TO LEARN: A language guide to independence. Although written over 20 years ago, this article is surprisingly relevant to politics still today.
WHAT TO BE HAPPY ABOUT: A young Slovak dancer makes it to top 8 in a major global dance competition.
That's it for this week. Take care, and have a nice weekend!
