Christmas markets 2024

Like in many other European capitals and cities, Bratislava also has its own beautiful Christmas markets. They are getting better and better with every year passing by, so if you are looking for a Christmas market not yet among the most famous but with a nice Christmas spirit and atmosphere, go to Bratislava.

Bratislava has two big Christmas markets in the heart of the city, only a few hundred meters away from one another. As a result, you can easily walk from one to the other and then back to the first one again easily. Along the way, you will see some cool statues in the city center of Bratislava, making it a delightful walk.

There is also a Christmas market by Bratislava Castle, giving you the chance to enjoy a fantastic view combined with Christmas shopping and tasting the local cuisine.

The most important and famous Christmas markets in Bratislava.

Christmas market at the main square

There is a Christmas market at the main square in Bratislava. After all, it is the main square, so this is where things happen! At this square, you will be able to enjoy beautiful lights in the evenings and quite a lot of stands from where you can buy apples with sugar on the outside, chimney cakes, strudels, strawberries covered with chocolate, pancakes of many sorts, and of course some more serious meat, sausages and other main courses. In addition, you will find lots of handicrafts made in Slovakia on the stands, meaning that you can buy some souvenirs and Christmas gifts with you home from Bratislava as you visit the market.

At this market, you will also find a big stage at which cultural programs, concerts, and live music occur quite frequently.

Christmas market at Hviezdoslavovo námestie

This is just two blocks from the main square, one of the nicest and most famous squares in all of Slovakia. You can find the Slovak National Theatre, the lovely Radisson Blu Carlton hotel, the American Embassy, and some nice restaurants at this square. There is also a small playground and many benches where you can sit and relax. At this square, George Bush held a big speech back in 2005. The Christmas Market located at this square is also magnificent, and especially in the evening. Here you will find an ice skating rink, lots of stands from where you can buy something to eat and drink, and a few stands where you can buy handmade objects and souvenirs. But, this market is first of all about eating and drinking.

Christmas market by Bratislava Castle

There has been a Christmas market by the castle of Bratislava since 2016. It is very similar to the other Christmas markets, only that it has a fantastic view that you can combine with shopping, eating, and drinking. Since tourists always visit the castle anyway, this is a perfect way to combine sightseeing with traditional Christmas market shopping in Bratislava.

Christmas market dates in Bratislava 2024

The markets will open on November 21 in 2024 and last until December 23. It will then open after Christmas on January 27 and remain open until January 6 for those coming to Bratislava after Christmas.

• Dates in 2024: November 21, 2024 – January 6, 2025
• Dates in 2023: November 23th, 2024 – December 23rd, 2024

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The best hotels for guests coming to the Christmas markets in Bratislava.

Would you like to live very close to the Christmas markets in Bratislava? Are you dreaming of a central hotel where you can go shopping, eat in nice restaurants, and visit the Christmas markets without using public transportation or walking too much? Here are some awesome suggestions that will give you a good foundation for some great days in Bratislava.

• Radisson Blu Carlton – A fantastic hotel located in the center of Bratislava. It is normally cheaper than you would expect it to be.
• Skau Venturska – This is a good option if you’d rather live in an apartment in the middle of Bratislava.
• Skaritz Hotel – Cheaper than Radisson Blu, but still a very good hotel with a good location in the Old Town of Bratislava.

You can also find a large selection of Bratislava hotels by using the map below.

You can zoom in and out in the map above to search for accommodation in a larger or a smaller radius. It is easy to use public transportation to travel to the Christmas markets in Bratislava, so if you find cheap accommodation outside the city center, you might save a lot of money by traveling to the center using transportation.

More pictures from the Christmas markets in Bratislava

What makes the Christmas markets in Bratislava so special?

There are Christmas markets all across Europe and they are extremely popular. So, why should you come to Bratislava to see and experience the Christmas markets of the Slovakian capital, when you can visit the legendary Christmas markets in Vienna (less than one hour away), or the Christmas markets in Budapest (only two hours away) or the famous Christmas markets in Prague (which are 3 hours away)? Are there anything that makes the Christmas markets in Bratislava better or more special than the others?

There is something about the atmosphere of Bratislava that makes these Christmas markets very special. They are located in the Old Town of Bratislava which is a safe place to walk for the entire family, and you do not have to walk across big roads or anything to maneuver between the different Christmas markets. In a way, Bratislava is way more cozy and feels like a smaller challenge if you want to enjoy some hot wine and eat some tasty snacks before Christmas. Some might say that the Christmas markets in Bratislava require less time, and that might be true. As a result, many people travel to Bratislava and stay there for a couple of days, whereof they actually spend one traveling to Vienna to discover the Christmas markets there, or maybe to Prague or Budapest.

But, once you spend some time in Bratislava before Christmas, you are going to fall in love with the flavors of the Christmas markets, and of course, the beautiful illumination.

These are the things you should eat/taste as you come to the Christmas markets in Bratislava.

You will for sure find similar things at the Christmas markets in the neighboring countries (as the gastronomy has many similarities). But, it is also a fact that what is popular in Bratislava is caught up by people elsewhere, and thus they sell the popular products in Vienna, Prague, and Budapest as well. A great example of this is the Trdelnik, the chimney cake, which originally comes from present-day Romania, but which has spread all across Europe and is something you can now find on Christmas markets almost everywhere you go on the European continent.

Here you have some of the most famous and important products you should taste as you visit the Christmas markets in Bratislava.

1. Lokša – A potato pancake, either sweet or savory, filled with options like duck, poppy seeds, or jam. It’s a favorite winter treat.
2. Cigánska pečienka – A flavorful sandwich made with grilled pork or chicken, onions, mustard, and ketchup, typically served in a fresh bun.
3. Kapustnica – A hearty sauerkraut soup often made with smoked sausage, mushrooms, and sometimes dried plums for sweetness.
4. Bryndzové halušky – Small potato dumplings with creamy bryndza (sheep cheese) and topped with crispy bacon. It’s one of Slovakia’s national dishes.
5. Pečené gaštany – Roasted chestnuts, which are especially popular during the Christmas season and perfect for eating while strolling through the market. They smell incredibly good, and taste even better.
6. Zemiakové placky – Fried potato pancakes, often crispy and served with garlic or sour cream. Not the healthiest, but delicious!
7. Trdelník – This is the popular chimney cake (rolled dough grilled on a spit) and it is traditionally served dipped in cinnamon and sugar. But, it has developed, and can now be filled with Nutella, cream, and come with lots of other flavors.
8. Medovina – A warm honey wine (mead) that is a must-try drink, especially during the cold winter evenings.
9. Varené víno – Slovak-style mulled wine made with spices, citrus, and a touch of sweetness to warm you up.

Now that you have some ideas on what to eat, maybe you want to learn more about what you should buy at the Christmas markets in Bratislava?

What to buy at the Christmas markets in Bratislava?

Christmas markets are often know for selling junk that you don’t really need. That might be true, but it is important to remember that most products sold on Christmas markets are hand-made and products you cannot find elsewhere. As a result, this is a perfect chance to find original products that aren’t mass-produced!

1. Handmade Christmas ornaments – Beautifully crafted ornaments made from wood, glass, or fabric, perfect for decorating your Christmas tree.
2. Wooden toys – Traditional wooden toys like animals, cars, or puzzles, often hand-painted and great for children or collectors.
3. Pottery and ceramics – Unique mugs, bowls, and plates with traditional Slovak designs, often hand-painted.
4. Honey products – Jars of local honey, beeswax candles, and honey soaps make great natural gifts.
5. Slovak folk art – Embroidered tablecloths, scarves, and other textiles with traditional Slovak patterns and bright colors.
6. Leather goods – Handcrafted leather wallets, belts, and bags, often made by local artisans.
7. Wooden kitchen utensils – Beautiful wooden spoons, spatulas, and cutting boards, perfect for a practical yet special gift.
8. Glassware – Delicate hand-blown glass items, like vases and decorative pieces, often featuring Slovak motifs.
9. Gingerbread cookies – These beautifully decorated cookies (perníky) are not only delicious but also make cute gifts or decorations.
10. Local wines and spirits – Slovak wines or a bottle of traditional fruit brandy (Slivovica) are popular gifts for those who enjoy tasting local flavors.

Decide for yourself if it is worth spending money on such products or not, but if you want something special and unique to bring home, we believe the information above will give you useful pieces of advice in the process.

Is there anything else I should do in Bratislava in December?

We have already mentioned how you can travel to Christmas markets in neighboring cities which is a fantastic activity for a day or two. But, there are also fantastic attractions in Bratislava, and cool activities waiting for you. There are also other concerts, events, exhibitions, and festivals taking place in the city regularly, so you can read more about what is going on in Bratislava by clicking the link.

Would you like to see and experience some snow and maybe go skiing? Then you can travel to Pezinská Baba, which is about 40km from Bratislava. This is a small ski resort in the Little Carpathians (Malé Karpaty) and is perfect for a quick winter getaway. Here you will find ski slopes suitable for both beginners and those with some experience, and it is also possible to attend ski courses and rent skies if you do not have some.

If you want more serious skiing, you can either travel to the biggest and most popular area in Slovakia for skiing which is Jasna (this is far away from Bratislava though), or travel to Austria which has higher mountains much closer to Bratislava.

Would you rather enjoy a nice indoor program? Look for cooking classes, wine tasting programs, or maybe buy tickets for a performance in the National Theater in Bratislava. These are all nice indoor events that will feel good if you find it to be cold in Bratislava in December. And yes, as you prepare for your trip to Bratislava it is useful to know that the average temperature in Bratislava in December range between -1 and +4 Celsius (which is quite cold according to many).

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Do you feel inspired and full of ideas and creativity? We wish you a fantastic stay in Bratislava and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year at the same time!