The Christmas Markets in Bratislava, Slovakia

Christmas markets are traditional and very popular events in many cities across the globe. Many families and friends go out to see Christmas lights, taste hot wine, breathe the atmosphere or taste traditional food. And often the cuisine is what makes every market in every town special and unique – because the Christmas markets are never the same in any country or continent. They vary mostly according to the traditions and religion of the place, where they are. How does look Christmas markets in Bratislava, in Slovakia’s capital? Let’s have a look. 

people enjoying hot wine on the Main square under the Christmas tree

THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN SLOVAKIA

The history goes back to the 1993 when on the 1st January the federal state of Czechoslovakia split into the Slovakia and Czech Republic, so Slovakia is relatively new state and many people still think, that Czechoslovakia still exist. Historically the first Christmas market in the capital – Bratislava took place under the castle in the 1993 (1) where the Christmas markets were inspired by other markets in the Europe, like those in the Brussels or Stuttgart. Markets were supposed to be something like the invitation, mostly for the visitors to convince them to come and spend advent time in the historical heart of the town – and they did come. Bratislava became popular because of its Christmas markets mostly among  the visitors from Austria, because of the lower prices and its intimate atmosphere.

in stalls you can buy food, alcohol or hand made products 

CHRISTMAS MARKETS TODAY

During the past years, the Christmas markets turned out to be one of the most popular events in Bratislava, where people from the whole country come over every year to enjoy tasty (and unhealthy 😀 ) food with friends and family. Christmas markets always start by lightening up the 13 meters (42 foot) tall spruce tree on the Main square, usually around 21st of November (pretty early, isn’t it?) and end always on 23rd of December, the day before the Christmas. There are around 70 stalls with everything, you can imagine, starting from the food, alcohol, toys or sweets. Stalls are around the whole Old Town, but those most populars are on the Main square, from where you can walk to Frantiskanske square where are another stalls or towards to the Slovak National Theater, where the ice ring can be found under the another Christmas tree.

ice ring in front of the Slovak National Theater

selling handmade products became very popular 

EVENTS

To keep people smiling, there is always a big podium on the Main square where there are many show going on during the whole Christmas – usually traditional folk dancers from across the whole country come to present their skills and entertain people. These events are mostly in traditional character to keep „genius loci“ of this place and I think it is very important to maintain local culture, since year by year traditions not only of Slovakia are disappearing in the world of commerce and money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WX-GHVxIPQ

the birth of Jesus Christ performance for children in Old Town Hall courtyard

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK

Talking about food and drinks, there are many typical refreshments you can have, but I want to aware you if you are on diet, haha – these drinks are very caloric and food fat. But its Christmas 😛 If you are vegetarian, there are few stalls with veggie burgers – just look around. Here is the list of goodies you shouldn’t miss.

Gypsy roast and sausages are the most popular food of markets 

Alcoholic beverages

• Varene vino (hot wine) is simply hot red or white wine, you can buy it in almost every stall. Just don’t drink of it too much, they usually put a lot of sugar into it to make it sweet. Once I got drunk from it and had head ache for next two days. Never more! Two deciliter cost around 1,50 EUR (stalls have different prices).
• Medovina (mead) is another very sweet alcohol made from honey. I prefer it more than hot wine (it doesn’t color your teeth and tongue). Two deciliter cost around  2 EUR
• Vianocny punc (Christmas punch) the mix of rum, white wine orange or lemon, two deciliter cost around 1, 50 EUR

Food

• Ciganska pecienka (Gypsy roast) is the most popular among visitors, you can have it with chicken or pork (I prefer chicken) in the big bun. It is served with mustard and onion and if you want chili or preserving cucumber, just ask for it. The price goes around 3 EUR.
• Klobasa (pork sausage) with bread and mustard, these sausages are really tasty – you can have spicy or sweet for 3 EUR.
• Loksa (pancake, but not sure if the translation is right) this pancake is not sweet and it is usually filled with poppy or with duck liver (yum!) and cost around 1, 50 EUR.
• Zincica (doesn’t have translation) is traditional Slovak sheep cheese that smells like sheep 😀 but people say it is healthy as hell. One liter costs around 2 EUR.

typical spicy sausages 

There are many sweets you can choose from but I suggest you not to try the apple in caramel, once you bite into the this apple, you will never get rid of the caramel from your teeth. Christmas time is the time of being together and enjoying time with those we love. It is also the time of giving presents and have you ever thought of giving a present to complete stranger? There is a book shelve on the Main Square, where you can bring books you do not want anymore and take any you like for free. Although, there is a box for voluntary financial contribution, so you can support this project of saving old books.

free books on the Main square

Christmas time is my favorite part of the year and I love the atmosphere in this town. Yearly, there are more and more people who come to visit Bratislava because of its Christmas markets and they always leave satisfied and full of great food.

take a free ride on Christmas tram in Bratislava

You do not have to by lucky to spot famous Christmas tram in Bratislava, just walk around old town and you will definitely spot it. The fare is free, but you may be little bit squeezed with others inside 😉 Do you want to know more about Bratislava? Then check out my post One Day In Bratislava (tips by local)

Milan Bardun – because it is better to travel, than to arrive

RESOURCES:

1. – vianocnetrhy.sk